Over 50% of the Current Global Cassava Production is Cultivated in Africa

Much of the rise in global cassava production since the mid 1980’s was concentrated in Africa where the sector experienced a real boost. Over 50% of the current global cassava production is grown in Africa.

Cassava production is an important source of cash income as farmers sell large shares of their harvest. In other parts of Africa it is cultivated for security purposes as a food reserve in case of failures of their crops.

In 2021, global cassava production was estimated at 308 million tons, Africa’s total production was about 203 million tons (56% of the world’s global production) followed by Asia(84 million tons) and America with(26 million tons).

Cassava is one of Nigeria’s most common and staple crops. Accounting for about 26% of global production. Despite being the largest producer and harvester of cassava globally, more than 90% of cassava produced in Nigeria is processed as food and consumed locally.

Nigeria uses at most 10% for industrial production and less than 1% for export purposes to other countries. Other leading countries in total cassava area harvested are DR Congo(15%) Ghana(5%) and Angola(4%).