Cassava (Manioc)

Cassava is the third largest source of food carbohydrates in the tropics and a lifeline crop for over 800 million people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It is uniquely drought-tolerant, grows on poor soils, and can be left in the ground unharvested for up to 2 years as a living food reserve. This makes it the ultimate food security crop for subsistence farmers. Nigeria is the world's largest producer. Cassava roots are processed into flour (gari, fufu), starch, tapioca, and animal feed. The leaves are also eaten as a vegetable rich in protein and vitamins. However, cassava contains cyanogenic glucosides and must be properly processed before consumption to remove cyanide.

Cassava (Manioc) is susceptible to 2 known diseases. Early detection is critical — use the CuraPlant app to scan leaves and get an instant AI diagnosis.

1. 1

   Use healthy, disease-free stem cuttings (stakes) from certified sources

2. 2

   Plant stakes at 45° angle with 2/3 buried, 1 × 1 m spacing

3. 3

   Weed thoroughly during first 3 months — cassava is slow to establish canopy

4. 4

   Do NOT apply excessive nitrogen — it promotes tops at the expense of root yield

5. 5

   Harvest when roots reach desired size (8-18 months) — leaving too long reduces starch quality

6. 6

   Process roots within 48 hours of harvest to prevent post-harvest deterioration

Strategic companion planting reduces pest pressure, improves pollination, and can significantly increase yields.

Active climate zones for Cassava (Manioc) are highlighted below.