Cereal Utilization in Nigeria

The study examined the level at which cereals are utilized in Nigeria. Cereals are consumed in large quantities when compared to other food crops and it has important common features and this basis form the milling and processing operation. Cereals in Nigeria are locally produced. The major cereals in Nigeria consist of maize, sorghum, millet and rice. Maize is utilized in various ways such as tuwo, masa, pito, moi - moi, egbo, guruguru, agidi, ogi. Sorghum which is locally called guinea-corn is a very important part of diet which could be in form of boiled porridge. Sorghum is utilized in various ways such as kunun zaki, burukutu, pito. Millet is a cereal grain that Nigerians use in millions of tones in many homes, especially among the poor predominantly, in Northern Nigeria. Millet is utilized in various ways such as Kunun zaki, ogi, pito, masa. Rice which is everyday diet for many Nigerians, is utilized and processed to tuwo cinkafa, masa and prepared based on individual’s choice. Apart from utilizing the major cereal in various ways it has also contributed in increase in the Nigeria economy. Knowledge of cereal utilization in Nigeria will help to promote cereal usage among urban and rural dwellers.

Keywords: Cereal utilization, Nigeria, Burukutu, Pito, Kunun-zaki, ogi.