Cassava Farming: A Gateway to Profitable Agribusiness for the African Diaspora
What if the solution to Africa’s food insecurity and unemployment crisis wasn’t in foreign aid, but in your hands? What if the key to transforming the continent’s agricultural sector lay not in waiting for governments to act, but in your ability to leverage the power of the African diaspora? If you are one of the millions of African descendants scattered across the globe, the opportunity to make a difference—and make a profit—may be closer than you think.
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This is not just about sending money back home or supporting charitable causes. It’s about creating sustainable, profitable agribusiness ventures that transform communities, foster economic independence, and enhance food security for millions.
Take a moment to imagine the potential of investing in one of Nigeria’s most important agricultural sectors: cassava farming. With the right strategies, you, as part of the global African diaspora, could play a pivotal role in revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, addressing its unemployment crisis, and tapping into a market ripe for investment.
Nigeria’s Agricultural Landscape: A Goldmine Waiting to Be Tapped
For years, Africa has been seen as a land of untapped potential. But the reality is that much of that potential remains just that—untapped. As the African diaspora grows globally, the question must be asked: how can we harness the power of this vibrant community to bring tangible change to the continent’s economic future?
The answer lies in agriculture, a sector that has long been the backbone of African economies.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, offers an abundance of opportunities for agribusiness. The country is rich in fertile land and has a deeply ingrained agricultural culture.
In Nigeria, agriculture plays a significant role in the economy, contributing approximately 22.35% to the nation’s GDP in 2021. Additionally, nearly 70% of Nigerians are involved in farming, primarily for subsistence. However, this sector faces major challenges, including the effects of climate change and inadequate irrigation systems, both of which hinder agricultural productivity.
According to a study by Alexis H. Villacis, Joaquin Mayorga, and Ashok K. Mishra, many Sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria, continue to grapple with extreme hunger and food shortages.
Despite being the most populous country in Sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated population of 230 million people, Nigeria’s food insecurity persists. As of 2018/19, nearly 39% of Nigerians lived below the international poverty line of $1.90 per person per day (2011 PPP), while another 32% had consumption levels ranging from $1.90 to $3.20 per person per day (World Bank, 2021b). This is why the solution should be agribusiness with Cassava playing an important role.
As one of the world’s largest producers, Nigeria grows around 59 million metric tons of cassava annually, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Yet, despite this impressive production, Nigeria’s agricultural industry still struggles with issues such as outdated farming practices, inadequate infrastructure, and the lack of access to modern technology.
As an African diaspora entrepreneur, this presents an unprecedented opportunity to bridge these gaps. By bringing in investment, knowledge, and innovation, you can help unlock the potential of Nigeria’s cassava industry and contribute to solving some of the continent’s most pressing issues.
Obehi Ewanfoh: An Advocate for African Agricultural Transformation
To understand the transformative potential of investing in Nigerian agribusiness, it’s important to look at the story of Obehi Ewanfoh, a Nigerian writer, storyteller, and advocate for the agricultural sector. Growing up in Esan, Nigeria, Obehi’s life was rooted in agriculture.
In his community, farming was not just a way of life, it was and remains the lifeblood of the people till date. Obehi’s writings, including books like Still Owing Me Goodbye and Amende – The Stream Water, reflect the deep cultural ties to the land, emphasizing the significance of agriculture in Esan traditions.
The annual New Yam Festival, a celebration of the harvest, encapsulates this connection to the land and the people’s livelihood.
Through his podcast and writings, Obehi advocates for the African diaspora’s role in supporting African agribusiness, highlighting the vast untapped potential in the continent’s agricultural sector.
His focus on empowering individuals to share their personal and cultural stories has led to a call for the African diaspora to invest in their roots. With Obehi’s vision, it’s clear that diaspora entrepreneurs, who have access to capital and international networks, are uniquely positioned to drive change and create impact in sectors like agriculture.
Obehi’s passion is clear: Agriculture is the key to the future of the African continent. As someone who grew up surrounded by farming practices, Obehi knows firsthand the critical role that agriculture plays in sustaining communities and providing jobs.
What these means is that by tapping into this industry, diaspora entrepreneurs can both help to lift African economies and build profitable ventures that stand the test of time.
Cassava Farming: Why It’s the Perfect Investment Opportunity
So, why cassava? Why should you consider this crop when thinking about the future of African agribusiness? The answer is simple: cassava is a resilient, high-yield crop that offers incredible investment potential.
Unlike other crops, cassava can grow in poor soil conditions and requires little water to thrive, making it an ideal option for many parts of Nigeria. Moreover, cassava is an incredibly versatile crop, used in a wide range of products such as garri, cassava flour, tapioca, animal feed, and industrial starch.
The cassava market is not only massive but growing. The global demand for cassava, especially in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and biofuel industries, has surged in recent years.
According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), cassava production is crucial for improving food security and economic sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa.
The World Bank also projects that the cassava sector will continue to grow, with Nigeria being one of the key players in meeting this rising demand.
But despite the high demand, Nigerian cassava farmers still face significant challenges: low mechanization, poor infrastructure, and lack of access to markets. Here’s where you, as a member of the global African diaspora, come in.
Through investment, technology, and strategic partnerships, you can help Nigerian farmers improve their yields and expand their reach to both local and international markets.
For example, establishing processing plants that can convert cassava into high-value products could dramatically increase profits and create job opportunities.
One of the most exciting opportunities lies in value-added products. Currently, only a small fraction of the cassava produced in Nigeria is processed into higher-value items. Much of the production is simply consumed as food.
By stepping in and supporting the establishment of processing facilities, you can not only contribute to solving the country’s food security challenges but also create a profitable venture that aligns with global market trends.
The Power of Collaboration: Why Diaspora Entrepreneurs Must Work Together
While the opportunities in Nigerian agribusiness are clear, it’s essential to acknowledge that success won’t come from a solo effort. Collaboration is key—especially within the global African diaspora community.
The African diaspora is vast, with millions of people in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and other regions, many of whom have deep ties to Africa. But there’s often a gap between the potential of the diaspora and the practical steps needed to bring about change. This is where unity and collaboration become critical.
When African diaspora entrepreneurs come together, the possibilities are endless. Pooling resources, sharing expertise, and coordinating efforts can help scale agribusinesses more quickly and effectively.
According to a report by the African Development Bank (AfDB), diaspora investments in Africa’s agricultural sector can significantly improve food security, create jobs, and increase agricultural productivity.
Yet, the lack of coordinated efforts has often hindered progress. By working together, diaspora entrepreneurs can create a unified force that transforms African agriculture from the ground up.
Obehi Ewanfoh’s advocacy for unity within the diaspora is clear in his approach. He has long emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, where the diaspora is not just a passive donor but an active player in shaping Africa’s economic future.
In his podcast, The Obehi Podcast, he highlights numerous examples of diaspora-led agribusinesses that have successfully invested in African agriculture. These entrepreneurs have used their unique perspectives, international networks, and capital to improve agricultural practices and create sustainable businesses.
The Ripple Effect: Job Creation and Food Security
One of the most compelling reasons to invest in Nigerian agribusiness is the potential to create jobs and improve food security. In a country where nearly 40% of the population lives in poverty, agriculture offers a means of lifting millions out of poverty and providing livelihoods for the younger generation.
According to the World Bank, agriculture has the potential to lift 1 billion people out of poverty in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, with youth employment being a key driver.
Cassava farming, specifically, can have a transformative effect on local communities. By investing in the sector, diaspora entrepreneurs can help create thousands of jobs from:
- Farming to processing,
- Distribution,
- And marketing.
With the right infrastructure in place, these jobs can provide sustainable income and contribute to the growth of rural economies.
Moreover, the global demand for cassava-based products offers an excellent opportunity to create a thriving export market.
According to a report by the International Trade Centre, cassava exports from Nigeria have steadily increased in recent years, but there is still much room for growth.
In the article “Unlocking Nigeria’s Export Potential: The Cassava Opportunity in Africa”, Osita Aboloma, Chairman of the National Quality Council (NQC), highlighted a promising opportunity for Nigeria to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) by tapping into the vast export potential of cassava products.
This strategy could significantly boost the country’s foreign exchange earnings. The publication also quoted Aboloma’s Chief of Staff, Bola Fashina, who underscored the golden opportunity for various stakeholders in Nigeria’s cassava value chain to benefit from initiatives supported by the African Union Commission (AUC), the Pan African Quality Infrastructure (PAQI), and the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO).
With Nigeria’s leadership in cassava production across the continent, the potential for growth and development in this sector is immense.
How Diaspora Entrepreneurs Can Get Involved
If you are ready to make an impact in the Nigerian agricultural sector, where do you begin? The first step is understanding the market dynamics. Conduct thorough research into Nigeria’s cassava industry, exploring everything from soil conditions and climate requirements to government policies and international trade agreements.
Building partnerships with local farmers, cooperatives, and industry stakeholders is crucial to understanding the on-the-ground realities.
Another key strategy is investing in value-added processing. As mentioned earlier, much of the cassava produced in Nigeria is sold in its raw form. By supporting the development of cassava processing plants, you can increase the crop’s value and marketability, while simultaneously creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Join diaspora business networks, attend agribusiness conferences, and engage with other diaspora entrepreneurs who share your vision.
The more you collaborate, the greater the impact you can have on Nigeria’s agricultural future.
The Future of African Agribusiness: Unity, Collaboration, and Growth
The future of African agribusiness is bright, but it requires a collective effort. As an African diaspora entrepreneur, you are uniquely positioned to make a significant impact in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
By investing in cassava farming, collaborating with other diaspora entrepreneurs, and working to improve local agricultural practices, you can help unlock the continent’s potential, create jobs, and address food insecurity.
The opportunity is now. The question is: are you ready to take action?
Conclusion: A Legacy of Impact and Prosperity
Cassava farming represents more than just an investment opportunity; it is a chance to build a legacy of positive change and economic prosperity for Africa. By collaborating within the global African diaspora, we can revolutionize agriculture in Nigeria, create sustainable businesses, and ultimately make a lasting difference.
The time to invest in African agriculture is now—are you ready to be part of this transformative movement?
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
