How Much Can You Really Earn from a 1 to 10-Acre Cassava Farm in Nigeria? From an Investor’s Real Experience
Cassava is one of Nigeria’s most valuable and widely grown crops. It feeds millions daily, powers small businesses, and serves as the foundation for countless products—from garri and fufu to starch and industrial ethanol. But for investors, one big question stands out: how much money can you truly earn from cassava farming?
You may have heard stories of huge profits, simple farming, and eager buyers. But what’s the reality? If you’re considering investing in a 1 to 10-acre cassava farm, this guide will give you a realistic breakdown—covering startup costs, expected yields, market pricing, and real-world income scenarios.
What You Need to Start
Before you can farm, you need land. If you already own land, that reduces your startup costs significantly. But if not, farmland in states like Oyo, Ogun, or Ekiti costs around ₦500,000 to ₦800,000 per acre, depending on location and accessibility.
Example Land Cost (If You Don’t Already Own Land):
- 1 acre: ₦500,000 – ₦800,000
- 5 acres: ₦2.5M – ₦4M
- 10 acres: ₦5M – ₦8M
Once you have your land, your next major expenses include land clearing, ploughing/ridging, cassava stem purchase, and labour.
Estimated Setup Costs per Acre:
| Item | Cost per Acre (Low – High) | 5 Acres (Avg) | 10 Acres (Avg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land Clearing | ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 | ₦375,000 | ₦750,000 |
| Ploughing/Ridging | ₦40,000 – ₦50,000 | ₦225,000 | ₦450,000 |
| Cassava Stems (Bundles @ ₦4,000 – ₦5,000 each) | ₦48,000 – ₥60,000 | ₦260,000 | ₦520,000 |
| Labour (season-long) | ₦70,000 – ₦100,000 | ₦400,000 | ₦800,000 |
Note: Actual prices vary by location and season.
How Much Can You Harvest?
Cassava takes 9 to 12 months to mature. With proper care, one acre can yield 10 to 15 tonnes of fresh tubers. However, many new farmers get around 8 to 10 tonnes per acre due to inexperience or environmental challenges.
Expected Yield:
| Acreage | Conservative Yield (Tonnes) | Good Yield (Tonnes) |
| 1 acre | 8 – 10 | 12 – 15 |
| 5 acres | 40 – 50 | 60 – 75 |
| 10 acres | 80 – 100 | 120 – 150 |
Cassava Market Prices
Prices for fresh cassava fluctuate. During harvest, prices may drop to ₦25,000 per tonne, while during dry season, prices can go up to ₦55,000 per tonne or more. For this breakdown, we use a moderate average of ₦35,000 per tonne.
Gross Revenue Estimation (Using ₦35,000/Tonne):
| Acreage | Low Yield (Tonnes) | Gross Income (Low) | High Yield (Tonnes) | Gross Income (High) |
| 1 acre | 8 | ₦280,000 | 15 | ₦525,000 |
| 5 acres | 40 | ₦1.4M | 75 | ₦2.6M |
| 10 acres | 80 | ₦2.8M | 150 | ₦5.25M |
What Affects Your Profit the Most?
- Soil Quality: Cassava thrives in loose, well-drained soil.
- Timing: Late planting or harvesting affects yields and pricing.
- Labour Supervision: Poor labour can reduce yield and quality.
- Market Access: Delays in selling = price drops and transport costs.
- Pests & Disease: Mealybugs, cassava mosaic, and stem rot can be devastating.
Beyond Selling Tubers: How to Earn More
Many farmers sell only fresh tubers. But there are additional revenue streams:
1. Processing into Garri, Fufu, or Chips:
Processed cassava products often fetch better prices and have more stable demand. Garri in particular offers high margins for local and export markets.
2. Selling Cassava Stems:
A healthy farm can yield quality stems worth ₦300,000 to ₦600,000 from 5 to 10 acres during planting seasons.
3. Leasing Cleared Land:
After harvesting, lease your cleared land to vegetable farmers for extra passive income.
Common Mistakes New Investors Make
- Thinking cassava is a passive business: It still requires planning and management.
- Ignoring farm visits: Monitor contractors and labourers.
- Not planning for market access: You should know your buyer before harvest.
Is Cassava Farming Worth It?
Yes—if done right. A 1 to 10-acre cassava farm won’t make you rich overnight but can provide steady profits and long-term growth.
Treat it like a real business, invest in good management, and reinvest profits into better soil practices, improved stems, and scale. Success improves with each farming cycle.
Want to Start a Cassava Farm with Support?
Newwine Realty Limited helps farmland investors succeed in Nigeria. From vetted land and experienced farm managers, we support you every step of the way.
Whether you’re starting with 1 acre or scaling up to 10, we help you farm smarter.
Ready to begin your cassava farming journey? Visit newwinerealty.com.ng to get started.
