Plant cassava in Plateau? Think again. This hardy, calorie-rich crop has earned its place as a staple food across Nigeria, particularly in the southern and central regions.
Its role as a cash crop in Plateau State remains questionable.
For decades, cassava has been celebrated for its resilience and economic value.
Yet, these benefits do not translate equally across all geographical terrains.
In Plateau State, a unique blend of climatic, economic, and infrastructural challenges has made cassava an unattractive option for farmers looking to generate meaningful income.
Plant Cassava In Plateau? Think Again
First, the climatic conditions in Plateau State differ markedly from the cassava-producing powerhouses like Benue, Ogun, and Cross River.
Cassava thrives in lowland, humid, and warm tropical climates.
In contrast, much of Plateau State, especially the northern and central zones, is characterized by a cooler climate and higher altitude.
These conditions, while beneficial for crops like Irish potatoes, maize, and vegetables, are not optimal for high-yield cassava cultivation.
Farmers in areas such as Barkin Ladi, Jos North, and Mangu often report stunted cassava growth and delayed maturity compared to their counterparts in Nigeria’s more humid regions.
Additionally, cassava farming requires more than just favorable weather, it demands adequate processing infrastructure.
Plant Cassava In Plateau? Think Again
Unlike in southern Nigeria where communities are dotted with modern garri processing facilities and cassava flour mills, Plateau State lacks sufficient infrastructure to support large-scale cassava commercialization.
In areas like Shendam and Mikang where cassava is more common, local farmers still rely on traditional processing methods that are labor-intensive and inefficient.
As a result, the value chain remains stunted, discouraging farmers from scaling up production for commercial purposes.
Transportation is another key deterrent. Most rural roads in Plateau State are poorly maintained, making it difficult for farmers to transport bulky cassava roots to urban markets or processing centers.
For instance, a cassava farmer in Quan’Pan might find it logistically and financially exhausting to move produce to Jos or other nearby markets without incurring heavy losses from spoilage or high transportation costs.
Unlike grains, cassava is highly perishable and requires timely harvesting and processing—an almost impossible task under the prevailing road conditions.
Furthermore, market demand in Plateau State does not favor cassava as a cash crop.
Unlike yam or maize which enjoy high market turnover and price stability, cassava products are not in particularly high demand in the urban markets of Plateau.
Plant Cassava In Plateau? Think Again
Gari and fufu, for example, are consumed more in southern and southeastern parts of Nigeria, limiting the local market scope for cassava-based products.
A farmer producing gari in Bokkos will struggle to find competitive buyers unless they have strong connections outside the state.
Economic viability is perhaps the most decisive factor.
When calculating return on investment, many Plateau farmers find cassava less profitable compared to other crops.
Irish potatoes, for example, have a short maturation period (as little as 90 days) and enjoy premium prices, especially during scarcity.
Cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes also thrive in the Plateau climate and provide quicker, more lucrative returns.
Even maize, though not as profitable as potatoes, still offers better consistency in output and market value than cassava.
There is also the issue of agricultural policy and support.
Most of the cassava-focused interventions by both federal and state governments are concentrated in the southern states.
Plant Cassava In Plateau? Think Again
Programs like the Cassava Transformation Agenda have rarely filtered down to Plateau in a meaningful way.
Extension services, improved cassava stem varieties, and fertilizer subsidies are either unavailable or inconsistent.
A cassava farmer in Langtang South has a slim chance of receiving the same level of government support as one in Oyo or Ekiti.
A case study from Shendam LGA illustrates the dilemma. In 2021, a group of rural women organized a cassava cooperative with the aim of supplying gari to Jos and neighboring communities.
They were able to cultivate cassava on over 15 hectares of land. However, due to inadequate processing equipment and limited access to markets, nearly half of their harvest was lost.
The group eventually dissolved, and many members returned to cultivating more reliable crops like maize and soybeans
. Their story is just one among many that underscore the challenges of treating cassava as a commercial venture in Plateau State.
Moreover, land use patterns in Plateau further complicate cassava farming.
Farmlands are often fragmented and shared among family members, limiting the potential for expansive cassava cultivation.
Plant Cassava In Plateau? Think Again
The labor required to prepare, plant, weed, and harvest cassava on these fragmented plots discourages younger farmers who are already seeking less labor-intensive alternatives.
Despite all these, it’s important to note that cassava still holds cultural and subsistence value in Plateau.
Many families grow it for home consumption, using the roots to make local delicacies like alibo (cassava flour) or tapioca.
In this context, cassava remains relevant. However, when viewed strictly from a commercial lens, the odds are stacked against it.
To transform cassava into a viable cash crop in Plateau State, several structural adjustments would be required: improved infrastructure, access to modern processing technology, stronger market linkages, and targeted government support.
Until then, the realistic approach for any Plateau farmer seeking profit is to prioritize crops better suited to the region’s unique agro-ecological and economic conditions.
In conclusion, while cassava may be king in many parts of Nigeria, it struggles to wear the crown in Plateau State.
The realities on the ground, climate, infrastructure, market dynamics, and profitability, make it a risky and often unwise investment for those farming with cash flow in mind.
So if you’re considering planting cassava in Plateau for commercial gain, think again.
Plant Cassava In Plateau? Think Again