CASSAVA CROP IN WEST AFRICA
NIGERIA THE HIGHEST PRODUCER OF CASSAVA CROP IN THE WORLD
Nigeria is indeed the world's largest producer of cassava, also known as yuca. Cassava is a staple food in Nigeria, where it is commonly used to make dishes like fufu and garri. In some regions, cassava provides up to half of the calories consumed. It has become popular due to its resistance to drought and pests, its high caloric content, and its nutritional value, including being rich in vitamin C. Additionally, cassava can serve as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive starches like wheat or rice.
The cultivation of cassava has played a significant role in preventing famine in areas where it is grown. While Nigeria is experiencing a growing market for cassava in Europe, North America, and Asia, most of the cassava produced in Nigeria is consumed domestically, resulting in a missed opportunity for billions of dollars in global trade.
However, Nigeria faces challenges in its cassava supply chain from farm to factory. Cassava needs to be processed within 48 hours of harvest to prevent spoilage, but processing plants are often located far from the farms. As a result, Nigeria has incurred significant losses, amounting to $600 million worth of cassava lost to spoilage in 2015.
Entrepreneur Yemisi Iranloye has taken steps to address these challenges through her processing company, Psaltry International. By bringing processing closer to the farms and implementing efficient supply chain practices, she has successfully attracted customers like Nestle and Unilever. Her efforts have provided farmers with better value for their crops.
The history of cassava traces back to South America, where it is native. Indigenous people in the Amazon River basin discovered how to make cassava safe to eat by grating, straining, and cooking it over 4,000 years ago. Portuguese colonizers introduced cassava to Africa in the 16th century, and it gained popularity as a hardy crop that could help prevent famine. In Nigeria, cassava replaced native yams as the main food source over time.
Despite being the largest producer of cassava, Nigerian farmers face efficiency issues, resulting in low income. Many farmers cultivate cassava because it is suited to acidic and poor-quality soil, requires less fertilizer and water, and is cheaper to grow. However, the use of hand harvesting, inadequate seed varieties, and uneven soil leads to low yields. Large-scale farmers often prioritize more profitable crops like corn, rice, or wheat.
Yemisi Iranloye's efforts to improve cassava farming and processing have shown promise. By bringing farmers together and introducing better varieties and mechanization, she has increased yields and income for farmers. Her company, Psaltry International, has partnered with thousands of farmers and has become one of the largest processors in the country.
Transportation is another challenge for cassava processing. Cassava's perishable nature, with its highwater content, necessitates processing almost immediately after harvest. However, many factories are located in cities, and the poor condition of roads poses difficulties in transporting cassava roots.
Yemisi has successfully processed cassava into valuable products such as starch, sweetener (including sorbitol), and tapioca pearls. While she has been able to export some products, Nigeria's overall cassava export market is relatively small compared to its production capacity. Thailand, for example, earns billions of dollars from cassava exports despite producing less than Nigeria. Nigeria needs to invest more in boosting exports and creating awareness about the potential of cassava as an export crop.
The global demand for cassava is significant, with applications in various industries. The market for products like sorbitol is expected to grow, and Nigeria currently imports 95% of its starch due to high demand. Ethanol production from cassava has the potential to generate substantial revenue for the country.
To tap into the economic potential of cassava, Nigeria needs to address issues such as increasing efficiency in cultivation, improving infrastructure, investing in research for new cassava varieties, and promoting awareness of cassava's export value. Yemisi Iranloye's success with Psaltry International serves as a testament to the possibilities of cassava investments in Nigeria. With the right support, Nigeria can enhance its cassava supply chain, feed its population, and capitalize on the global export market.
Certainly! Here are some additional points regarding Nigeria's cassava production and its potential for growth:
Employment and Rural Development: Cassava cultivation and processing can provide significant employment opportunities, especially in rural areas where agriculture is a primary source of livelihood. By investing in cassava production and processing, Nigeria can stimulate rural development, reduce unemployment rates, and alleviate poverty.
• Value-Added Products: Apart from traditional uses, cassava can be processed into a wide range of value-added products. These include flour, starch, ethanol, sweeteners, animal feed, biofuels, and even industrial materials like biodegradable plastics. Diversifying cassava products can open up new markets and increase profitability for Nigerian farmers and processors.
• Export Potential: While Nigeria's current cassava export market is relatively small, there is a significant opportunity for growth. With the rising global demand for gluten-free and alternative starches, cassava-based products have a strong market potential. By improving infrastructure, streamlining supply chains, and promoting Nigerian cassava internationally, the country can expand its exports and increase its share in the global market.
• Research and Development: Investing in research and development is crucial for enhancing cassava production and processing. This includes developing improved varieties with higher yields, disease resistance, and enhanced processing qualities. Research institutions and agricultural extension services should collaborate with farmers and processors to provide them with the latest knowledge and technologies to optimize cassava production.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors can accelerate the growth of Nigeria's cassava industry. Government support, such as providing infrastructure, facilitating access to finance, and implementing favorable policies, combined with private sector expertise and investment, can create a conducive environment for cassava farmers and processors to thrive.
• Quality Control and Certification: Meeting international quality standards and certifications is crucial for accessing global markets. Nigeria should focus on ensuring consistent quality throughout the cassava value chain, implementing quality control measures, and establishing certification systems to enhance trust and competitiveness in the global market.
Sustainable Practices: Emphasizing sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in cassava production can enhance long-term viability. This includes promoting good agricultural practices, efficient use of water and fertilizer, soil conservation, and adopting climate-smart techniques to mitigate the impact of climate change on cassava farming.
By addressing these aspects and implementing comprehensive strategies, Nigeria can further develop its cassava industry, increase its share in the global market, improve the income of farmers and processors, and contribute to the country's economic growth and food security.
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