impoverished communities (Tindall and Oduro, 2017). Tiger nuts can
thrive in less fertile land that may not be suitable for other crops and
require minimal irrigation. Moreover, they have a long shelf life and can
be stored for several months, making them an excellent choice during
food shortages (Akhtar et al., 2018).
Tiger nuts have diverse applications in food production. They can be
processed into products like tiger nut flour, milk, and oil, which can be
used as ingredients in various food items such as cereals, baked goods,
and snacks (Nwachukwu et al., 2018). Tiger nut milk, in particular, has
gained popularity as a dairy-free alternative to cow's milk and is now
available in many supermarkets and health food stores (Donkor et al.,
2021).
Additionally, tiger nuts can yield valuable by-products like tiger nut flour
and oil that find applications in various industries, including food and
pharmaceuticals (Martín-Cabrejas et al., 2013). Furthermore, tiger nuts
can serve as a renewable feedstock for the production of biofuels,
reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable
development (Adeyemi et al., 2023).
Economic Potentials of Tiger Nuts
The tiger nut trade presents a viable economic opportunity for countries
like Ghana, which has successfully exported 63,462 tons of tiger nuts,
worth US$25,130.82, primarily to England, Japan, and America in 2020
(Donkor et al., 2019). This export activity taps into the global appetite
for nutritious foods and has substantial implications for local economies.
In Ghana, the tiger nut industry provides employment opportunities,
especially for the youth and women, who make up over 85% of the