Top 20 Cassava Producing States in Nigeria

Cassava is a key staple crop for millions of Nigerians. Along with corn, millet, yam, and rice, it forms part of the country's dietary staple in many regions. The tuber crop serves as food or feedstuff for domestic livestock such as pigs, goats, and chickens. Some experts have described it as 'the crop that feeds Nigeria.'

In this article, we will look at 20 top cassava-producing States in Nigeria. We will explore how much each state produces. Additionally, we will define what actions are taken to boost production from these states and improve overall cassava production nationwide.

1. Oyo

Oyo is one of the top cassava producing states in Nigeria. It is located in the southwestern part of the country and has a population of over 6 million people. In Oyo State, cassava farming is done mainly by smallholder farmers.

The soil and climatic conditions in the state are favorable for cassava production, which is why it is widely cultivated in the area. And the major cassava-growing areas in Oyo State include Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Saki, and Oyo.

2. Ogun

Ogun is the second largest cassava producing state in Nigeria. It is located in the southwestern part of the country and has a population of over 6 million people. Ogun State is known for its high-yielding varieties of cassava, which are grown mainly by smallholder farmers.

Due to this, the government and other organizations have made efforts to increase credit availability for cassava farmers in Ogun State. This has helped farmers invest in their farms and improve their production practices.

Even the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) is set to boost cassava production in Ogun State, Nigeria, by establishing a packaging plant. The plant will be located in the Ikenne Local Government Area and is expected to help increase cassava production by providing farmers with modern processing and packaging technologies.

3. Anambra

Cassava is widely grown in Anambra State and is an important staple crop for many families. The smallholder farmers with small plots of land mostly practice this farming along with other crops. These crops include maize, yam, and vegetables.

In Anambra State, they often practice cassava farming using traditional farming practices. These include manual labor and simple tools.

Hence, it has limited the efficiency and productivity of cassava farming in the state. But there have been efforts to introduce modern farming practices to improve yields and quality.

4. Edo

One of the top cassava producing states in Nigeria is Edo state. It is located in the south-south region of the country and has a population of over 6 million people.

Cassava farming is widely practiced in Edo State, with smallholder farmers cultivating it on their small plots of land. The soil and climatic conditions in the state are favorable for cassava production, which is why it is widely cultivated in the area.

The Ministry of Agriculture in Nigeria recently distributed cassava planting materials to over 300 farmers in Edo and Katsina States. This is part of the government's efforts to promote food security and economic development in the country. The materials included cassava tubers, the main source of starch for many Nigerians.

5. Taraba

Taraba is renowned for its high cassava yield in Nigeria. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) has recently announced a major initiative to support over 19,000 rice and cassava farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria.

This project is part of IFAD's commitment to helping smallholder farmers increase their incomes and improve their livelihoods. The project will provide farm inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizers, tools, and other necessary materials to the farmers. Also, it will provide training on best practices in farming techniques and access to markets for their produce.

6. Benue

Benue is among the top cassava producing states in Nigeria. The farmers of Benue State are taking advantage of the increasing value of cassava processing to boost their production and income.

With two large cassava processing plants in Makurdi and Ukum Local Government Areas, owned by Chinese nationals, the farmers can access new markets for their produce. This has enabled them to increase their production and generate more income than they would have done with other crops.

7. Imo

In Imo state, cassava farming is prevalent and an important income source for many smallholder farmers. The state government has taken several initiatives to promote cassava production.

These include providing improved cassava varieties, training farmers on best practices in farming techniques, and providing access to markets for their produce.

8. Ondo

Ondo is also one of the top cassava producing states in Nigeria. Recently, the Ondo State government has taken steps to support the development of the cassava sector in the state. Even an organization has recently engaged no fewer than 2,450 farmers in cassava production. This project aims to boost cassava production for economic development and provides opportunities for farmers. 

9. Delta

Delta state is one of the top cassava producing states in Nigeria. The state has a favorable climate and soil conditions for cassava production, which makes it an ideal location for farmers to cultivate the crop.

The Delta State government has taken several initiatives to promote cassava production. These include providing improved cassava varieties, training farmers on best practices in farming techniques, and providing access to markets for their produce.

10. Enugu

Cassava farming is an important agricultural activity in Enugu State, Nigeria. The state has a favorable climate for growing cassava, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil. Cassava is a staple food for many people in the region. It is also used for industrial purposes such as gari, fufu, and other processed foods.

However, cassava farmers in Enugu State are facing a major challenge due to the dearth of flour processing machines. This has hindered their efforts to produce cassava flour for bakers, according to the state Chairman of the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association (NCGA), Mr. Romanus Ezeh. 

11. Cross River

Cross River is one of the top cassava producing states in Nigeria. Because of this prevalent farming practice, several studies have been carried out. One of the several studies aimed to investigate the effects of soil properties such as texture, organic matter content, pH, and nutrient availability on cassava production in this region.

The results showed significant variations in soil properties across the study area, with some areas having higher levels of organic matter content, higher pH values, and better nutrient availability than others. These variations directly impacted cassava production, with areas with higher levels of organic matter content and better nutrient availability showing higher yields than those with lower parameters.

12. Ekiti

Ekiti is no exception in Nigeria's list of top cassava-producing states. Because the government wants more progress on cassava farming in the state, they have partnered with private investors to establish a cassava farming and processing industry in Ekiti State. This project is estimated to create 10,950 indirect and 5,350 direct jobs in Nigeria.

13. Rivers

Cassava production in Rivers State, Nigeria, is a major agricultural activity providing sustenance and livelihoods to many rural communities. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, such as inadequate credit facilities, poor infrastructure, lack of modern technology, and limited market access.

14. Abia

In Abia, cassava production is an important agricultural activity. Though the state has challenges, the government has taken a major step in addressing them. Some of the steps they took included equipping smallholder farmers with the necessary skills to increase their productivity. Participants were taught about modern farming techniques such as land preparation, planting materials selection, and more.

15. Kwara

In Kwara State of Nigeria, different farming technologies produce cassava. These technologies vary from traditional methods to more modern approaches such as mechanization and improved varieties. As these technologies differ in energy requirements, researchers have conducted several studies to understand how they affect energy use in cassava production.

16. Osun

Osun is another state in the South West region that highly honors cassava farming. The state government has taken several steps to promote cassava production. For example, they have established a Cassava Processing Plant to process cassava into flour and other products for local consumption and export.

17. Kogi

Kogi state doesn't joke when it comes to cassava production. The state government has taken several steps to promote the sector by announcing plans for the first-ever Cassava City Day, an event exploring the potential of cassava production in the state.

The event is being organized by Kogi Agricultural Development Project (ADP) in collaboration with the Kogi Ministry of Agriculture. Furthermore, the program will teach participants how to take advantage of the possibilities in growing, processing, storing, and selling cassava.

18. Niger

Niger is among the top cassava producing states in Nigeria. The governor recently inaugurated a cassava processing industry in Lokogoma, Wushishi Local Government Area of the state. The factory was established at the cost of N150 million and is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development Value Chain Development Programme. 

This cassava processing factory is expected to create jobs and provide an additional source of income for local communities. It will also help boost agricultural productivity in Niger State by providing farmers access to modern technology and equipment.

19. Akwa Ibom

Cassava farming in Akwa Ibom has the potential to contribute significantly to the state's economy by providing income to farmers, creating jobs in related industries, and improving food security.

However, for the full potential of cassava farming to be realized, it is important to address some of the challenges farmers face, such as the lack of access to modern farming techniques.

20. Ebonyi

The last on this list of the top cassava producing states in Nigeria is Ebonyi. That part of Nigeria enjoys cassava-based foods such as fufu, gari, and akpu. Thus, the state government has taken several steps to promote cassava production. 

Conclusion

Cassava production is an important agricultural activity in Nigeria, and many states have taken steps to promote it. From Abia to Ebonyi, these top 20 cassava-producing states are making efforts to increase productivity, provide access to modern farming techniques, and create jobs in related industries.