Cassava is one of the most common crops in Nigeria, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Many people hear figures thrown around and assume cassava farming is automatic money. The truth is, cassava can be profitable, but only when the numbers are understood clearly.
This post breaks down, in realistic terms, how much you can make from 1 acre of cassava in Nigeria, what affects income, and what many first-time farmers overlook.
Why Cassava Is Popular in Nigeria
Cassava thrives in many parts of Nigeria. It tolerates poor soil better than many crops and has a ready market.
People grow cassava for:
- Garri
- Fufu
- Starch
- Industrial processing
This wide usage keeps demand steady throughout the year.
Understanding 1 Acre of Cassava
An acre is about 4,046 square meters. On average, with proper spacing, you can plant between 10,000 and 12,000 cassava stems per acre.
Spacing matters because:
- Too close reduces tuber size
- Too wide wastes land
Good spacing improves yield and ease of harvesting.
Cost of Establishing 1 Acre of Cassava
Before talking about profit, cost must be clear.
Land Preparation
- Clearing and preparation: ₦40,000 – ₦100,000
Cassava Stems
- Improved stems: ₦10 – ₦25 per stem
- Total: ₦100,000 – ₦300,000
Planting Labor
- ₦20,000 – ₦40,000
Weeding and Maintenance
- 2–3 weedings: ₦40,000 – ₦80,000
Fertilizer or Manure
- ₦30,000 – ₦70,000
Estimated total cost per acre:
₦230,000 – ₦590,000
Expected Yield From 1 Acre
Yield depends on:
- Cassava variety
- Soil quality
- Rainfall
- Maintenance
On average:
- Low management: 10–15 tonnes
- Moderate management: 15–25 tonnes
- Good management: 25–30 tonnes
For this breakdown, we’ll use 20 tonnes per acre as a realistic average.
Cassava Selling Options and Prices
Cassava income depends heavily on how you sell it.
Selling Fresh Tubers
- ₦25,000 – ₦40,000 per tonne
- 20 tonnes = ₦500,000 – ₦800,000
Selling to Processors
- Slightly lower price but guaranteed bulk sales
Processing Into Garri
Processing increases value but also adds cost.
Garri yield from cassava:
- 1 tonne of cassava ≈ 250–300kg garri
20 tonnes can produce about 5–6 tonnes of garri.
Average garri price:
- ₦350 – ₦600 per kg
Estimated revenue:
- ₦1.75 million – ₦3.6 million
Profit Scenarios
Scenario 1: Selling Fresh Cassava
- Revenue: ₦500,000 – ₦800,000
- Cost: ₦230,000 – ₦590,000
- Estimated profit: ₦150,000 – ₦400,000
Scenario 2: Processing Into Garri
- Revenue: ₦1.75m – ₦3.6m
- Additional processing cost applies
- Potential profit is higher but requires planning
Cassava rewards farmers who think beyond raw sales.
Hidden Factors That Affect Profit
Many people miss these:
- Harvest timing
- Transport cost
- Market location
- Post-harvest losses
Poor planning here can erase profit.
Common Mistakes in Cassava Farming
- Late planting
- Poor stems
- Skipping weeding
- Harvesting too early
Cassava looks simple but responds strongly to good management.
Is Cassava Worth It?
Cassava may not make you rich overnight, but it offers:
- Steady demand
- Multiple income options
- Low risk compared to many crops
When planned properly, one acre can serve as a strong foundation.
Cassava farming is not just about planting stems and waiting. Profit comes from understanding cost, yield, and market options. A well-managed acre performs far better than many poorly planned hectares.
If you are considering cassava farming or want to improve your returns, planning is key.
Follow Vantage Nigeria for practical farming insights, or reach out for guidance on setting up your farm sustainably.
