A major step that could revive the cassava bread initiative aimed at integrating High-Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) into breadmaking has been launched in Nigeria.
The latest initiative, which forms part of the “Mechanization of Cassava Production and Processing in Nigeria” project, spearheaded by African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) comes after over a decade that a similar initiative launched and vigorously pursued by the then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina was unceremoniously dumped, leading to loss of opportunities.
Now, a new door of opportunity may have been opened for the West African country renowned for being the biggest producers of Cassava in the world.
According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), cassava production in Nigeria is by far the largest in the world, one third more than in Brazil and almost double the volume of production in Indonesia and Thailand. Although cassava production in other African countries, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda appears big, the FAO describes them as being small in comparison to Nigeria’s substantial output.
Beginning with a training of trainers from the South West region, Nigerian bakers are being empowered to effectively to enhance cassava utilization and strengthen the cassava value chain by equipping processors with the skills needed to produce bread and other confectioneries using a blend of HQCF and wheat flour in a 20:80 ratio.
Out of 200 trained processors, 10 were selected for advanced training as lead trainers. These individuals are now set to cascade their knowledge to others, fostering widespread adoption of the technology.
Out of 200 trained processors, 10 were selected for advanced training as lead trainers. These individuals are now set to cascade their knowledge to others, fostering widespread adoption of the technology.
The training, conducted at Quality Bakery in Abuja by the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), FCT Abuja Chapter, included processors from Oyo State project clusters and representatives from Pacific Ring West Africa (PRWA)/GIZ and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).
The project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the Fund for the Promotion of Innovation in Agriculture (i4Ag), is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in partnership with AATF, Agridrive Ltd., and Clayuca Corporation.
The project seeks to address critical challenges faced by cassava farmers, including low yields, high post-harvest losses, and limited access to modern processing technologies. By introducing mechanization, digital tools, and best agronomic practices (GAP), the initiative aims to enhance efficiency, improve incomes, and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s cassava value chain.
A robust capacity-building program is central to the project, targeting 6,000 cassava farmers and 1,000 processors. In 2024, the initiative trained 1,000 farmers and 200 processors in Oyo State. In 2025, plans are in place to train 2,000 farmers (1,000 each in Oyo and Ogun States) and 300 processors (200 in Ogun and 100 in Oyo). The program will conclude in 2026 with the training of 3,000 farmers and 500 processors, solidifying its impact across the region.
This revitalized effort underscores Nigeria’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and leveraging cassava as a key driver for food security and economic growth
