CASSAVA OPPORTUNTIES IN NIGERIA - FAO.org

Thailand currently has 200 pellet factories with a
total capacity of 10 million tonnes a year. At
present the EU quota is 5 million tonnes a year,
which means Thailand, is working at 50 percent
capacity equivalent to three to four months a year
and is quite ready to increase supply in response
to international demand.
4.3 NEW INITIATIVES
Returning to the Nigerian domestic market for
food and industrial goods and the farm modelling
exercise, one of the most interesting results
provided by the regional production models is the
estimates of the amount of cassava that could be
marketed as a result of the adoption of improved
production practices and improved varieties.
These results are highlighted in the following chart
and figures.
million tonnes
160.00
140.00
120.00
100.00
80.00
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00
2ha Only Yield & 2ha 1ha Only Yield 15 Yield 20
NC NE NW SE SS SW
Figure 4-8 Marketable Cassava by Alternative
Scenarios
The model suggests that improvements in
agronomic practices coupled with the use of
improved yields can lead to large increases in the
amount of cassava that could be marketed. This is
consistent with often-repeated statements that the
adoption of mosaic resistant cassava varieties
could lead to large increases in cassava
production.
The increase in marketable cassava changes the
relative importance of other marketable crops as
illustrated in Maps 4-3 and 4-4.
Map 4-3 is the base scenario of the model. It
illustrates that the South East and North Central
are the primary sources of marketable cassava.
The South West is identified as the primary
23
source of marketed yams and the North West as
the primary source of sorghum and maize.
Map 4-3 Primary Marketed Crops Base Scenario
The source and amount marketed changes for the
scenario of improved agronomic practices and
yields of 20 tonnes/ha is illustrated in Map 4-4.
All regions except the North East are identified as
potential marketers of cassava. The North Central
is identified as the region with the greatest
marketing potential while the North West, South
East, South South and South West have nearly
equal potential.