Cassava is a resilient and versatile crop, has long been a staple in many regions, especially across Africa. Its importance continues to grow, not just for subsistence farmers but also for commercial purposes. If any farmer is considering what crop to plant, here are compelling reasons why cassava should be at the top of the list.

1. Highly Profitable Crop

Cassava is a financial powerhouse in agriculture. Compared to maize, another popular crop, cassava offers significantly higher returns. In fact, the gross margins per hectare of cassava are three times higher than those of maize. This makes cassava an attractive option for farmers looking to maximize their profits. Whether you’re a smallholder farmer or a large-scale producer, cassava can provide a solid economic foundation for your farming business.

2. Cassava Has A Ready Market

One of the major challenges farmers face is finding a market for their produce. With cassava, this is rarely a problem. The domestic market for cassava is enormous, and the crop is in high demand for various industrial applications. Cassava is used in baking, the production of cardboards, packaging materials, beer brewing, starch, glue, and more. This means that whether you’re selling cassava chips, flour, or raw tubers, there will always be a buyer ready to take your produce.

3. Grow Cassava for Food Security

In an era of climate change and unpredictable weather patterns, crop resilience is critical. Cassava is known for its drought resistance, making it a reliable crop even in areas with low rainfall. This characteristic makes cassava an essential crop for household and national food security. In times of drought, when other crops may fail, cassava can still thrive and provide a steady food supply.

4. Easy Storage with Low Post-Harvest Losses

Cassava offers a unique advantage when it comes to storage. Unlike many crops that must be harvested and sold quickly to avoid spoilage, cassava can be left in the ground until needed. This flexibility reduces post-harvest losses, as farmers can harvest only what they need, when they need it. Additionally, any surplus can be stored underground, further minimizing waste and ensuring a stable food supply.

5. Disease Resistance and Low Maintenance

One of the reasons cassava is so popular among farmers is its resilience to diseases and pests. This crop requires minimal intervention in terms of insecticides or pesticides, making it cheaper and easier to manage. With fewer inputs required, cassava is a cost-effective crop that can thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions.

6. Versatility in Growing Conditions

Cassava is resilient, incredibly adaptable and can grow in a wide range of soil types and conditions. Whether your soil is rich and fertile or poor and degraded, cassava can still flourish. This versatility makes it an ideal crop for regions with varying soil fertility and is another reason why it’s a favorite among farmers across Africa.

7. Cassava Has Multiple Uses

Cassava is a crop with no waste. Every part of the plant can be utilized. The leaves are a nutritious vegetable, the stems are used for planting, and the roots or tubers can be processed into flour, chips, or eaten raw. This multi-functionality not only provides food security but also opens up numerous opportunities for value addition and income generation.

8. Cassava Is A Staple Food in Many Regions

Cassava is deeply rooted in the diets of many African regions. As a staple food, it provides essential carbohydrates and energy to millions of people. Its cultural and dietary significance ensures that demand for cassava remains strong, making it a reliable crop for farmers who want to secure a consistent market.

9. Simple Processing Methods

Processing cassava is straightforward and can be done with basic, traditional methods. Farmers can easily convert cassava into flour or chips through simple processes like soaking, sun drying, and pounding. This accessibility makes it a viable crop for smallholder farmers who may not have access to advanced processing technologies.

10. Huge Demand for Both Domestic and Industrial Use

The versatility of cassava extends to its market demand. Not only is it consumed domestically, but it is also sought after by various industries. From food production to manufacturing, the applications of cassava are vast. This dual demand ensures that farmers have multiple avenues for selling their produce, increasing profitability and market stability.

11. Cassava Is Ideal for Inter-cropping

Cassava plays well with others. It can be inter-cropped with a variety of other crops such as millet, groundnuts, and beans. This inter-cropping ability allows farmers to diversify their production and maximize land use efficiency. Growing multiple crops on the same plot not only improves soil health but also provides additional income streams.

12. No Need for Chemical Fertilizers

Another significant compelling reason to grow cassava is that it does not require chemical fertilizers. This reduces the cost of production and makes cassava an environmentally friendly crop. By avoiding synthetic inputs, farmers can maintain soil health and reduce their ecological footprint, aligning with sustainable farming practices.

13. Rich Source of Starch and Carbohydrates

Cassava is a powerhouse of nutrition, particularly when it comes to starch and carbohydrates. These nutrients are essential for energy and sustenance, making cassava an important food security crop. Its high nutritional value ensures that it remains a crucial component of diets across regions where food scarcity is a concern.

14. Complementary with Other Foods

Cassava is not just nutritious on its own; it also pairs well with other foods. It can be consumed with groundnuts, beans, and a variety of other crops, adding flavor and nutritional diversity to meals. Cassava flour, when mixed with maize meal, creates a tasty and filling dish, further enhancing its culinary appeal.

15. Huge Potential for Commercialization

As demand for cassava continues to grow, so does its potential for commercialization. With its wide range of industrial uses—from starch production to brewing—cassava is well-positioned to become a major commercial crop. Farmers who invest in cassava now are likely to benefit from its increasing market value in the future.

16. Nutritious and Medicinal Properties

Beyond its economic and agricultural benefits, to grow cassava also offers nutritional and medicinal properties. The leaves, in particular, are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet. Some traditional practices also use cassava leaves for medicinal purposes, adding another layer of value to this remarkable crop.