Cassava Farmers Face Significant Losses as Production Declines
Nigeria is grappling with substantial annual financial losses, estimated in the millions of naira, due to a concerning downturn in cassava production across the nation. This stark reality was highlighted by representatives of the Cassava Farmers Associations, who pointed to a confluence of challenges hindering the vital agricultural sector.
The revelations came to light during a comprehensive training initiative aimed at empowering 6,000 cassava farmers. This program, which included a facility tour of both the Fashola Agribusiness Hub in Oyo town and the Iseyin Local Government Area in Oyo State, shed light on the multifaceted issues plaguing the industry.
Many farmers, once dedicated to their craft, have reportedly been compelled to abandon their farms. This exodus from the land is attributed to a critical lack of adequate pest control facilities, insufficient managerial expertise, limited on-field practical training, and the unpredictable impacts of climate change, among other factors.
A Collaborative Effort to Revitalise Cassava Farming
The impactful training program is a collaborative undertaking, spearheaded by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF). This initiative is being executed in partnership with the National Root Crops Research Institute, Emudike, located in Abia State. Crucially, the project receives vital funding from the Germany-based GZI Foundation, underscoring international support for bolstering Nigerian agriculture.
Samuel Ogunleye, the AATF Project Coordinator, expressed optimism about the training’s profound benefits for participating farmers. He elaborated on the program’s scope and objectives:
- The training is meticulously designed to benefit a cohort of 6,000 cassava farmers drawn from all 33 local government areas within Oyo State.
- The program, conceptualised in 2023, officially commenced its rollout in 2024.
- Previous training sessions have already been successfully conducted in the Ido and Ibarapa regions, where over 1,200 farmers received instruction.
- The current training in Iseyin has drawn an impressive attendance of over 2,000 farmers.
Ogunleye further detailed the core tenets of the training, emphasizing its focus on enhancing farmer output and facilitating market access through the adoption of modern technologies.
In Iseyin, a state-of-the-art cassava processing machine has been made available, significantly easing the processing stages for local farmers. These farmers are provided access to this advanced machinery at a subsidised rate. Furthermore, the AATF is actively involved in assisting farmers in navigating the complexities of getting their produce to market.
Addressing the Decline: Expert Insights and Farmer Perspectives
Adeyemi Olojede, the team lead from the National Root Crops Research Institute, underscored the training’s primary objective: to directly confront and reverse the nationwide decline in cassava production. He highlighted the strategic timing of the training:
- The program is deliberately scheduled during the off-season to ensure maximum and active participation from farmers.
- Key challenges confronting farmers are systematically identified and discussed, with practical and effective solutions being proposed and shared.
The impact of this initiative has resonated deeply with the farmers themselves. In separate interviews, several beneficiaries, including Funmilayo Aderoju, Adewuyi Olusegun, Raimo Oladepo, and Ayo Ogundare, lauded the program, unequivocally describing the training as a “game-changer.”
The consensus among these farmers is that Nigeria is indeed forfeiting millions of naira annually due to the persistent decline in cassava output.
Funmilayo Aderoju shared her enthusiasm, stating, “I was so excited for this training because I’ve learnt a lot. I am highly impressed. I want to appeal to the government to assist us so that we can produce cassava in large quantities for the benefit of all and sundry.”
Adewuyi Olusegun echoed this sentiment, adding, “I was so impressed as well. This training will reduce our stress – I mean the farmers’ stress – about the planting and cultivation of cassava. This is a game-changer, and I want to appeal to the government to subsidise both the hybrid cassava stocks and fertiliser for us. Unlike before, I don’t normally use or apply fertilisers to my crops while planting or germinating. But with this training, I will also go back to enlightening my co-farmers.”
Raimo Oladepo articulated a personal struggle that many farmers can relate to. He explained, “I was already discouraged before that I would not go into farming next year, 2027, because of debts I incurred in both 2024 and 2025. This is 2026, and I have vowed that I will not go ahead again but this training opened my eyes to mistakes which I will never make again, because Nigerian farmers are losing millions of naira yearly to the decline in cassava production nationwide.”
Ayo Ogundare expressed gratitude towards the program’s initiators, highlighting a crucial aspect of agricultural safety he learned. “What I learnt in that training was how to protect myself during fumigation or when applying fertilisers or chemicals to the farm produce. I was made to realise that those chemicals are hazardous,” he stated.
The collective feedback underscores the urgent need for continued investment and support in Nigeria’s cassava sector, not only to mitigate financial losses but also to ensure food security and enhance the livelihoods of countless farming communities.
