Business Daily Cashing in on cassava
Jun 29, 2025
Latif Sani, project manager of the Building Sustainable Cassava Systems in Africa funded by the Gates Foundation, discusses the significance of cassava in Nigeria, the world's largest producer of this versatile crop. He addresses the challenges local farmers face due to increasing starch imports that dampen their economic prospects. The conversation highlights the diverse products made from cassava, its essential role in food security, and the need for modern agricultural practices and community engagement to empower farmers and unlock the crop's potential.
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Cassava's Global Importance
- Cassava is a versatile root crop critical for food security for nearly half a billion people globally.
- Nigeria produces 53 to 60 million metric tons annually, making it the world's largest producer.
Mrs Kemi's Farming Challenge
- Mrs. Kemi manages a five-hectare cassava farm in southwestern Nigeria, relying on labor-intensive manual work.
- She notes machines could boost output vastly but are unaffordable due to high costs.
Improve Inputs and Mechanization
- Smallholder farmers need timely access to agro-inputs like fertilizers and quality seeds to improve yields.
- Transitioning from manual tools to mechanized tractors can increase productivity and efficiency significantly.