Cassava: A Sustainable Solution to Combat Food Insecurity in Nigeria

In case you haven’t noticed, the world is grappling with an unprecedented food insecurity crisis. As global population numbers surge, the pressure on food systems increases. For many nations, including Nigeria, the battle against hunger is not just a matter of scarcity but one of access, inefficiency, and waste. Yet in this adversity lies an incredible opportunity: cassava, a humble crop that could become a game-changer for Nigeria’s agriculture and, indeed, the ultimate agribusiness opportunity in the African continent.

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In Nigeria, the world’s largest producer of cassava, the crop’s potential extends beyond feeding millions. Cassava is seen as one of the solutions to address food insecurity, poverty, and unemployment, issues that affect millions of Nigerians and broader African populations.

But beyond the national borders, the African diaspora, which has a growing and increasingly powerful presence in global economies, is poised to play a pivotal role in the transformation of this sector.

For African diaspora entrepreneurs, this moment offers not just an investment opportunity but a chance to reshape narratives and rewrite the future of agribusiness in Africa.

In an article published by the African Development Bank Group titled “Africa Agribusiness: A US$1 Trillion Industry by 2030,” it was highlighted that Africa’s agribusiness sector, with its immense agricultural potential, is expected to reach US$1 trillion by 2030. Participants at the African Investment Forum referred to agribusiness as the “new oil” of the continent, driving the engine of inclusive growth.

By engaging in the cassava industry, you have the opportunity to join a movement that will not only feed families in Africa but also create sustainable businesses that generate wealth and create jobs.

See also Financing Africa’s Agribusiness Revolution: A Trillion-Dollar Investment Opportunity

Now, let’s explore why cassava farming is a goldmine waiting to be tapped and how you, as an entrepreneur, can contribute to a prosperous future through this crop.

The Cassava Advantage: Why It’s the Perfect Crop for Africa’s Future

In Nigeria, where food security is a pressing issue, cassava has long been a dietary staple. It is incredibly versatile, used to make a wide range of food products such as:

• Garri,
• Fufu,
• Starch,
• Flour and much more.

But cassava’s potential stretches beyond the kitchen. It has industrial uses—such as biofuel production, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed that could help diversify African economies.

The economic importance of cassava to Nigeria cannot be overstated: it is one of the most widely grown crops, with annual production valued at over $20 billion. And while cassava is primarily grown by smallholder farmers, it has the capacity to contribute significantly to national and global food security.

There’s more than just tradition behind cassava’s appeal. Agronomically, cassava is a crop made for Africa. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, requiring less water than many other crops, making it an ideal choice for regions affected by climate change.

Cassava is also incredibly resilient, able to grow in poor soil conditions and tolerate droughts. This means that smallholder farmers can grow cassava with minimal input costs, making it a crop that can lift communities out of poverty.

As an entrepreneur, you may wonder: What does this mean for you? The potential market for cassava is vast. The global cassava market was valued at $18.3 billion in 2021, with demand continuing to rise as new uses for the crop are discovered.

The World Bank has projected that cassava-based products could become a major export commodity for many African countries. The demand for cassava flour, starch, and animal feed is growing worldwide, and there’s a growing push for sustainable, alternative ingredients in food production.

See also Africa’s Agribusiness: Cultivating a Trillion-Dollar Future

This provides African diaspora entrepreneurs with the opportunity to tap into a global market while also addressing domestic needs in Nigeria and other African countries.

Tackling Food Insecurity with Cassava: The Impact on Nigerian Communities

Despite Nigeria’s status as the largest producer of cassava in the world, the country is still struggling with food insecurity. Over 25% of Nigeria’s population lives below the poverty line, and millions face malnutrition.

In fact, Nigeria accounts for a large portion of the nearly 283 million people globally who are undernourished, according to the United Nations. The issue, however, is not just a lack of food but a systemic failure to distribute it effectively and equitably.

This is where cassava can make a significant difference. Cassava can thrive in regions where other crops might fail due to poor soil, drought, or pests. In fact, cassava provides a huge percentage of Nigeria’s total calorie consumption, making it a crucial crop in the fight against hunger.

Its high carbohydrate content makes it an ideal food for feeding a growing population, especially in rural areas where alternative food sources might be scarce.

The following nutritional table was reproduced from the article, “Cassava Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits” available at Verywellfit.com.

Cassava Nutrition Facts (per 1 cup / 103 grams of raw cassava)

Additional Nutritional Insights

Summary

• Calories: 165 per 1 cup (103g), mainly from carbohydrates.
• Carbs: Cassava is a rich source of starch, with minimal fiber (1.9g) and sugars (1.8g) per serving.
• Fat: Low fat, under 1g per serving.
• Protein: Low protein, less than 2g per 1/2-cup serving.
• Vitamins & Minerals: High in potassium and vitamin C; also contains significant amounts of other essential vitamins and minerals.

For the African diaspora entrepreneur, this represents both an opportunity and a responsibility: an opportunity to invest in a crop that has the potential to transform lives, and a responsibility to ensure that your business practices uplift the communities where cassava is grown.

See also Processing Cassava for Increased Profit: A Guide for Nigerian Farmers

The agribusiness opportunities here are not just about profits. Instead, they are about shaping the future of food security, one root at a time.

Several initiatives have already demonstrated the potential of cassava to lift communities out of poverty. For example, the Cassava Adding Value for Africa (CAVA) project, which is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has shown how value-added processing, such as turning cassava into flour, chips, or even ethanol can increase farmers’ incomes and improve food security.

For more information, visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s website, where you can access the publication “Cassava: Adding Value for Africa – The Next Phase”.

The page highlights Dr. Kolawole Adebayo, a 2001 Commonwealth Split-site Scholar from Nigeria. Dr. Adebayo holds a PhD in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, earned through a partnership between the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, and the University of Reading.

He is currently a Reader in Agriculture at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Dr. Adebayo has previously served as the Project Manager for Cassava: Adding Value for Africa (C:AVA) and was formerly based at the Natural Resources Institute at the University of Greenwich.

Now, this is the point. By focusing on processing, these projects have allowed farmers to access new markets, increasing their financial independence.

As a diaspora entrepreneur, you have a unique advantage. You can leverage your knowledge of international markets, access to capital, and experience in building networks to connect Nigerian cassava farmers with global buyers and distributors.

But this is only possible if you understand the challenges they face and the potential that cassava holds for their communities. Let’s learn more about that.

Opportunities for African Diaspora Entrepreneurs: Building a Global Agribusiness Network

Always remember that as an African diaspora entrepreneur, you are uniquely positioned to help drive change in the agribusiness landscape in Africa. Your knowledge of global markets, experience in navigating complex supply chains, and familiarity with business strategies can provide you with a distinct edge in this sector.

Don’t fall for the misconception that Africa is a land of doom and gloom. In fact, President Donald Trump highlighted Africa’s vast potential at the United Nations General Assembly on September 20, 2017. He told African leaders that the continent holds tremendous business opportunities, noting that many of his friends were already going there to build wealth.

Your position within the global African diaspora gives you access to networks, expertise, and funding opportunities that can help you build sustainable businesses that impact both local economies in Africa and international markets.

The opportunities are vast, but success lies in collaboration and understanding the full cassava value chain:

1. Farm Production: The first step in the cassava value chain is farming. Although cassava is often grown by smallholder farmers, there’s an increasing need for investment in land, equipment, and training to improve yield and quality. Diaspora entrepreneurs can work directly with farmers to improve productivity through better techniques, technology, and access to better seeds.
2. Processing and Value-Added Products: Processing is where significant profit margins lie. By investing in cassava processing plants and developing cassava-based products like flour, starch, and snacks, you can tap into both local and global markets. The demand for gluten-free, organic, and sustainable food products is rising globally, and cassava-based products are poised to take advantage of these trends.
3. Export and International Markets: The African diaspora has a key role to play in expanding the export potential of cassava-based products. With your international business acumen, you can build strategic partnerships, create export channels, and bring Nigerian cassava products to global markets.
4. Technology and Innovation: While the cassava industry is largely traditional, it’s ripe for technological disruption. Whether it’s through precision agriculture, blockchain for supply chain transparency, or new processing techniques, the possibilities for innovation are immense. Your expertise can be crucial in introducing tech-driven solutions to this industry.

Learning, Growth, and Collaboration: The Keys to Success

If there’s one thing that distinguishes successful entrepreneurs, it’s the ability to learn, adapt, and collaborate. This is especially true for those in the agribusiness sector, where challenges such as climate change, fluctuating prices, and infrastructure gaps can make success a moving target.

See also African Poultry Farming Holds the Key to Real Money

To thrive in this space, you will need to continually improve your business and technical skills. Consider seeking out learning opportunities through agricultural trade associations, diaspora business networks, and online courses that focus on African agribusinesses and cassava farming.

Being part of the diaspora community means you have access to global perspectives and resources that will help you continuously evolve.

It’s important also to acknowledge the role of collaboration. Whether it’s working with local farmers, partnering with NGOs that promote food security, or teaming up with other diaspora entrepreneurs, building a collaborative network is key to overcoming the challenges in the agribusiness sector.

The more you can tap into local knowledge while leveraging international expertise, the more successful your agribusiness venture will be.

Conclusion: A Global Opportunity for Change

The cassava industry in Nigeria is not just a business opportunity, it’s a chance to be part of something larger than yourself. By investing in cassava, you’re not just entering a market; you’re contributing to a global movement to address food insecurity and poverty.

As an African diaspora entrepreneur, you have the tools, networks, and expertise to drive this change, transforming both your business and the lives of millions.

This is your moment to take action. The opportunities for collaboration are endless, and the impact you can make is immeasurable. By working together—across continents, industries, and cultures—we can create a thriving, sustainable agribusiness ecosystem that feeds Africa, feeds the world, and empowers future generations of entrepreneurs.

Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.