Nigeria, the top global cassava producer, lags in capitalizing on the vast international market

Nigeria, the world's largest producer of cassava, has long relied on this versatile root as a staple food, consumed in various forms like Fufu and gari. Its popularity stems from its ability to resist drought and pests, its rich calorie content, high vitamin C levels, and cost-effectiveness compared to other starches like wheat and rice. Furthermore, cassava's resilience to adverse conditions makes areas where it is cultivated less susceptible to famine. Recently, cassava has gained traction in global markets, particularly in Europe, North America, and Asia, thanks to its gluten-free, "Superfood" status. However, despite its immense potential for global trade, challenges persist in Nigeria's cassava supply chain, hindering its growth and export opportunities.

Challenges in Cassava Farming

While Nigeria produces over 60 million tons of cassava annually, farmers often struggle to grow it efficiently, leading to meager earnings of just one dollar a day. Small plot sizes and poor soil conditions contribute to low yields, discouraging large-scale farmers who opt for more profitable crops like corn, rice, or wheat. Although cassava requires less fertilizer and water, inadequate machinery and difficult-to-reach fields hinder its cultivation. As a result, the country faces reduced harvests per acre, limiting the economic benefits for farmers.

Innovative Solutions

Entrepreneur Yemisi Iranloye, the founder of Psaltry International, has made significant strides in addressing these challenges. Collaborating with farmers, her company introduced improved cassava varieties and employed tractors to increase productivity. By cutting out middlemen, Psaltry International pays farmers four times more than the open market, leading to a substantial improvement in their livelihoods. As a result of these efforts, cassava cultivation has become more lucrative, transforming farmers' daily earnings from less than one dollar to around ten dollars.

Enhancing Processing Efficiency

Processing cassava within 48 hours of harvesting is crucial to prevent spoilage, which has historically been a significant issue. Traditional processing plants, located far from farms, contributed to the loss of 40% of cassava crops due to spoilage. However, Psaltry International tackled this challenge by establishing modern processing facilities that handle a massive volume of cassava, reducing spoilage rates. By transforming cassava into various products, including starch, sweeteners like sorbitol, and tapioca pearls, the company has attracted customers such as Nestle and Unilever.

Export Potential and Government Support

Despite Nigeria's status as the world's top cassava producer, it lags significantly behind in cassava exports. Thailand, for instance, earns billions from exporting cassava despite producing less than Nigeria. Experts emphasize the need for government support, including better infrastructure, improved road networks near farms, and investment in new cassava varieties to enhance production and meet global demand. Additionally, raising awareness among Nigerians about the potential value of processed cassava as lucrative export products is essential to unlock its economic potential fully.

The Social and Environmental Impact

Beyond economic benefits, bolstering Nigeria's cassava sector can have significant social and environmental impact. By empowering farmers and enhancing their income, the country can alleviate poverty and promote rural development. Moreover, cassava's ability to thrive in diverse ecological conditions makes it an ideal crop for sustainable agriculture. Its resilience can contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting food security.

Partnerships and Global Presence

To expand cassava's presence in the international market, Nigerian authorities must foster partnerships with global players. Collaborating with international companies and investing in research and development will enable Nigeria to meet quality standards and tailor products to meet diverse consumer demands. Establishing a strong global presence will not only generate export revenue but also enhance Nigeria's reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality cassava products.

Conclusion

Nigeria's cassava industry has immense untapped potential, from serving as a vital food staple to becoming a significant player in the global export market. The efforts of entrepreneurs like Yemisi Iranloye and her company Psaltry International have shown that targeted solutions can significantly improve cassava farming and processing efficiency. However, to fully harness cassava's economic benefits, further investments, infrastructure development, and increased awareness are necessary. With the right support and strategies, Nigeria can solidify its position as a key player in the global cassava trade, contributing to both economic growth and food security. Embracing cassava's potential beyond its borders can unlock a brighter future for the nation's agricultural economy and elevate Nigeria's status on the global stage.