Cassava value chain and food security issues in Nigeria: A Case Study of IFAD-VCDP Intervention in Taraba State

Nigeria is the largest cassava producing country in the world. Taraba state is one of the top 5 leading producers of cassava in Nigeria. Despite its large scale production of the crop, most existing literatures covers cassava production in the southern forest belt of the country, with little or not much on cassava production in Taraba State. It is against this background that the study examines cassava value chain and food security issues in Nigeria using the case of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) value chain development programme (VCDP) intervention in Taraba State Nigeria. Cassava is generally produced as food crop and industrial raw material for starch, high quality cassava floor, ethanol, cassava chips and pellets. A number of constraints in the cassava value chain emerged which were not initially foreseen. An innovation fund was approved in 2012 to allow the programme to respond to these challenges. Value addition to local cassava is essential, to reduce the bulkiness of fresh tuber, minimize post-harvest loses, increase shelf life, stabilize product prices and facilitate easy transportation from farm to local or urban markets. The data for this study were generated through secondary (desk) research and archival materials. The findings of the study reveals that IFAD-VCDP intervention only covers 5 LGAs in Taraba State (Takum, Gassol, Wukari, Ardo-kola and Karim-Lamido LGAs). Towards the end of the year 2020, 3 additional LGAs were added which include Bali, Jalingo and Donga LGA. The programme was able to carry out sensitization of stakeholders and training of about 30 leaders of farmer organizations (FOs) in each of the selected LGAs. The programme trained farmers on how to develop appropriate and usable business plan, financial management and record keeping systems. About 25 participating farmer groups were able to access credit from financial institutions, 24 groups received inputs in cassava production. Some of the challenges include inadequate funding, lack of adequate support to the marketing component, inadequate clean water and lack of improved mechanized cassava processing equipment. Based on the findings, the study recommended increase support for cassava marketers, financial linkages and establishment of more cassava processing centres.