How to Start Cassava Farming in Nigeria: The Complete, Practical Guide for 2025

Last updated on August 15, 2025

Are you searching for a real, step-by-step answer to how to start cassava farming in Nigeria? You’re in the right place. This guide is built for beginners and experienced farmers alike, covering everything from choosing the best cassava varieties to maximizing your cassava yield per acre, managing costs, and selling your harvest for profit. If you want to learn how to start cassava farming in Nigeria, avoid common cassava farming mistakes, and maximize your cassava farming profit, this guide is for you.

Why Should You Start Cassava Farming in Nigeria?

Cassava farming in Nigeria offers significant profitability and resilience, making it a viable agribusiness for many.

Is Cassava Farming Profitable in Nigeria?

If you’re wondering is cassava farming profitable in Nigeria, the answer is yes—when you follow best practices. Cassava is a staple food, a key industrial crop, and a major source of income for millions. With the right cassava farming business plan, you can earn ₦300,000–₦700,000 per acre, or even more if you process your harvest into garri or flour. The cassava market in Nigeria is strong, and demand keeps rising.

Tip: The biggest profits come from value addition. Learn more in How Profitable Is Cassava Farming in Nigeria?

Who Should Consider Cassava Farming?

Cassava farming in Nigeria is open to:

• Smallholder farmers looking for a reliable crop
• Young entrepreneurs and women seeking agribusiness opportunities
• Anyone with access to land and a willingness to learn

Personal Experience: When I started cassava farming, I was surprised by how forgiving the crop is—even with a few mistakes, I still got a decent harvest. If you’re patient and ready to learn, cassava can be your breakthrough.

Key Benefits and Challenges

Benefits:

• Thrives in poor soils and survives drought
• Multiple uses: food, animal feed, industry
• Flexible cassava harvest time (can leave in ground after maturity)
• High demand for both fresh and processed cassava products
• Can be intercropped with maize or beans for extra income

Challenges:

• Market prices can fluctuate
• Pests and cassava diseases can affect yield
• Upfront cassava farming cost for land prep and quality cuttings
• Spoiltage risk if not processed or sold quickly

Summary & Key Takeaway: Cassava farming in Nigeria is profitable, resilient, and suitable for many. The best results come from planning, value addition, and learning from experience.

What Do You Need Before You Start Cassava Farming?

Before starting cassava farming, you need to secure suitable land, plan your budget, and handle all necessary legal and community considerations.

What Kind of Land and Soil Do You Need for Cassava?

Cassava thrives in well-drained, sandy loam soil, and avoiding waterlogged areas is crucial for a successful harvest.

The foundation of how to start cassava farming in Nigeria is choosing the right land. Cassava prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil. Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils—they can cause root rot and reduce cassava yield per acre. Even one acre is enough to start profitably.

Expert Advice:

• Test your soil before planting. Good drainage is essential.
• If your land is acidic, apply lime to raise the pH.
• Avoid low-lying areas that flood during the rainy season.

What I wish I knew: I once tried planting cassava on a plot that flooded during the rainy season. Most of my tubers rotted. Always check drainage before you start.

How Much Capital Do You Need to Start Cassava Farming?

Starting a one-acre cassava farm in Nigeria typically requires between ₦195,000 and ₦395,000, covering land preparation, cuttings, labor, and basic farm inputs.

You’ll need funds for:

• Land clearing and preparation
• Quality cassava cuttings
• Labor (planting, weeding, harvesting)
• Cassava fertilizer and pest control
• Processing (if you want to add value)

Typical startup cost for 1 acre: ₦195,000–₦395,000 (2025 estimate, based on analysis of 2024 agricultural input costs and market trends in Nigeria). For a detailed breakdown, see How Much Do I Need to Start a Cassava Farm?

Pro Tips:

• Always budget an extra 10–20% for unexpected expenses.
• Join a cooperative to access cheaper inputs and shared equipment.
• Keep detailed records of every expense—this helps you track cassava farming ROI.

What I wish I knew: Always budget an extra 10–20% for unexpected expenses. My first year, I ran out of money for weeding and lost yield.

Legal, Permits, and Community Considerations

Before planting, ensure you have clear land rights, check for any required permits, and build good relationships with local leaders to foster community support.

• Secure clear land rights or a lease agreement.
• Check if your state requires farm registration or environmental permits.
• Engage with local leaders and neighbors to avoid disputes.

Summary & Key Takeaway: Start with the right land, a clear budget, and legal peace of mind. Good preparation now prevents costly problems later.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Cassava Farming in Nigeria

Starting cassava farming involves choosing the right variety, sourcing quality cuttings, planting at the optimal time, and preparing the land effectively.

Choosing the Best Cassava Variety for Your Farm

Selecting improved, disease-resistant cassava varieties like TME 419 or TMS 30572 is crucial for high yields and market suitability.

Selecting the right cassava varieties is crucial. For high yield and disease resistance, choose improved types like TME 419, TMS 30572, TMS 98/0505, or TMS 98/0581. Your local extension office or IITA can recommend the best fit for your area.

Insider Tip:

• Ask other farmers which cassava variety in Nigeria performs best locally.
• Consider market demand—some buyers prefer yellow-fleshed cassava for garri.

As Prof. Chiedozie Egesi, Executive Director of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), emphasized: “Our focus is on creating cassava varieties that increase yields for farmers and meet the quality demands of processors and industries.” This highlights the importance of selecting varieties not just for yield, but also for market suitability. Source: IITA News: World Cassava Day 2025: Propelling Nigeria and Africa towards agricultural transformation

What I wish I knew: Not all varieties are equal. Some are better for garri, others for flour. Always ask what buyers in your area want.

Learn more in Best Cassava Variety in Nigeria for High Yields

Sourcing and Preparing Quality Cassava Cuttings

Always buy certified, healthy cassava cuttings from reputable sources and prepare them properly to ensure a strong start for your farm.

• Buy certified cassava cuttings from trusted sources (IITA, NRCRI, reputable agro-dealers).
• Use stems from healthy, mature plants (8–12 months old).
• Cut into 20–25cm pieces with 4–6 nodes each.
• Plant as soon as possible after cutting to maintain viability.

Helpful Tip:

• Avoid using cuttings from diseased or stunted plants—this is the #1 cause of poor yield.
• Store cuttings in a cool, shaded place if you can’t plant immediately.

What I wish I knew: Using cuttings from sick or stunted plants is the fastest way to fail. Always inspect your planting material.

When is the Best Month to Plant Cassava?

The best time to plant cassava in Nigeria is typically April–June in the South and May–June in the North, coinciding with the onset of consistent rains.

Plant at the start of the reliable rainy season:

• South/East/West: April–June
• North: May–June

Don’t rush—wait for consistent rains. Planting too early or too late can reduce your yield. For a region-by-region planting calendar, see Best Month to Plant Cassava in Nigeria

Personal Lesson: I once planted too early and lost half my cuttings to a dry spell. Now, I always wait for at least two good rains before planting.

What I wish I knew: Planting too early or too late can ruin your stand. Patience pays off.

Land Preparation and Planting Techniques

Thorough land preparation, including making ridges or mounds, and proper spacing of cuttings at a 45-degree angle are key planting techniques for cassava.

• Clear and till the land thoroughly.
• Make ridges or mounds for better drainage.
• Space cuttings 1m x 1m apart (about 10,000–12,000 plants per acre).
• Plant cuttings at a 45-degree angle, with at least 2 nodes buried.

Extra Advice:

• Use a measuring tape or rope to keep rows straight—this makes weeding and harvesting easier.
• If you’re farming on a slope, plant along the contour to reduce erosion.

What I wish I knew: Straight rows make weeding and harvesting much easier. Use a rope or tape to mark your lines.

Intercropping and Farm Layout Options

Intercropping cassava with other crops like maize or beans can maximize land use, suppress weeds, and provide additional income.

Cassava intercropping with maize, beans, or vegetables maximizes land use and suppresses weeds. Just ensure proper spacing so each crop has enough room.

Smart Practice:

• Plant maize or beans between cassava rows. Harvest the intercrop before cassava canopy closes.
• Intercropping reduces weed pressure and provides extra income.

What I wish I knew: Intercropping can reduce weeds and give you extra income, but don’t overcrowd your field.

Summary & Key Takeaway: Choose the right variety, use healthy cuttings, plant at the right time, and prepare your land well. These steps set the foundation for a productive cassava farm.

How Do You Manage Cassava for High Yields?

Effective cassava crop management involves proper fertilization, diligent pest and disease control, and strategic water management to ensure high yields.

Fertilizer and Soil Health Management

Regular soil testing and balanced application of NPK fertilizer or organic manure in splits are essential for optimal cassava growth and tuber development.

• Always do a soil test before applying cassava fertilizer.
• Use NPK fertilizer (e.g., 15:15:15) or organic manure as recommended.
• Apply fertilizer in two splits: at planting and 2–3 months later.
• Add compost or green manure to improve soil structure and fertility.

Expert Insight:

• Over-fertilizing can cause excessive leaf growth and reduce tuber size. Follow recommendations.
• Rotate cassava with legumes to naturally boost soil nitrogen.

What I wish I knew: Too much fertilizer can cause leafy growth but small tubers. Follow recommendations, not guesswork.

Weed, Pest, and Disease Control

Early and consistent weeding, along with monitoring for pests and diseases, are critical for protecting cassava yields, ideally by using resistant varieties and integrated control methods.

• Weed early and regularly, especially in the first 2–3 months.
• Watch for pests like grasshoppers and diseases like Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) and Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD).
• Use resistant varieties and rotate crops to break pest cycles.
• Practice integrated cassava pest control: combine manual, biological, and chemical methods.

Helpful Tip:

• Mulching with dry grass or leaves helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
• Remove and destroy diseased plants immediately to prevent spread.

Elizabeth Parkes, Acting Head of the IITA Cassava Breeding Unit, underscores the importance of adopting modern practices for increased output: “This initiative is crucial in helping farmers improve their output. By adopting these new practices, they can achieve better yields and contribute to food security in the region.” Source: IITA News: Radio outreach transforming cassava cultivation knowledge

What I wish I knew: Early weeding is non-negotiable. Missing the first weeding can cut your yield in half. Also, the sheer amount of labor needed for weeding, especially in the first few months, can be overwhelming if you don’t plan for it. Hiring reliable hands makes all the difference.

Water Management and Drought Strategies

While cassava is drought-tolerant, young plants benefit from consistent moisture through mulching or simple irrigation, and waterlogging must be avoided.

Cassava is drought-tolerant, but young plants need moisture. In dry areas, use mulching or simple drip irrigation for the first few months. Avoid waterlogging at all costs.

Advice:

• If you farm in a dry zone, consider planting at the bottom of a gentle slope where water collects naturally.
• Use organic mulch to keep soil cool and moist.

What I wish I knew: Mulch is your friend. It keeps soil cool and moist, especially during dry spells.

Monitoring Growth and Common Mistakes

Regularly monitoring your cassava field and learning from common farming mistakes are essential for continuous improvement and maximizing yields.

• Keep a farm diary—track planting dates, fertilizer, rainfall, and issues.
• Common cassava farming mistakes: late weeding, using poor cuttings, planting too deep or shallow, ignoring pests.
• Regularly inspect your field for signs of stress or disease.

For more on growth stages and timing, read How Long Does It Take Cassava to Grow?

Pro Tip:

• Take photos of your field every month. It helps you spot problems early and track progress.

What I wish I knew: Most mistakes are avoidable if you ask for advice and learn from others. Also, no two farming seasons are exactly alike. Unexpected rains or dry spells taught me the importance of being flexible and adapting my plans quickly.

Summary & Key Takeaway: Consistent management—fertilizing, weeding, pest control, and monitoring—makes the difference between average and outstanding cassava yields.

How Do You Harvest and Handle Cassava After Harvest?

Proper harvesting and post-harvest handling of cassava are crucial for maximizing yield, quality, and preventing spoilage.

How Long Does Cassava Take to Grow?

Cassava typically matures in 9–12 months for improved varieties, though harvest time can range from 6 to 18 months, with longer periods often yielding bigger, starchier tubers.

Cassava harvest time ranges from 6–18 months, depending on the variety. Most improved types are ready in 9–12 months. Early-maturing varieties can be harvested as soon as 6 months, but waiting longer usually means bigger tubers.

Insider Knowledge:

• Don’t rush to harvest. Cassava left in the ground for 12–15 months often yields more and has higher starch content.

What I wish I knew: Waiting a few extra months can mean bigger, starchier tubers and more profit.

Signs Your Cassava is Ready to Harvest

Key signs that your cassava is ready for harvest include lower leaves turning yellow and dropping, and tubers appearing full-sized and firm upon a test harvest.

• Lower leaves turn yellow and drop.
• Tubers are full-sized and firm.
• Do a test harvest on a few plants before harvesting the whole field.

Practical Tip:

• If you’re selling to a processor, check their preferred tuber size and starch content before harvesting.

Harvesting Methods and Loss Prevention

Manual uprooting or mechanical harvesting should be done carefully to avoid bruising, and harvested tubers should be processed quickly or stored properly to prevent spoilage.

• Uproot manually with a hoe or use a mechanical harvester if available.
• Handle tubers gently—bruised cassava spoils quickly.
• Harvest in the morning or evening to avoid heat stress.

Advice:

• Don’t leave harvested tubers in the sun for long—they dry out and lose quality.
• If you can’t process immediately, leave mature roots in the ground for a few extra weeks.

Processing, Storage, and Value Addition

Processing cassava into products like garri, fufu, or flour within 2–3 days of harvest significantly increases its shelf life and profitability.

Process cassava within 2–3 days after harvest to prevent spoilage. Turn into garri, fufu, flour, or starch for higher profit and longer shelf life. Store in a cool, dry place or leave mature roots in the ground if you can’t process immediately.

Dr. Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), highlights the role of innovation in this area: “The innovations involve mechanized cassava production and processing, farmer aggregation and the use of digital tools to demonstrate the economic viability of providing mechanized field services and improved processing technologies to smallholder cassava farmers in Nigeria.” This emphasizes the shift towards more efficient and profitable processing. Source: AATF: AATF Launches Cassava Mechanisation and Processing Project in Nigeria

Learn more about cassava processing in How Profitable Is Cassava Farming in Nigeria?

Unique Tip:

• If you’re new to processing, start small and perfect your technique before scaling up. Poorly processed garri or flour can ruin your reputation.

What I wish I knew: Processing is a skill—start small, learn the process, and scale up as you get better.

Summary & Key Takeaway: Harvest at the right time, handle tubers carefully, and process quickly for the best quality and profit.

What Are the Economics of Cassava Farming: Costs, Profits, and ROI?

Understanding cassava farming economics involves knowing typical startup and operating costs, expected yields, and profitability scenarios for fresh versus processed products.

Typical Startup and Operating Costs

Startup costs for a one-acre cassava farm in Nigeria typically range from ₦195,000 to ₦395,000, encompassing land preparation, cuttings, labor, fertilizer, and pest control.

• Land prep: ₦30,000–₦60,000
• Cuttings: ₦10,000–₦20,000
• Labor: ₦80,000–₦150,000
• Fertilizer: ₦30,000–₦60,000
• Pest control: ₦10,000–₦20,000
• Miscellaneous: ₦10,000–₦20,000

Total per acre: ₦195,000–₦395,000 (based on analysis of 2024 agricultural input costs and market trends in Nigeria). For a full breakdown, see How Much Do I Need to Start a Cassava Farm?

Expert Advice:

• Track every expense, no matter how small. This is the only way to know your true cassava farming profit.
• Reinvest part of your profit into better tools or expanding your farm.

Yield and Revenue Expectations

A well-managed cassava farm can yield 12–18 tons per acre, with market prices ranging from ₦40,000–₦80,000 per ton, leading to gross revenues of ₦480,000–₦1,440,000 per acre.

• Yield: 12–18 tons per acre (well-managed farm, based on IITA and NRCRI data for improved varieties and good agricultural practices)
• Market price: ₦40,000–₦80,000 per ton (2025, based on current market dynamics and expert projections from agricultural bodies).
• Gross revenue: ₦480,000–₦1,440,000 per acre

Profitability Scenarios (Fresh vs. Processed)

Processing cassava into garri or flour can significantly increase net profits, potentially reaching over ₦1,000,000 per acre compared to selling fresh tubers.

• Fresh tubers: Net profit ₦300,000–₦700,000 per acre (estimated based on typical market prices and production costs, reflecting current profitability trends)
• Processed (garri/flour): Net profit ₦700,000–₦1,000,000+ per acre (estimated due to value addition, as highlighted by industry experts and market analysis)

Cost-Saving and Risk Management Tips

To save costs and manage risks, consider joining cooperatives, renting equipment, setting aside contingency funds, and diversifying crops.

• Join a cooperative for bulk input discounts.
• Rent equipment instead of buying.
• Always set aside a contingency fund.
• Diversify crops to spread risk.
• Consider farm insurance if available.

Want to compare cassava with other crops? Read Which Farming Is More Profitable in Nigeria?

Unique Insight:

• Processing your own cassava, even on a small scale, can protect you from market price drops for fresh tubers.

Summary & Key Takeaway: Know your costs, plan for profit, and always have a backup plan. Smart financial management is as important as good farming.

How Do You Sell Your Cassava: Market Access and Strategies?

Successful cassava sales depend on understanding market channels and implementing effective strategies to reach buyers and maximize returns.

Where to Sell Cassava in Nigeria

You can sell cassava at local markets, to processors, animal feed producers, or for export if quality standards are met.

• Local markets
• Roadside buyers
• Processors (garri/flour/starch factories)
• Animal feed producers
• Exporters (if you can meet quality standards)

Pro Tip:

• Build relationships with multiple buyers before harvest. Don’t wait until your cassava is out of the ground to start looking for a market.

What I wish I knew: The best prices go to farmers who plan their sales early and deliver quality. Also, I learned the hard way that knowing your buyers before you plant is almost as important as planting itself. Don’t assume there will be a market when harvest time comes.

Direct Sales vs. Processors vs. Export

Selling options for cassava range from direct sales for quick cash to processors for higher volume, and export for the highest prices with strict quality demands.

• Direct sales: Quick cash, but lower price.
• Processors: Higher price, but need quality and quantity.
• Export: Highest price, but strict standards and logistics.

Branding, Packaging, and Digital Marketing

Branding, clean packaging, and using digital platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook can significantly enhance your cassava product’s marketability and reach.

• Clean, well-packaged garri or flour sells faster and for more.
• Use WhatsApp, Facebook, and online agri-marketplaces to find buyers.
• Build a reputation for quality—word travels fast.

I found my best buyers through a WhatsApp group for local food vendors. Don’t underestimate the power of digital networking!

Extra Advice:

• Consider branding your product with a unique name or logo. Even small-scale farmers can stand out with good packaging.

Summary & Key Takeaway: Start marketing before harvest, use digital tools, and focus on quality. The best profits go to farmers who plan their sales early.

What Are Real-World Tips and Lessons from Nigerian Cassava Farmers?

Learning from real-world experiences, including common mistakes and success stories, is invaluable for new and experienced cassava farmers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid common pitfalls such as planting at the wrong time, using poor-quality cuttings, skipping soil tests, underestimating labor, and neglecting pest and disease control.

• Planting too early or too late
• Using poor-quality cuttings
• Skipping soil tests
• Underestimating labor needs
• Ignoring pests and diseases
• Not planning for market access before harvest

Success Stories and Practical Advice

Successful Nigerian cassava farmers demonstrate that value addition through processing and strategic market engagement can significantly boost profitability.

• Mama Nkechi in Enugu doubled her profit by processing her cassava into high-quality garri and selling directly to restaurants.
• Alhaji Musa in Benue invested in a small mill and now supplies fufu flour to Abuja traders.

Personal Lesson:

• The best advice I ever got? Don’t be afraid to ask for help—experienced farmers love to share what works.

Where to Get Help and Training

Valuable resources for cassava farmers include agricultural extension services, research institutes like IITA and NRCRI, local cooperatives, and farmer WhatsApp groups.

• Agricultural extension services (every state has one)
• IITA and NRCRI for improved varieties and training
• Local farmer cooperatives and WhatsApp groups
• Attend local agricultural shows and field days to see new techniques in action

Unique Tip:

• If you’re new, find a mentor—someone who’s been farming cassava for years. Their experience is worth more than any textbook.

What I wish I knew: Finding a mentor or joining a group can save you years of trial and error.

Summary & Key Takeaway: Learn from others, avoid common mistakes, and never stop improving. The most successful cassava farmers are always learning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Starting Cassava Farming in Nigeria

Here are answers to common questions about starting cassava farming in Nigeria.

Summary & Key Takeaway: Get your questions answered before you start. The more you know, the fewer surprises you’ll face.

Conclusion

Cassava farming in Nigeria is a proven path to profit, food security, and community impact—if you do it right. Start with the right land, choose the best cassava variety, plant at the right time, and manage your crop with care. Learn from others, keep good records, and always plan for the market before you harvest. With patience, persistence, and the tips in this guide, you can build a cassava business that grows year after year.

Key Takeaway: Success in cassava farming comes from smart planning, continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt. Start small, learn fast, and scale up as you gain experience. Your journey to profitable cassava farming starts now!

Dr. Mercy Diebiru-Ojo, IITA Seed System Specialist, emphasizes the collaborative effort needed for success: “For cassava to transform our economy, we need seamless collaboration across the entire value chain – from research institutions developing innovative varieties to private sector players creating market opportunities and government propelling.” This highlights the ecosystem of support available. Source: IITA News: World Cassava Day 2025: Propelling Nigeria and Africa towards agricultural transformation

See Also: More Cassava Farming Resources

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

Related Post:

• Which Farming Is More Profitable in Nigeria?
• How to Build a Successful Rice Farming Business in Nigeria
• Wheat Farming in Nigeria: Profit Guide

Ready to start your cassava farming journey? Ask questions, share your experience, or connect with other farmers in the comments below. For more cassava farming tips, cassava farming resources, and cassava farming success stories, keep exploring our site AgricBusiness.com.ng!