Introduction
Cassava is more than just a root crop in Nigeria. It’s a staple food that nourishes hundreds of millions worldwide. Often overlooked in discussions about export crops or high-tech farming, cassava quietly plays a pivotal role in food security, local economies, and global trade.
In 2025, understanding cassava’s significance is key for agropreneurs looking to tap into profitable, high-demand markets while supporting food security in Nigeria and beyond.
Table of Contents
- Cassava in Nigeria: A Staple Crop
- Cassava’s Global Reach
- Economic Opportunities: Local & Export
- Cassava Value Addition
- Final Thought & Call to Action
1. Cassava in Nigeria: A Staple Crop
Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava globally, with millions of smallholder farmers relying on it for income. From fufu and garri to cassava flour, this crop feeds the nation daily.
Quick facts:
- Nigeria produces over 59 million tons of cassava annually.
- Cassava is drought-tolerant, making it a reliable food source even under climate stress.
- It is a cash crop for smallholder farmers in states like Ogun, Ondo, and Kogi.
2. Cassava’s Global Reach
Did you know that cassava feeds more than 500 million people worldwide? Its versatility makes it a key ingredient in food products and industrial uses globally.
Export demand has grown in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and the European Union for starch, flour, and bioethanol production. Nigerian agropreneurs who understand global markets can tap into this lucrative trade.
3. Economic Opportunities: Local & Export
Cassava is not just about feeding people, it’s a profit opportunity:
- Local processing: Garri, fufu, flour, chips.
- Industrial uses: Starch, animal feed, ethanol.
- Exports: High demand for cassava flour and starch in Europe and Asia.
Farmers who adopt market-driven approaches can increase profitability while contributing to food security.
4. Cassava Value Addition
The key to maximizing income from cassava is value addition:
- Drying cassava chips for export
- Producing gluten-free flour for bakery and food industries
- Developing packaged ready-to-cook products
By moving beyond raw roots, agropreneurs capture more value and reduce post-harvest losses.
5. Final Thought & Call to Action
Cassava is more than a humble root, it is a global powerhouse feeding millions and driving economic opportunities for farmers in Nigeria.
At AgropreneurNG, we help you understand these opportunities and connect with resources, markets, and strategies to turn crops into sustainable businesses.
👉 Call to Action: Explore cassava value chains, experiment with value addition, and follow AgropreneurNG for insights that make your farming smarter and more profitable.
