Nigeria reigns supreme as the world’s largest cassava producer, boasting an annual output that dwarfs any other nation. Yet, despite this colossal agricultural achievement, a closer look at the global cassava landscape reveals a surprising truth: other countries, particularly Thailand, are arguably “using” cassava more effectively, transforming it from a mere staple food into a highly valuable industrial commodity.
Nigeria’s dominance in cassava cultivation is undeniable. With an estimated 60 million metric tons produced annually, the tuber is deeply woven into the fabric of Nigerian life, serving as a primary food source for millions. Garri, fufu, and other traditional dishes are ubiquitous, reflecting cassava’s central role in the nation’s culinary heritage.
The Industrial Edge: Thailand’s Masterclass
However, where Nigeria excels in raw production, it faces significant value addition and industrial processing challenges. A staggering 75-90% of Nigeria’s cassava harvest is consumed domestically as food. While this ensures food security for a large population, it leaves a mere fraction for industrial applications.
In stark contrast, nations like Thailand have mastered the art of maximizing cassava’s economic potential. Despite producing considerably less cassava than Nigeria, Thailand stands as the world’s largest exporter of cassava derivatives, commanding roughly 70% of global trade in products like starch, pellets, and chips. This success isn’t accidental. Thailand has invested heavily in advanced farming techniques, efficient processing infrastructure, and export-oriented policies. Their focus is on transforming cassava into high-value industrial ingredients for diverse sectors, from food processing and animal feed to biofuels and textiles.
Other countries, such as Vietnam, are also rapidly advancing their cassava processing industries, particularly in starch extraction for biofuels and processed foods. Even Brazil and Indonesia, significant cassava producers in their own right, have developed robust processing sectors that generate substantial economic value beyond direct food consumption.
Unlocking Nigeria’s Cassava Potential
Several factors contribute to this disparity. Firstly, Nigeria’s primary focus on cassava as a food crop limits the volume available for industrial processing. Secondly, the country grapples with a lower yield per hectare compared to its more industrially developed counterparts. While Nigeria produces a massive overall volume, its efficiency in terms of land use lags behind. For instance, Thailand boasts a yield of over 20 metric tons per hectare, significantly higher than Nigeria’s average of around 6.3 tons.
Furthermore, Nigeria faces hurdles in establishing and scaling up its industrial processing capabilities. This includes a scarcity of modern processing infrastructure, a shortage of skilled labour in value-added production, and inconsistencies in supply chain management that hinder reliable export. Compounding these issues are significant post-harvest losses, a common challenge across African cassava-producing nations, which further reduce the amount available for both food and industrial use.
In essence, while Nigeria undeniably plants the most cassava, countries like Thailand have demonstrated a superior ability to “use” it better – not in terms of direct consumption, but in terms of industrial processing, value addition, and integration into the global market. As Nigeria looks to diversify its economy and harness the full potential of its agricultural bounty, learning from the industrial success of these nations could pave the way for a new era of cassava-driven prosperity.
