Study examines cassava farmers’ soil practices in Nigeria amid challenges

NIGERIA – A recent study conducted in Wasimi, Ogun State, by IITA–CGIAR and the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has provided important insights into soil quality assessment practices among cassava farmers in southwestern Nigeria.

The findings reveal a significant reliance on traditional knowledge for farming decisions, alongside challenges threatening productivity in the sector.

The study highlights a 36% drop in cassava yields over the past decade, which researchers link to factors like reduced rainfall and worsening soil degradation.

Farmers surveyed, with an average of 20 years of experience, predominantly manage medium-sized farms between two to five hectares.

A notable observation from the study is the dominance of middle-aged men in the farming population, raising concerns about the aging agricultural workforce and the declining involvement of younger generations.

“The aging farmer population poses a serious challenge for agricultural sustainability,” researchers noted, underscoring the need for targeted programs to attract youth to farming.

Cassava farmers in the region use traditional methods to evaluate soil quality and predict yields. Farmers favor black soil due to its perceived fertility and assess site suitability using vegetation cover as a key indicator.

To forecast harvest outcomes, they rely on visual indicators such as soil cracks and the physical appearance of cassava plants. Interestingly, these traditional methods align with scientific findings but tend to overestimate expected yields.

“The findings reveal a potential for integrating farmers’ indigenous knowledge with modern scientific techniques to improve soil management and cassava productivity,” the report stated.

Cassava remains a vital crop in Nigeria, with the country leading global production at an annual output exceeding 34 million tons.

Farmers primarily grow cassava on small-scale plots, using basic tools. The crop serves as both a staple food and a raw material for industrial uses, ranging from food products like gari, fufu, and lafun to processed goods such as ethanol, chips, syrups, and High-Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF).

However, cassava farming faces multiple challenges, including pests, diseases, and agronomic issues like land degradation. Limited market access and inadequate agricultural extension services further constrain farmers’ productivity.

The study emphasizes the need to combine traditional farming practices with scientific innovations to address soil degradation and yield declines effectively.

Sustainable approaches, such as agroforestry and soil nutrient management, are critical for securing the future of cassava farming in Nigeria.

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