How to Farm Cassava in Nigeria

Land Selection and Soil Preparation

Cassava grows best in well-drained, loamy to sandy-loam soils with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils which cause root rot. Clear land of debris, stumps, and weeds. Plough to a depth of 20–25cm and harrow to break up large clods.

Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels before planting. Apply lime if pH is below 5.5. Incorporate organic matter (compost or well-rotted manure at 5–10 tonnes/ha) to improve soil structure and water retention.

Form mounds or ridges 30–45cm high to improve drainage, aeration, and ease of harvest. Standard spacing for commercial production is 1m × 1m (10,000 plants/ha).

Selecting and Preparing Cassava Stem Cuttings

Cassava is propagated through stem cuttings (stakes), not seeds. Select stems from healthy, disease-free plants that are 8–12 months old. The middle portion of the stem (not the very tip or base) gives the best results.

Cut stems into 20–25cm lengths with 3–5 nodes each using a clean, sharp machete. Treat cut ends with a fungicide (Thiram or Captan) to prevent rot. Store cuttings in shade for no more than 72 hours before planting.

Planting Cassava in Nigeria

The optimal planting period is March–May in southern Nigeria (onset of the long rains) and June–July in the north. In bimodal rainfall zones, a second planting window opens September–October.

Plant cuttings horizontally (flat) or at a 45° angle into the top of mounds to a depth of 5–8cm, leaving 2–3 nodes above ground. Horizontal planting produces more tubers; vertical planting in waterlogged conditions reduces rot risk.

Weed Control

Weeds are the biggest yield reducer in cassava farming. The first 3–4 months are the critical weed control period. Weed at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after planting. After month 4, the cassava canopy shades out most weeds.

Options include: manual weeding with hoe (most common in Nigeria), pre-emergence herbicides (Atrazine + Metolachlor), or cover cropping with legumes like cowpea between rows.

Fertiliser Application

Cassava responds well to fertilisation, especially on depleted soils. Apply NPK 15:15:15 at 400kg/ha six weeks after planting. A second application of sulphate of potash (Muriate of Potash) at 200kg/ha at 3–4 months boosts tuber development.

Organic alternatives: apply compost or poultry manure at 5–10 tonnes/ha before planting. Phosphorus is critical for root establishment; potassium for tuber quality and starch accumulation.

Pest and Disease Management

Key pests: Cassava Mealybug (Phenacoccus manihoti) — causes stunting and leaf curling. Managed with biological control agent Epidinocarsis lopezi. Cassava Green Mite (Mononychellus tanajoa) — causes angular leaf mosaic; use resistant varieties. Variegated Grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus) — defoliates; control with insecticides in outbreak situations.

Key diseases: Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) — plant resistant varieties. Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) — use certified planting material. Cassava Bacterial Blight — avoid overhead irrigation and wounded stems.

Harvesting Cassava in Nigeria

Cassava is ready to harvest 12–18 months after planting, depending on variety and purpose. Indicators of maturity include yellowing and dropping of lower leaves, and easily loosened roots when tested. Early harvest (9–12 months) is possible with quick-maturing varieties but reduces yield and dry matter.

Harvest by manually removing the stem, then lifting roots with a hoe or cassava lifter. Process or sell within 48 hours — fresh cassava roots deteriorate rapidly due to Post-Harvest Physiological Deterioration (PPD). For delayed processing, waxing or water immersion extends shelf life by 4–7 days.