Cassava’s crucial role in Africa’s food security and industrialisation was reaffirmed at the three-day Africa Cassava Conference in Abuja, where experts, policymakers, and industry leaders highlighted the crop’s economic and nutritional importance.
Dr. Henry Emejuo, Director-General of the Pan-African Organisation for Small and Medium Industries, described cassava as an indispensable staple in African households and a versatile industrial raw material used in the production of ethanol, high-quality flour, sorbitol, and other manufacturing inputs.
Delegates from more than seven African countries examined policy, technical, and scientific issues shaping the cassava value chain. Speakers, including representatives from the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association and academics from South Sudan and Ghana, emphasized the need for improved farming practices, financing, mechanization, and stronger cross-country collaboration.
Participants noted that Nigeria’s leadership in cassava production offers a model for other nations, particularly in extension services, processing, marketing, and research.
Prof. Emmanuel Bobobee of Ghana highlighted the transformative potential of mechanised cassava harvesting, while Prof. Michael Kento of South Sudan expressed interest in adopting Nigeria’s innovations to boost his country’s food security and industrial growth.
The conference concluded with a call to position cassava at the core of Africa’s next phase of industrial development, capped by a dinner and awards recognising notable contributors to the sector.
