Last updated on July 31, 2025

If you’re asking, “How profitable is cassava farming in Nigeria?” you’re not alone. With food prices rising and more people looking for ways to earn from agriculture, cassava is often called “Nigeria’s money root.” But is it really a goldmine, or just hype? I’ve been there—excited, skeptical, and sometimes downright surprised by the numbers. Let’s break down the real profit potential, what affects it, and how much you can actually expect from just 1 acre. Spoiler alert: it’s not always sunshine and rainbows, but the rewards can be truly sweet!

A well-managed 1-acre cassava farm in Nigeria can generate ₦300,000–₦600,000 profit per season, and even more with value addition like garri processing.

Disclaimer: Please note that the prices and profit figures discussed in this article are estimates for 2025 and are subject to change based on dynamic market conditions, unpredictable weather patterns, and individual farm management practices. Always conduct your own current market research.

How Much is a Ton of Cassava in Nigeria? (2025 Estimate)

As of 2025, the average market price for one ton of fresh cassava roots in Nigeria is between ₦60,000 and ₦90,000.

• Seasonal Low (Peak Harvest): Can drop to ₦50,000/ton in rural areas.
• Seasonal High (Dry Season): Can exceed ₦100,000/ton in high-demand areas.

This price is a starting point. The final amount depends heavily on your location, the season, buyer type, and cassava quality.

What Determines Cassava Farming Profitability?

Your cassava profit isn’t just about planting and waiting. Oh, if only it were that simple! Here’s what really makes the difference between a bumper harvest and a head-scratching season:

• Yield per acre: This is your golden ticket! The more you harvest, the more you can sell. Pretty straightforward, right?
• Market price: Ah, the fickle beast! Prices for fresh cassava, garri, and flour can swing wildly, sometimes making you want to pull your hair out, other times making you grin ear to ear.
• Input costs: Land, labor, fertilizer, stem cuttings, transport, and processing all eat into your profit. It feels like every kobo is running out of your pocket, doesn’t it?
• Value addition: Turning cassava into garri, flour, or starch can literally double or triple your returns. It’s like magic, but with more sweat!
• Location: Proximity to markets, soil quality, and access to buyers matter a lot. You wouldn’t open an ice cream shop in the Sahara, would you? Same logic applies here!

Pro tip: The most profitable cassava farmers I know are the ones who control their costs (like a hawk watching its prey!), process some of their harvest, and sell at the right time. It’s all about strategy, folks!

Advice:

• Keep a detailed record book for every expense and sale. I once lost track of my small farm’s expenses for a season, and it was a nightmare trying to figure out where the money went. Now, I use a simple ledger and track every kobo. This helps you spot where you’re losing money (ouch!) and where you can improve.
• Network with other farmers in your area. When I first started, joining a local farmers’ WhatsApp group was a game-changer. We shared tips on pest control and even pooled our harvests to get better prices from bulk buyers. Sometimes, joining a cooperative or group can help you get better prices for inputs and for your harvest. There’s strength in numbers, after all!
• Don’t ignore your soil. Before my second planting, I invested in a basic soil test. Turns out, my soil was low in phosphorus! Adding the right organic matter and fertilizer made a noticeable difference in my yield. Healthy soil = healthy profit. It’s the foundation of your success!

How Much Can 1 Acre of Cassava Generate in Nigeria?

Let’s get real with the numbers. No sugar-coating here! Here’s a 2025 scenario for a well-managed 1-acre cassava farm:

• Average yield: 10–15 tons of fresh cassava roots per acre (with good variety and management). That’s a lot of cassava, isn’t it?
• Market price (fresh roots): ₦60,000–₦90,000 per ton (2025 average). Keep an eye on those market fluctuations!
• Gross revenue: ₦600,000–₦1,350,000 per acre. Sounds pretty good, right?

Sample profit calculation (fresh roots):

• Gross revenue: ₦900,000 (15 tons x ₦60,000)
• Total cost (inputs, labor, land, transport): ₦350,000 (see full cost guide)
• Net profit: ₦550,000 per acre. Not bad for just one acre, eh?

If you process into garri or flour:

• 1 ton of fresh cassava = about 250kg of garri
• Garri price (2025): ₦800–₦1,200 per kg
• Potential revenue: ₦3,000,000+ per acre (if you process and sell retail, but costs and labor are higher). Now that’s where the real excitement begins!

Reality check: Let’s be honest, not every farm hits the top numbers. Poor management, bad weather, or low prices can cut profits fast. It can be incredibly frustrating when things don’t go as planned, but that’s farming for you!

Yield, Revenue, and Profit per Acre: At a Glance

Metric	Range (Fresh Roots)	Range (with Processing to Garri)
Average Yield	10–15 tons/acre	10–15 tons/acre
Gross Revenue	₦600,000–₦1,350,000/acre	₦3,000,000+ /acre
Net Profit	₦300,000–₦600,000/acre	₦1,000,000+ /acre

How to Boost Your Revenue:

• Harvest at the right time. Don’t rush or delay—roots harvested too early are small, and those left too long can become woody. I learned this the hard way when I harvested a portion too early and the roots were tiny! Timing is everything!
• Sell when prices are high. If you can store your cassava or process it, wait for the dry season (typically January-April) when prices usually rise due to scarcity. Patience, young padawan!
• Explore local processing. Even small-scale garri or flour production can add value and help you avoid gluts in the fresh market. Consider investing in a small hand-grater and press to start. It’s a smart move!

Cassava Yield per Acre: What’s Realistic?

• Smallholder farms: 7–10 tons/acre (average). A decent start!
• Well-managed farms: 12–18 tons/acre (with improved varieties and good practices). Now we’re talking!
• Commercial farms: 15–20+ tons/acre (mechanized, best practices). The big leagues!

What affects yield?

• Variety (TME 419, TMS 30572, etc.)
• Soil fertility and drainage
• Timely planting and weeding
• Pest and disease control

Personal story: Oh, my first acre! I was so excited, but then… just 8 tons. I skipped soil testing (rookie mistake!) and delayed weeding. I was so frustrated with myself! But the next year, with better prep and improved cuttings, I got 14 tons. What a relief! It just goes to show, you live and you learn.

Tips for Higher Yield:

• Choose improved, disease-resistant varieties recommended for your region, like TME 419 or TMS 30572. Don’t just pick any stem! These varieties are proven to give higher yields and resist common diseases.
• Plant at the start of the rainy season (April-May in most of Southern Nigeria) for best root development. Mother Nature knows best!
• Weed early and often, especially in the first 3 months after planting. I found that missing even one weeding session early on significantly impacted my final yield. Those pesky weeds are profit killers!
• Scout for pests and diseases every week. Early action saves your crop. Look for tell-tale signs like yellowing leaves or stunted growth. Be vigilant!
• Space your plants correctly (1m x 1m is standard) to avoid competition. Give them room to breathe and grow!

Understanding Cassava Prices in Nigeria: Per Ton, Per Kg, and More

The market price of cassava is one of the most dynamic factors affecting your farm’s profitability or your purchasing strategy. Prices can fluctuate wildly based on season, location, and demand. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect in 2025.

Price of Fresh Cassava Roots (Per Ton)

• Average National Range (2025 Estimate): ₦60,000 – ₦90,000 per ton.
• Peak Harvest Price (Rainy Season: typically July – October): Prices can drop significantly due to market gluts. Expect ₦50,000 – ₦70,000 per ton, especially in rural, high-production areas.
• Off-Season Price (Dry Season: typically January – April): Scarcity drives prices up. It’s common to see prices rise to ₦80,000 – ₦100,000+ per ton during this period.

Price of Processed Cassava Products (Per Kg)

The value of cassava increases significantly once it’s processed into various products.

• Garri:
  • Retail (Local Market/Bulk): ₦800 – ₦1,200 per kg
  • Retail (Packaged/Branded): Can range from ₦1,800 – ₦3,800+ per kg (e.g., Golden Penny Garri 1kg at ₦2,095 – ₦2,315)
  • Wholesale (50kg bag): Varies widely, but typically ₦35,000 – ₦55,000+ per bag, depending on quality and market.
• Cassava Flour: ₦1,200 – ₦2,500 per kg (Retail prices are often higher, with some brands selling for more.)
• High-Quality Starch: ₦1,800 – ₦3,000+ per kg (Reflects higher industrial and export values, with wholesale prices for bulk orders around $1.52/kg or ₦2,300+ per kg when converted.)

Key Factors Influencing Cassava Prices

1. Seasonality: The most impactful factor. Abundant supply during the rainy season harvest (July-October) leads to lower prices, while scarcity in the dry season (January-April) drives prices up.
2. Location: Proximity to urban centers, major processing factories, and good road networks can significantly increase prices due to reduced transportation costs and higher demand.
3. Cassava Variety: Some varieties are preferred for specific uses (e.g., high-starch varieties for industrial processing, or varieties with better garri yield) and may command a higher price.
4. Buyer Type: Selling directly to end-users or small-scale processors might yield better prices than selling to middlemen. Large industrial buyers might offer stable contract prices.
5. Quality: Freshness, starch content, and absence of spoilage or disease directly impact the price.
6. Market Demand: Overall demand for cassava and its derivatives (garri, flour, starch, ethanol) influences the market. Increased industrial demand, particularly from ethanol producers, has been noted as a factor driving prices up.
7. Importation of Alternatives: A surge in the import of cheaper starch alternatives (e.g., corn starch) can reduce demand for local cassava starch, potentially impacting prices for raw cassava that would otherwise go into starch production.
8. Input Costs and Infrastructure: High input costs for farmers and deficiencies in infrastructure (poor roads, inadequate storage) contribute to higher production costs and post-harvest losses, which can indirectly affect market prices.

How Location and Strategy Affect Price & Profit (State Examples)

The national average price is just a number. Your actual earnings are determined by local market dynamics. Here’s how price and profit play out in different regions:

• Benue State (Major Producer): Benue is a cassava powerhouse, but most farmers sell fresh roots. This high supply means farm-gate prices can be as low as ₦50,000 per ton during peak harvest. The Profit Strategy: Farmers who form groups to share transport costs to Makurdi or Abuja can get ₦80,000–₦90,000 per ton, directly boosting their profit margin. This is a classic case of teamwork making the dream work!
• Ogun State (Garri Processing Hub): Ogun is famous for garri. Here, the profit isn’t just in the price per ton, but in value addition. In the 2025 dry season (Jan-April), farmers reported selling garri for ₦1,200 per kg, compared to ₦800 per kg during the rainy season. The Profit Strategy: Processing and storing garri until the dry season can increase profit per acre by 30–50% compared to selling fresh roots at harvest.
• Delta State (Starch & Urban Markets): In Delta, many farmers target high-value processing for urban markets like Warri and Asaba. Starch prices are very strong (₦1,800+ per kg in 2025). The Profit Strategy: Supplying bakeries or food companies with high-quality starch can earn farmers significantly more per acre than those selling fresh roots, even if the price per ton is similar.
• Kano/Kaduna (Northern Markets): Demand here is high for animal feed and industrial flour. The Profit Strategy: Farmers who target feed mills or flour companies in Kano can get premium, stable prices, especially if they can deliver during the dry season when supply from the south is lower. It’s all about finding that niche market.

How to Get the Best Price: Strategic Selling for Higher Profits

To maximize your earnings from cassava, it’s essential to be strategic about when, where, and to whom you sell.

• Build relationships with buyers: Establish direct connections with garri processors, market women, food companies, and industrial buyers. Having a few reliable buyers you can call directly means you rarely have to sell at rock-bottom prices. Trust me, a good relationship is worth its weight in gold!
• Join a cooperative: Collaborating with other farmers through a cooperative can significantly boost your bargaining power. Cooperatives can negotiate better prices for collective harvests and reduce individual transport costs. My cooperative managed to secure a bulk discount on fertilizer and then negotiated a higher price for our collective harvest. Strength in numbers, remember?
• Consider contract farming: If you can find a reliable buyer willing to enter a contract, this can provide a guaranteed market and price for your produce, offering a little more peace of mind and reducing market volatility risks.

Tip: Always check current prices in your local market before you harvest or sell. Prices can change fast! It’s like a game of chess, always thinking a few moves ahead.

Cost Breakdown: What Eats Into Your Profit?

Understanding the costs involved in cassava farming is crucial for calculating your potential profit. While figures can vary by location and scale, here’s a typical cost breakdown per acre in Nigeria for 2025.

Total typical cost per acre: ₦300,000–₦400,000. It can feel like a lot, can’t it? For a full breakdown, see How Much Do I Need to Start a Cassava Farm?

• Land Costs
  • Land (lease or rent): ₦40,000–₦80,000/acre/year. This is usually your first big bite!
• Land Preparation
  • Land prep (clearing, ploughing, harrowing): ₦30,000–₦60,000. Getting the ground ready!
• Stem Cuttings
  • Stem cuttings: ₦60,000–₦90,000. Your initial investment in the crop. (Note: Actual costs can vary significantly based on variety and source.)
• Labor Expenses
  • Labor (planting, weeding, general farm work): ₦100,000–₦150,000. Those hands don’t work for free!
• Fertilizer & Chemicals
  • Fertilizer & chemicals (herbicides, pesticides): ₦30,000–₦50,000. Keeping your plants healthy.
• Transport
  • Transport (from farm to market/processing plant): ₦20,000–₦40,000. Getting your harvest to market.
• Processing (if applicable)
  • Processing (e.g., for garri, flour, starch): ₦100,000–₦200,000. The cost of adding value.
• Miscellaneous Costs
  • Miscellaneous (unforeseen expenses, minor repairs): ₦20,000–₦30,000. Because there’s always something unexpected!

Cost-Saving Tips: Smart Farming for Better Margins

Even with fluctuating market prices, you can improve your profitability by managing your costs effectively.

• Negotiate input prices and buy in bulk: Don’t be shy! I once saved 15% on fertilizer by buying a truckload with two other farmers. Buying in larger quantities or negotiating with suppliers can lead to significant savings on items like fertilizer, chemicals, and even stem cuttings.
• Use family or community labor where possible: Especially for tasks like planting and weeding, leveraging available family or community labor can significantly reduce your overall labor expenses. Every little bit helps!
• Invest in good tools: While an initial outlay, durable and efficient tools save time and reduce labor costs in the long run. A durable hoe or a small sprayer can pay for itself quickly. A wise investment!
• Plan your transport ahead: Booking a truck or arranging transportation a week in advance can save you a lot compared to scrambling for last-minute, expensive options on harvest day. No one likes a desperate dash!

Value Addition: How Processing Boosts Profit

Turning cassava into garri, flour, starch, or animal feed can multiply your profit—if you do it right. It’s truly amazing how much more you can earn by taking that extra step!

• Garri: Highest demand, easy to sell, but labor-intensive. A true Nigerian staple!
• Flour: Good for bakeries and food companies. Think beyond garri!
• Starch: High-value, but needs more tech and capital. For the ambitious farmer!
• Animal feed: Growing market, especially for poultry and fish farmers. Another avenue for profit!

Case study: I heard about a farmer in Ogun State who processed half his harvest into garri and sold the rest as fresh roots. His profit per acre was almost double compared to selling only fresh tubers. Can you imagine the smile on his face? It’s a real eye-opener!

Tip: Start small with processing. Learn the market, build your network, and scale up as you gain experience. Don’t bite off more than you can chew!

How to Add Value:

• Learn basic processing skills (garri, flour, chips) from local extension officers or farmer groups. Many NGOs and government agencies offer free training. Knowledge is power!
• Invest in simple equipment (like a manual grater or a small hydraulic press) as your business grows. You don’t need a factory from day one. Start small, grow big!
• Package your product attractively if selling retail—clean, well-labeled garri sells faster and for more. Presentation matters! I’ve seen farmers get premium prices just by using neat, branded bags.

Profitability Scenarios: Smallholder vs. Commercial Cassava Farms

1-acre farm (manual, basic):

• Yield: 8–12 tons
• Net profit: ₦300,000–₦600,000. A solid foundation!

5-acre farm (improved, semi-mechanized):

• Yield: 60–80 tons total
• Net profit: ₦2,000,000–₦4,000,000. Now we’re talking serious money!

10-acre farm (commercial, mechanized):

• Yield: 120–180 tons total
• Net profit: ₦5,000,000–₦10,000,000. The big league!

ROI: Most cassava farms break even in the first year if managed well. Processing and value addition can shorten your payback period. Who doesn’t love a quick return?

How to Scale Up Safely:

• Start with 1–2 acres and master your process before expanding. Don’t run before you can walk! My neighbor tried to jump from 1 to 5 acres too quickly and struggled with managing the labor.
• Reinvest your profit into more land, better tools, or small-scale processing. Smart growth is key!
• Keep detailed records as you grow—what works on 1 acre can get complicated on 10! Trust me on this one.

Cassava Farming ROI Calculator

Want to know your own cassava profit potential? Use the calculator below to estimate your cassava farming ROI based on your expected yield, market price, and costs. It’s like having a crystal ball for your farm!

Go to Calculator

Tip: Use this calculator before you plant, and again before you harvest, to make smarter decisions. Adjust your plans if the numbers don’t look good. No one wants a nasty surprise!

Common Mistakes That Kill Cassava Profit (and How to Avoid Them)

Oh, the mistakes! We’ve all made them, and they can be incredibly frustrating. But learning from them is how we grow!

• Underestimating costs: Always budget for hidden expenses (transport, security, emergencies). It’s like a phantom limb, always there but you don’t see it until it’s too late! I once forgot to factor in the cost of security for a remote farm, and it almost ate into my entire transport budget.
• Poor timing: Planting late or harvesting at the wrong time can slash your yield and price. It’s heartbreaking to see your hard work go to waste!
• Ignoring market research: Don’t just plant—know who will buy and at what price. You wouldn’t bake a cake without knowing who’s going to eat it, would you? Before planting, visit local markets and talk to buyers to understand demand.
• Neglecting soil and variety: Bad soil or the wrong variety = low yield, low profit. It’s like trying to build a mansion on quicksand! Always get a soil test and choose certified improved varieties.
• Skipping pest and disease control: One outbreak can wipe out your gains. It’s enough to make you scream! Regularly inspect your farm and act immediately if you spot signs of disease or pests.

Lesson: The most successful farmers I know are those who plan (like a general planning a battle!), keep records, and learn from each season. They embrace the challenges!

How to Avoid These Mistakes:

• Visit your farm regularly—don’t rely on laborers alone. Your eyes are your best tools! Even if it’s just once a week, your presence can make a huge difference.
• Ask questions at your local extension office—they often know the latest disease threats and market trends. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! They are a treasure trove of free information.
• Don’t be afraid to try new methods (like mulching, intercropping, or organic fertilizer) on a small scale first. Experimentation is the spice of farming! Try it on a small plot before implementing across your entire farm.

How to Maximize Your Cassava Farming Profit

Ready to boost those profits? Here’s how to make your cassava farm sing!

• Choose the right variety for your soil and market. It’s the foundation of success!
• Plant at the right time (early rainy season is best). Give your plants the best start!
• Invest in soil health—test, fertilize, and rotate crops. Happy soil, happy plants, happy farmer!
• Weed early and often—the first 3 months are critical. Don’t let those weeds win!
• Process some of your harvest if you can (garri, flour, etc.). Unlock that hidden value!
• Join a cooperative to get better prices and share costs. Share the burden, share the gain!
• Sell when prices are high (dry season or off-peak). Be a market ninja!
• Keep good records—track every naira in and out. Your financial compass!

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to start small, learn, and scale up. Many big cassava farmers began with just 1 acre. You can do it!

Extra Tips for Success:

• Attend local farmer meetings or WhatsApp groups to hear about new markets and buyers. Stay connected! I got my first big buyer lead from a farmer’s meeting.
• Diversify your risk—if you can, plant a mix of cassava and another crop (like maize or melon) to spread your income. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!
• Market your product early. Don’t wait until harvest to look for buyers—start making contacts months ahead. Be proactive! Even before planting, I reach out to potential buyers to gauge their interest.

Expert Voices on Cassava Profitability

To further solidify the insights shared, here’s what some experts and experienced farmers have to say about the profitability of cassava farming in Nigeria:

• Segun Adewumi, President of the Nigerian Cassava Growers Association (NCGA), highlights the enduring demand: “Cassava farming is one great farming business to start, because despite the challenges confronting agricultural activities in Nigeria today, cassava products are still in high demand.” (Source: Punch Newspapers, “Making it big in cassava farming,” 2018). This underscores the resilience and market stability of cassava.
• Adewumi further emphasizes the vast untapped potential: “Nigeria can generate ₦15tn annually from cassava alone… The huge amount can be generated if we have the required processing facilities for the commodity and use it more for industrial purposes.” (Source: Punch Newspapers, “Making it big in cassava farming,” 2018). This speaks directly to the power of value addition and industrialization.
• Pelumi Aribisala, co-founder and managing partner of Cato Food, points to the growing industrial appetite: “Nigeria has experienced an increasing industrial demand for cassava. However, only about 25% of the cassava harvest is available to industries, and 75% is consumed locally.” (Source: Proshare, “Cassava’s New Age: When Cash Crops Count and Tariffs Terrorise,” 2025). This reveals a significant opportunity for farmers to meet industrial demand.
• From the ground, Julian Cholegh, a cassava farmer in Benue state, shares a practical perspective on maximizing returns: “It’s amazing that nothing on cassava goes to waste, depending on the season, we now earn an average of ₦450-₦650 per kilo of cassava produced. Selling of cassava peels is the most lucrative, going for an average price of ₦1,500/bag.” (Source: Proshare, “Cassava’s New Age: When Cash Crops Count and Tariffs Terrorise,” 2025). This illustrates the diverse income streams available beyond just fresh tubers.

These insights from industry leaders and on-the-ground farmers reinforce the profitability and potential of cassava farming when approached strategically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cassava Farming Profit

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Cassava farming in Nigeria is profitable if you manage costs, choose the right variety, and sell smart. It’s not a myth!
• 1 acre can generate ₦300,000–₦600,000 (or more with processing). That’s a solid return!
• Value addition and timing are your biggest profit boosters. These are your secret weapons!
• Start small, learn, and scale up—that’s how most successful cassava farmers do it. It’s a journey, not a sprint!
• Keep learning, keep records, and always plan ahead. These habits will serve you well!

Conclusion

Cassava farming in Nigeria can be a highly profitable venture—but only if you approach it with the right information, planning, and discipline. The numbers show that even a single acre can generate hundreds of thousands of naira in profit, especially if you manage your costs, choose the right variety, and take advantage of value addition like garri or flour processing. It’s a journey that can be incredibly rewarding!

From my own experience and from talking to other farmers, the biggest difference between those who succeed and those who struggle is attention to detail: tracking every expense (down to the last kobo!), monitoring your field (like a hawk!), and selling when the market is right. Don’t fall for the myth that cassava is “easy money”—it takes work, grit, and a little bit of luck, but the rewards are truly real.

If you’re just starting out, start small, learn as you go, and use tools like the ROI calculator above to plan your next move. With patience, good management, and a willingness to adapt, cassava farming can be a reliable source of income for years to come. It’s a challenging but incredibly fulfilling path!

Wishing you profitable harvests and smart decisions! Go out there and make that money root work for you!

Got questions or your own cassava farming experiences to share? Drop a comment below – we’d love to hear from you!

See Also: More Cassava Farming Resources

• How to Start Cassava Farming in Nigeria
• Best Cassava Variety in Nigeria
• How Much Do I Need to Start a Cassava Farm?
• How Long Does It Take Cassava to Grow?
• Best Month to Plant Cassava in Nigeria