Cassava Area Harvested by Country

Cassava is a staple crop in many tropical regions, with large-scale cultivation seen across countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The area harvested for cassava varies significantly between countries. Nigeria leads the world in cassava area harvested, followed by DR Congo, Thailand, and Ivory Coast. This analysis looks at the top cassava-producing countries by the area harvested and highlights the growing global importance of this crop.

Top Countries by Cassava Area Harvested

1. Nigeria: 9,878,773 hectares
2. DR Congo: 5,541,174 hectares
3. Thailand: 1,482,873 hectares
4. Ivory Coast: 1,351,756 hectares
5. Brazil: 1,201,440 hectares
6. Uganda: 1,152,305 hectares
7. Angola: 1,119,071 hectares
8. Ghana: 1,056,216 hectares
9. Tanzania: 984,122 hectares
10. Mozambique: 873,953 hectares
11. Indonesia: 647,938 hectares
12. Cambodia: 586,180 hectares
13. Cameroon: 530,770 hectares
14. Vietnam: 512,303 hectares
15. Zambia: 445,001 hectares
16. Benin: 444,943 hectares
17. Guinea: 357,090 hectares
18. Madagascar: 323,715 hectares
19. Togo: 317,078 hectares
20. China: 313,179 hectares

Factors Influencing Cassava Area Harvested

The area harvested for cassava is influenced by a combination of factors, including land availability, demand for the crop, and government policies. Countries with large areas dedicated to cassava farming, such as Nigeria and DR Congo, rely heavily on cassava as a key food and economic crop. These countries are also expanding their cassava production to meet domestic and international demand.

Regional Distribution of Cassava Farming

Cassava is widely grown in Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria, DR Congo, and Ghana, where it serves as a vital food crop. In Southeast Asia, Thailand and Indonesia contribute significantly to global production, while Latin American countries like Brazil also have substantial cassava farming areas. The crop's ability to thrive in diverse climates makes it an essential crop for food security worldwide.

Growth in Global Cassava Production

As demand for cassava grows, driven by both food and industrial uses, the area harvested is likely to expand. Investments in agricultural technology and improved farming practices are expected to increase yields and expand cassava cultivation in both established and emerging markets. This trend will continue to support cassava's role as a critical crop for poverty alleviation and food security in many developing regions.

Challenges and Opportunities for Cassava Farming

Despite its importance, cassava farming faces challenges such as pests, diseases, and poor soil fertility. However, there are significant opportunities for improvement through better land management, sustainable farming practices, and the development of high-yielding, disease-resistant cassava varieties. These advancements can help boost cassava production and meet the increasing demand for the crop.