Cassava production plays a significant role in the Nigerian

Cassava production plays a significant role in the Nigerian

Cassava production plays a significant role in the Nigerian economy, contributing to various aspects of the country’s economic development. Nigeria has been the world’s largest producer of cassava since 1991, and the crop’s economic importance is reflected in several areas.

● Prolonging Cassava Storage Time and Reducing Waste
Cassava processing can extend the storage time of cassava, reducing waste and making it possible to consume or sell the crop over a longer period. This is crucial because fresh cassava can only be stored for 2-3 days before it becomes woody and inedible.

● Increasing Cassava Value
Processing cassava into high-value products such as garri, cassava starch, and cassava flour increases its value. These products have a wide range of uses, including food, confectionery, sweeteners, glues, plywood, textiles, paper, biodegradable products, monosodium glutamate, and drugs.

● Reducing Import Dependence
Despite being the largest producer of cassava, Nigeria still imports significant quantities of cassava products. Local production of these products can reduce import dependence, promote the development of the cassava processing industry, and conserve foreign exchange.

●Replacing Other Products
Cassava flour can replace some wheat flour for bread production, reducing the import of wheat flour. Nigeria is one of the largest importers of wheat from the United States, and replacing wheat flour with cassava flour can significantly reduce import costs.

● Supporting Food Security
Cassava is a staple food in Nigeria and provides food security, especially during conflicts when other crops may be destroyed. It is also a source of income for rural farmers, contributing to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

● Creating Jobs and Stimulating the Rural Economy
Local processing of cassava creates jobs for rural women and fabricators, stimulating the rural economy. It also influences the agricultural input supply market, contributing to capital formation and securing markets for the agro-industry in Nigeria.

● Industrial Uses
Cassava has various industrial applications, including the production of bio-degradable products, animal feed, and alcohol. Medium to large private farms in Nigeria support some of these industrial uses of the crop.

● Government Support and Investment
Government investments and interventions in cassava production have resulted in increased output and stimulated the rural economy. Support for cassava processing, storage, and packaging infrastructure, as well as investment in industrial uses of cassava, can further increase production and reduce import dependence.

In summary, the economic importance of cassava production in Nigeria lies in its potential to increase cassava storage time, increase cassava value, reduce import dependence, replace other products, support food security, create jobs, and stimulate the rural economy. Government support and investment in cassava production and processing can further enhance its economic benefits.