How Profitable Is Cassava Farming In Nigeria?

As an experienced observer of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, I frequently encounter inquiries regarding the financial viability of cultivating cassava. Specifically, many aspiring and current farmers seek to understand how profitable is cassava farming in Nigeria and, more precisely, how much can 1 acre of cassava generate in Nigeria in the current market climate of 2025.

This comprehensive guide is designed to provide a look beyond general assumptions, offering a detailed analysis to inform your cassava farming business plan in Nigeria. We will meticulously break down the cost of cassava farming per acre in Nigeria, explore potential revenue streams to determine your likely cassava profit margin, assess the cassava farming ROI (Return on Investment) compared to other staple crops, and identify the best cassava varieties for profit in Nigeria this year. I aim to equip you with fact-based insights to navigate the opportunities and challenges inherent in this vital sector.

Key Takeaways: Is Cassava Farming Profitable in Nigeria?

• Is cassava farming profitable in Nigeria? Yes, cassava farming offers substantial profit potential in Nigeria, especially when focusing on value addition.
• How many tons of cassava can 1 acre produce? A well-managed acre can realistically produce between 12 to 18 tons of cassava, with exceptional farms reaching over 20 tons.
• How much can I earn from an acre of cassava in Nigeria? Selling fresh tubers wholesale from an average yield can generate a net profit of ₦300,000 to ₦700,000 per acre.
• How can I maximize cassava profit per acre? Processing cassava into products like garri or flour can significantly boost your profit per acre to ₦700,000 or even over ₦1,000,000.
• What is the typical cost of farming 1 acre of cassava in Nigeria? Total estimated production costs for 1 acre of cassava range from ₦195,000 to ₦395,000 in 2025.
• What are the best cassava varieties for profit in Nigeria? High-yielding and disease-resistant varieties like TMS 30572, TMS 98/0505, and TMS 98/0581 are recommended for maximizing yield and profit.
• What is essential for success in cassava farming? Success hinges on choosing the right variety, effectively managing costs, optimizing yield, and understanding market dynamics.

How Profitable Is Cassava Farming In Nigeria? Understanding the Buzz

You see the reports, you hear the stories. Cassava farming in Nigeria is booming! Why all the excitement? Well, its uses are exploding. We’re talking about everything from the garri on your plate to starch for factories and even animal feed. This huge demand is why is cassava farming profitable on every farmer’s mind. But let’s be real: there are common misconceptions out there. It’s not just about sticking a stem in the ground and waiting for cash to sprout. It requires planning, effort, and smart decisions. We need to look at the reality, not just the hype. If you’re looking for a comprehensive proposal on cassava farming, this guide lays out the core financial and operational aspects.

How Much Can 1 Acre of Cassava Generate in Nigeria?

What Can One Acre of Cassava Make You in Nigeria? Alright, Let’s break down the potential earnings from a single acre of cassava in Nigeria for 2025. This section will answer questions like how many tons of cassava can 1 acre produce? and how much can I earn from an acre of cassava in Nigeria? It also directly addresses how many tons of cassava per acre and how many tonnes of cassava per acre in Nigeria.

Realistic Yield Expectations Per Acre (2025)

Based on what I’m seeing this year, a well-managed acre can yield between 12 to 18 tons of cassava. Some farmers with exceptional practices and the best varieties might hit 20 tons or even more. This means the cassava yield per acre can be quite impressive. But aiming for 12-15 tons is a solid, achievable goal for many. This answers the common query: how many tons of cassava per acre in Nigeria? This is also relevant for cassava yield per acre in 2025 and cassava yield per hectare (1 hectare = 2.47 acres, so multiply yield by 2.47 for hectare estimates).

Cost of Production Per Acre: Breaking Down the Expenses

Farming costs money, right? For one acre of cassava, your expenses will include:

• Land Preparation: Clearing, ploughing, harrowing. This varies but budget around ₦30,000 – ₦60,000.
• Planting Materials: Cost of healthy stems. Relatively low, maybe ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 if buying certified stems. Cheaper if you use your own from a previous harvest. (A common question is how many bundles of cassava stems per acre? This typically ranges from 40-50 bundles, with each bundle containing 50-100 stems, depending on planting density. This also relates to how many cassava plants per acre, which can be around 10,000-12,000 plants, depending on spacing.
• Labour: Planting, weeding (multiple times!), harvesting. This is often the biggest cost, potentially ₦80,000 – ₦150,000 or more, depending on local rates and mechanization.
• Fertilizers & Soil Amendments: Essential for good yield. Budget ₦30,000 – ₦60,000 depending on soil test results and fertilizer type (organic/synthetic).
• Pest and Disease Control: Sprays, treatments if needed. Set aside ₦10,000 – ₦20,000.
• Miscellaneous: Tools, supervision, and unexpected issues. Add another ₦10,000 – ₦20,000.

Total Estimated Production Cost Per Acre: ₦195,000 – ₦395,000. Let’s use an average of ₦295,000 for our calculations to determine cassava farming profit per acre. This is a key part of any budget plan on cassava production.

Figures are estimates based on average market prices and input costs observed in Q1 2025 in major cassava-producing regions of Nigeria. Actual costs can vary significantly by location and specific practices.

Market Prices Per Ton of Cassava Tubers (2025)

Cassava price per ton in Nigeria 2025 fluctuates! They depend on the season, your location, and whether you sell wholesale or retail/processed. In early 2025, wholesale prices for fresh tubers might range from ₦40,000 to ₦80,000 per ton. Let’s use ₦60,000 per ton as a working average for fresh tubers sold wholesale. This answers how much is one tonne of cassava in Nigeria, how much is one ton of cassava, and the price of cassava per ton in Nigeria 2025. You might also find variations in the price of cassava per ton in Nigeria in 2024 or other years, but 2025 figures are current.

Net Profit Breakdown: Sample Calculation

Using our averages:

• Yield: 15 tons (a realistic cassava yield per acre)
• Price: ₦60,000 per ton
• Total Revenue: 15 tons * ₦60,000/ton = ₦900,000
• Estimated Cost: ₦295,000
• Potential Net Profit: ₦900,000 – ₦295,000 = ₦605,000 per acre.

This is a potential profit from selling fresh tubers wholesale. Processing can significantly increase this, directly impacting how much can be made of cassava per acre!

How Lucrative is Cassava Farming? Comparing the ROI

Okay, ₦605,000 potential profit sounds good, but how does it stack up against other popular crops like maize, yam, or rice? This section looks into the cassava farming ROI.

ROI Comparison: Cassava vs. Maize, Yam, Rice

Cassava farming often offers a very favourable Return on Investment (ROI). Why?

• Lower Input Costs: Especially for planting material, as you can reuse stems. This also means that how many of bags of cassava cuttings per acre is a relatively low cost.
• Hardiness: It’s more tolerant of poor soil and drought than maize or rice. It has resilience (meaning it can handle tough conditions).
• Flexible Harvest: You don’t have to harvest everything at once.

While maize offers quicker returns (shorter cycle) and yam can fetch high prices, cassava’s resilience and lower recurring input costs make it a less risky and often more profitable long-term bet per Naira invested, particularly for small-scale farmers.

Seasonal and Regional Profit Differences

Profitability isn’t static. Prices are usually higher during the dry season (scarcity) and lower during the peak harvest season (abundance). Your location matters too! Being close to major markets or processing plants reduces transportation costs and can mean better prices. This is crucial for understanding the cassava market in Nigeria. You might even see different cassava prices in South Africa compared to Nigeria, highlighting regional variations.

What Can Make or Break Your Cassava Profitability in Nigeria?

Several factors outside your control, and some within it, heavily influence your earnings from cassava farming in Nigeria.

Key Factors Affecting Profit:

• Soil Quality and Cassava Variety: Good soil and the right high-yielding, disease-resistant variety are foundational.
• Pest/Disease Management: Pests like grasshoppers and diseases like Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) or Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) can devastate your yield if not managed.
• Weather Conditions: While hardy, extreme drought or flooding can still cause significant losses.
• Access to Processing: Can you easily turn your tubers into higher-value products like garri or flour? (More on this below). Gaining access might involve renting a cassava grinding machine or other equipment, or even investing in a cassava grinding machine price in Nigeria for your setup.
• Transportation: Getting your harvest to market efficiently and affordably is crucial. The price of a truck of cassava can significantly impact your net profit.
• Market Access and Information: Knowing where and when to sell for the best price makes a huge difference. Connect with local agricultural extension workers, join farmer WhatsApp groups, or visit local markets regularly to observe prices and trends. For insights into general discussions on profitability, you might even find relevant information on how profitable cassava farming is in Nigeria nairaland forums.

Essential Tools for 1-Acre Cassava Farming

Even for small-scale cassava production per acre, having the right basic tools is essential for efficiency and reducing manual labor strain:

• Cutlass/Machete: For land clearing, cutting stems, and general farm work.
• Hoe: For weeding, mounding, and light soil preparation.
• Shovel/Spade: Useful for digging and moving soil.
• Watering Can (Optional): For initial establishment, if rainfall is scarce.
• Measuring Tape: For proper spacing of cassava plants.
• Protective Gear: Gloves, boots, hats for safety.
• Sacks/Bags: For harvesting and transporting tubers.

Top Cassava Varieties for High Yield & Profit (2025)

Choosing the right variety is paramount for maximizing your cassava yield per acre in Nigeria. You want varieties that grow well in your area and are resistant to common problems.

High-Yielding & Disease-Resistant Varieties:

Research institutions like IITA (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture) have developed excellent options. Some top choices for 2025 include:

• TMS 30572: A classic, widely adapted, and high-yielding.
• TMS 98/0505: Good yield and resistant to some common diseases.
• TMS 98/0581: Another strong performer with good yield potential.
• Improved local varieties: Some local varieties have been improved for better yield and resistance, such as those related to the TME 419 cassava yield, which is also highly regarded.

Always source your stems from reputable suppliers to ensure they are disease-free and true to type. You can find more information on improved varieties from research bodies like IITA.

Harvest Cycle and Starch Content

Consider the maturity period (how long does it take cassava to grow in Nigeria? – typically 9-18 months) and the starch content. Faster-maturing varieties give quicker returns but might have lower overall yield or starch. Industrial buyers often pay based on starch content, while local markets might prefer varieties easy to process into garri or fufu.

Cost Breakdown: Digging Deeper into 1 Acre Cultivation Costs

Let’s look at the cost of cassava farming in Nigeria for one acre in more detail, providing a clearer picture for your cassava production budget plan. This section also touches upon the cost of cassava production per hectare.

Activity	Estimated Cost Range (₦)	Typical Cost (₦)	Notes
Land Clearing/Preparation	30,000 – 60,000	45,000	Varies by land condition (forest vs. farmed); includes ploughing/harrowing.
Planting Material	10,000 – 20,000	15,000	Cost for certified, disease-free stems. Cheaper if using own stems.
Planting Labour	15,000 – 25,000	20,000	Manual or minimal mechanical assistance.
Weeding Labour (x2-3)	50,000 – 100,000	75,000	Manual is common for small acres; some mechanized assistance is possible.
Fertilizers/Amendments	30,000 – 60,000	45,000	Based on soil test recommendations (NPK, urea, organic manure).
Pest/Disease Control	10,000 – 20,000	15,000	If needed (e.g., insecticides, fungicides); resistant varieties reduce this.
Harvesting Labour	30,000 – 50,000	40,000	Manual is common for small acres; some mechanized assistance possible.
Transportation (Farm-Market)	20,000 – 40,000	30,000	Manual is common for small acres; some mechanized assistance is possible.
Total Estimated Cost	195,000 – 395,000	285,000	Varies significantly by location, mechanization, and local rates.

These figures are estimates based on average costs observed in Q1 2025. Your actual costs may differ.

Manual vs. Mechanized Farming: Which is Better for Profit?

For one acre, manual farming is usually the starting point. It requires less upfront cash. However, if you plan to scale up or want to reduce the heavy labour burden (especially weeding and harvesting), mechanization (even renting equipment) can improve efficiency and potentially increase profitability in the long run by reducing labour costs and improving timeliness of operations. This aligns with principles of modern cassava farming.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

New farmers often miss crucial factors that can significantly impact their cassava profit margin. Being aware of these and planning proactively can save you a lot of money.

Post-harvest losses: Fresh cassava is highly perishable. Unsold or improperly stored tubers can spoil quickly, leading to significant financial loss. Solution: To minimize post-harvest losses, plan your harvest around immediate sales or processing. Ensure you have proper storage conditions or a processing strategy in place before harvesting.

Unexpected repairs: Tools breaking down or vehicles needing unexpected maintenance can disrupt operations and drain funds. Solution: Prevent unexpected repairs by conducting regular maintenance on your equipment and setting aside a contingency fund of an extra 10-20% of your estimated total cost.

Transport delays: Poor road conditions or vehicle breakdowns can delay getting your harvest to market, potentially affecting freshness and price. Proactive Solution: Mitigate transport delays by using reliable transport partners and factoring potential delays into your logistics planning.

Fluctuating market prices: Prices can drop unexpectedly due to oversupply or other market dynamics, impacting your revenue. Solution: Manage market fluctuations by staying informed on the cassava market in Nigeria trends. Build relationships with diverse buyers and consider value addition (processing into garri or flour) to reduce reliance on fresh tuber prices, allowing you to store and sell when prices are more favorable.

Always have a contingency fund – an extra 10-20% of your estimated total cost is a wise buffer!

Where to Sell Your Cassava for Maximum Profit

Growing it is one thing, but knowing where to sell your cassava for maximum profit is key! This section addresses the vital aspect of the cassava market in Nigeria.

Market Options: Selling Fresh Tubers vs. Processed Products

Selling Fresh Tubers:

• Pros: Simplest and quickest way to get cash; no need for processing equipment.
• Cons: Lower price per ton; highly perishable (must sell fast, typically within 2-3 days of harvest), leading to high post-harvest losses.
• Buyers: Local markets, roadside buyers, middlemen, and individual consumers looking for raw cassava. The price of cassava in Nigeria for fresh tubers is usually lowest here.

Consider selling fresh tubers if you need quick cash and have immediate market access, but be aware of the limited shelf life.

Processing into Value-Added Products:

• Products: Garri, flour (fufu, high-quality cassava flour – HQCF), starch, animal feed pellets, ethanol. Generally, 1 ton of fresh cassava yields about 200-250kg (4-5 bags) of garri.
• Pros: Much higher profit margin; significantly longer shelf life (reducing spoilage risk); access to wider and more lucrative markets (industrial, export, urban consumers).
• Cons: Requires processing equipment (can be small-scale, but an investment); extra labor for processing; stringent quality control needed for industrial/export markets.
• Buyers: Processors, food manufacturers, bakeries, breweries, export markets, local consumers (for garri/fufu), restaurants.

Prioritize processing into value-added products for significantly higher profits and reduced spoilage risk, despite the initial investment and effort.

Strategy: Direct-to-Consumer vs. Bulk Buyer

Selling directly to consumers (e.g., garri at the market) usually gives the best retail price but is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Selling to bulk buyers or processors is easier logistics-wise, but often means a lower price of cassava per ton. Consider a mix of strategies to balance convenience and profit.

Export and Industrial Demand

The demand for cassava starch and HQCF from industries (textiles, paper, food processing, pharmaceuticals) and for export is growing. This market often offers better prices but requires consistent quality and supply. This is a great area to explore as you grow, aligning with principles of modern cassava farming. For current market data and trends, consult resources like the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (opens in a new tab) or relevant state agricultural development programs.

Real Farmers, Real Profit: Case Studies

Let me share a couple of quick examples of farmers making it work and proving that cassava farming is profitable in Nigeria. These stories highlight practical strategies for boosting earnings.

• Mama Nkechi (Enugu): Mama Nkechi significantly boosted her profits by focusing on producing super clean, high-quality garri through careful processing. By investing in proper grating and frying equipment and maintaining strict hygiene, she built a reputation for consistency. She then sold directly to households and restaurants in Enugu city via word-of-mouth and local market stalls, effectively bypassing middlemen for a higher profit per ton of garri than fresh tubers.
• Alhaji Musa (Benue): Alhaji Musa tapped into the demand for fufu flour in urban areas. He invested in a small hammer mill and drying equipment to process his own and his neighbors’ cassava. He ensured quality by carefully selecting fresh tubers and drying the flour properly to prevent mold. He now sells packaged fufu flour to traders supplying cities like Abuja, successfully reaching a premium market willing to pay for convenience and quality.

What Made Them Succeed?

They didn’t just farm; they thought about the market from the start. They prioritized quality (Mama Nkechi’s garri, Alhaji Musa’s flour) and found ways to add value or connect directly with better buyers, reducing their reliance on low fresh-tuber prices. This is a critical lesson for anyone creating a cassava farming business plan in Nigeria.

Mistakes to Avoid

Mama Nkechi initially lost money selling fresh tubers due to spoilage and low prices. Alhaji Musa had quality issues early on with drying. As noted previously, skimping on weeding also impacts yield. The lesson is clear: plan meticulously, focus on quality, and actively manage your farm.

How to Pump Up Your Profit from 1 Acre

Want to squeeze every Naira out of your acre? Here are actionable strategies for boosting your cassava farming profit per acre:

• Intercropping: Plant maize, beans, or vegetables between cassava rows early on. This provides additional harvests and naturally suppresses weeds, increasing your overall cassava yield per acre and diversifying income.
• Optimal Fertilization: Employ a balanced fertilization approach. Soil testing helps you apply exactly what’s needed, preventing waste and ensuring higher yields. Incorporating organic matter also improves long-term soil health and cassava production per acre.
• Value Addition: This is key! Processing your cassava into products like garri, flour, or starch dramatically increases your selling price and expands your market options. Even simple steps like proper cleaning and packaging can add significant value to your produce, directly impacting how much can be made of cassava per acre.

Risks and How to Stay Profitable

Farming has risks, no doubt. But you can prepare for them.

Common Risks and How to Handle Them:

• Weather: Drought or flood. Choose tolerant varieties, practice good soil management (organic matter helps retain moisture).
• Pests/Diseases: Be vigilant! Inspect your plants regularly. Use resistant varieties. Learn integrated pest management techniques.
• Market Fluctuations: Prices go up and down. Store processed products (garri, flour) to sell when prices are high. Build relationships with buyers for more stable pricing, keeping an eye on cassava price per ton.
• Spoilage: Fresh cassava spoils fast. Plan your harvest around your selling or processing time. Process immediately if possible. This relates to how many tons of cassava per plot can be handled at once.

Joining a farmer group can also provide support, shared knowledge, and better access to resources or markets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cassava Farming Profitability in Nigeria

Here are some common questions people ask about making money from cassava farming:

The Final Verdict: Is 1 Acre of Cassava Worth It in 2025?

So, after all this, what’s the final answer to “How profitable is cassava farming in Nigeria“?

Profit Range Summary (Per Acre, 2025):

• Low Profit: ₦20,000 – ₦200,000 (Poor management, low yield, low prices, high costs).
• Average Profit: ₦300,000 – ₦700,000 (Decent practices, average yield, selling fresh wholesale).
• High Profit: ₦700,000 – ₦1,000,000+ (Excellent practices, high yield, value addition through processing, smart marketing).

Is it Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely! The demand for cassava and its products is strong and projected to grow. If you approach it strategically, manage your costs, focus on yield, and ideally add value through processing, one acre of cassava can be a very profitable venture. This is a solid foundation for a cassava farming business plan in Nigeria.

Who Should Farm Cassava?

Anyone who is:

• Willing to learn and apply good farming practices.
• Ready to put in the physical effort or manage labour.
• Interested in the business side (costs, markets, processing).
• Patient and understands the crop cycle (9-18 months) and is prepared for the waiting period before harvest.

Who Might Reconsider?

Someone looking for passive income, unwilling to learn, or expecting massive profits without effort.

Cassava farming in Nigeria in 2025 offers a solid opportunity. It requires work and smart decisions, but the potential returns, even from one acre, are significant, especially when you look beyond just selling fresh tubers. What do you think? Ready to give it a shot or still have questions? Let me know! And do not forget to share this information, it might help someone too.