The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has emphasized that Nigeria needs to give greater attention to value addition if it wants to further increase cassava production and gain more economic benefits from the crop.
According to IITA Director General Dr. Peter Hartmann, improving cassava processing could do more than increase farmers’ incomes. It could also help address unemployment by creating additional economic activities and income opportunities in cassava-growing communities.
Hartmann made the remarks at a stakeholders’ forum in Ibadan, Oyo State, marking the conclusion of the CFC-funded Cassava Value Chain Project in Nigeria. The project was implemented by IITA together with its national partners.
Cassava Production in Nigeria Needs More Value Addition
Nigeria produces large quantities of cassava, but production alone does not guarantee that farmers and communities will receive the maximum economic benefit. According to IITA, greater attention to processing and value addition is needed to make better use of the crop.
Value addition means processing cassava into products that have greater economic value than the raw crop. In the project areas, cassava was processed into products such as garri, fufu, cassava flour, and starch.
This approach can create additional opportunities throughout the cassava value chain, from farming and processing to packaging and marketing.
Why Value Addition Is Important
- Higher farmer income: Processing can create additional value from harvested cassava.
- Employment opportunities: Processing centres require workers and supporting services.
- Market development: Processed cassava products can serve different market segments.
- Reduced seasonal losses: Processing can provide an alternative use when fresh cassava production is high.
- Local economic activity: Processing facilities can create new income streams for communities.
Cassava Processing Centres Create New Income Streams
The CFC-funded project established cassava processing centres in Masaka, Lafia, and Kuje. These centres were developed to produce several cassava-based products, including garri, fufu, cassava flour, and starch.
Hartmann, who was represented at the forum by IITA scientist Dr. Gbassey Tarawali, said the processing centres were already producing positive results. The facilities were providing new sources of income for communities benefiting from the project.
“The establishment of cassava processing centres in Masaka, Lafia, and Kuje for the production of garri, fufu, cassava flour and starch is producing constructive outcomes by providing new streams of incomes to the benefiting communities.”
The experience demonstrates how processing can become an important part of cassava production in Nigeria. Instead of relying only on the sale of raw cassava, communities can participate in activities that increase the value of the crop.
Nigeria’s Large Cassava Production Potential
Hartmann said Nigeria produced approximately 44 million tonnes of cassava annually, making the country the world’s leading cassava producer according to the source.
However, he noted that Nigeria had not yet been able to obtain the maximum possible benefit from this production. One of the main challenges identified was the shortage of adequate cassava processing facilities.
| Cassava Industry Indicator | Figure or Information |
|---|---|
| Annual cassava production in Nigeria | Approximately 44 million tonnes |
| Position described in the source | World’s leading cassava producer |
| Products made at project processing centres | Garri, fufu, cassava flour, and starch |
| Project processing locations | Masaka, Lafia, and Kuje |
| Project implementation | IITA and national partners |
The large production volume shows the scale of Nigeria’s cassava sector. At the same time, the reported shortage of processing facilities means that a significant opportunity remains to develop more value-added cassava products.
The Problem of Seasonal Cassava Gluts
Limited processing capacity can also contribute to seasonal gluts. When large quantities of cassava reach the market at the same time, farmers may face difficulties finding sufficient buyers and suitable outlets for their harvest.
More processing facilities could provide additional channels for using cassava. Instead of depending exclusively on fresh-cassava markets, farmers could potentially supply processors producing flour, starch, garri, and other products.
Value Addition Could Improve Farmers’ Incomes
Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Investment, also emphasized the importance of adding value to cassava. He said value addition could help improve the economic position of farmers.
He described cassava as a crop with significant opportunities to strengthen Nigeria’s economic viability and competitiveness, particularly outside the oil sector.
“Nigeria as the largest world producer of cassava can profit immensely from this great crop if concerted efforts were made at harnessing its numerous potentials.”
The statement reflects the broader economic importance of developing cassava beyond primary agricultural production. Processing can connect farmers with manufacturing, food production, packaging, and other activities within the agricultural value chain.
Processing Can Expand Nigeria’s Non-Oil Economy
Nigeria’s cassava sector also has potential to contribute to the country’s non-oil economy. According to Abdullahi, cassava provides opportunities that could broaden economic activity and improve competitiveness.
Greater investment in processing could help transform cassava from a predominantly agricultural commodity into a wider industrial resource.
The main opportunities highlighted by the stakeholders include:
- Development of cassava processing facilities.
- Production of higher-value cassava products.
- Creation of employment opportunities.
- Expansion of farmer income sources.
- Development of local processing businesses.
- Greater use of Nigeria’s large cassava supply.
Technology Transfer Supports the Cassava Value Chain
The project focused not only on infrastructure but also on strengthening the capabilities of farmers, processors, and entrepreneurs.
Nigeria’s project coordinator, Mrs. Omololu Ope-ewe, said the approach involved introducing appropriate technologies to participants in the cassava value chain.
“The approach used in the project was to strengthen farmers, processors and entrepreneurs by means of the introduction of appropriate technologies.”
This approach is important because processing facilities require more than physical equipment. Farmers and processors also need the appropriate knowledge and technologies to operate those facilities and produce marketable products.
Project Intervention Areas
- Infrastructure development – structures were provided at the project sites.
- Processing equipment – participating communities received cassava processing tools.
- Packaging materials – packaging support was included among the interventions.
- Technology introduction – appropriate technologies were introduced to farmers, processors, and entrepreneurs.
- Market acceptance – products produced at the project sites were accepted by NAFDAC, according to the project coordinator.
Project Sites Show the Potential of Cassava Processing
Mrs. Omololu Ope-ewe reported that the cassava project produced positive results at its various intervention sites, including Kuje, Mararaba, and Angwa village in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The sites included Shabach Food in Kuje and Joe Beg Farms in Mararaba. Different forms of support were provided depending on the needs of the participating sites.
| Project Area | Reported Participant or Facility |
|---|---|
| Kuje | Shabach Food |
| Mararaba | Joe Beg Farms |
| Angwa village, Lafia | Project intervention site |
According to the project coordinator, interventions included structures, cassava processing equipment, and packaging materials. Products from the project sites were also reported to have received acceptance from NAFDAC.
Stakeholders Encouraged to Invest in Cassava Processing
The IITA-CFC Regional Coordinator, Prof. Lateef Sanni, encouraged project beneficiaries to make full use of the processing centres. He also called on policymakers and the private sector to explore the opportunities that remain untapped in Nigeria’s cassava sector.
Processing was highlighted as one of the areas with significant potential. More investment in this part of the value chain could help Nigeria make better use of the cassava it already produces.
For farmers and entrepreneurs, the development of processing facilities could also provide more ways to participate in the cassava economy.
Key Priorities for Developing Nigeria’s Cassava Industry
The discussion at the stakeholders’ forum points to several priorities for strengthening cassava production in Nigeria and maximizing the value of the crop:
- Expand processing capacity to handle more cassava production.
- Promote value-added products such as garri, fufu, cassava flour, and starch.
- Support farmers and processors with appropriate technologies.
- Encourage private-sector investment in cassava processing.
- Strengthen local income opportunities through community-based processing.
- Improve the use of existing cassava supplies to reduce the effects of seasonal gluts.
These priorities are closely connected. Higher cassava production creates greater supplies, while stronger processing capacity provides additional ways to use and market those supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cassava Production in Nigeria
Why is value addition important for cassava production in Nigeria?
Value addition can increase the economic value of cassava while creating additional opportunities for farmers, processors, entrepreneurs, and local communities.
How much cassava does Nigeria produce annually?
The source states that Nigeria produces approximately 44 million tonnes of cassava annually.
What cassava products were produced by the project?
The processing centres established through the project were used to produce garri, fufu, cassava flour, and starch.
Where were the cassava processing centres established?
The source identifies Masaka, Lafia, and Kuje as locations for cassava processing centres established through the project.
How can cassava processing help farmers?
Processing can create additional income opportunities by providing markets for cassava and allowing the crop to be transformed into higher-value products.
What was the role of the IITA-CFC project?
The project focused on strengthening farmers, processors, and entrepreneurs through appropriate technologies, infrastructure, processing equipment, and packaging support at participating sites.
Conclusion
Nigeria has a substantial cassava production base, with the source reporting approximately 44 million tonnes of cassava annually. However, the country still faces challenges in capturing the full economic value of this production.
According to IITA and other stakeholders, value addition and improved processing capacity are important ways to address this challenge. Processing cassava into garri, fufu, cassava flour, and starch can create additional income streams while opening opportunities for processors and entrepreneurs.
The CFC-funded Cassava Value Chain Project demonstrated how processing centres, appropriate technologies, equipment, and packaging support can benefit participating communities. The reported acceptance of products from the project sites by NAFDAC also highlights the importance of developing cassava products that can enter formal markets.
Ultimately, the future growth of cassava production in Nigeria will depend not only on producing more cassava, but also on making better use of what is already produced. Stronger processing infrastructure and greater investment in value addition could help farmers and businesses capture more of the crop’s economic potential.