Nigeria: Why Nigeria is not yet sufficient in cassava production

Cassava is a key staple food crop in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, with production reaching over 278 million tonnes worldwide and 170 million tonnes in Africa in 2018, primarily in Nigeria which accounts for 21% of global production. Despite challenges such as soil depletion and erosion, cassava cultivation is expanding due to its suitability for marginal lands and its increasing demand in the industrial sector. However, Nigeria's cassava production is inefficient and could be improved to meet demand and support economic growth. The article emphasizes the need for increased private sector investment, supportive policies, and targeted infrastructure to transform the cassava value chain, including mechanization, quality control, and financial support for smallholder farmers. It also highlights the potential for cassava to replace imported commodities like wheat, starch, and ethanol, and the benefits for food security, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. The article calls for collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, donors, processors, and farmers, to address capacity development needs and promote the industrialization of cassava.