Food insecurity and malnutrition are major global issues, especially in Africa. Despite the high production of cassava recorded, Africa still struggles with low yields due to poor quality seeds, inadequate fertilizers and irrigation systems. Yields have remained at about 8–10 tons per hectare, compared to over 20 tons per hectare in Asia. Post-harvest losses remain high, ranging from 30–40% due to poor storage systems and facilities.
Other challenges are erratic weather due to climate change; poor infrastructure such as road networks and water supply; limited access to finance as smallholder farmers struggle to secure credits for investments in modern farming practices. The situation is further worsened by security challenges across Africa. In Nigeria, insurgency, herdsmen/farmers skirmishes, and kidnappings have greatly impacted agricultural production, necessitating the move towards smarter production measures and practices.
The Governments in Africa have shown commitment to advancing agricultural productivity and value chain development through several policies and initiatives. Laudable targets have been set to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty by raising economic growth through agriculture-led development as well as to promote increased national budgetary provision to the agricultural sector.
The Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), a framework under the African Union, is one such programme, encouraging countries to allocate at least 10% of national budgets to agriculture, to achieve annual GDP growth of 6%. Under the Malabo Declaration of 2014, Africa’s heads of states committed to enhancing agricultural productivity, increasing intra-African trade, and reducing post-harvest losses by 50%.
Conference Goals
ACC2025 aims to bring together stakeholders from government, research institutions, industry, and farming communities to discuss strategies for enhancing productivity, value addition, and sustainability.
Technology & Innovation
Explore how emerging technologies such as AI, smart systems, and data analytics can revolutionize cassava production, processing, and market access.
Global Investments
Governments worldwide are investing in smart farming solutions, AI-driven crop monitoring, and digital extension services to empower farmers with real-time data.
Knowledge Sharing
The conference will provide a platform for governments and actors to learn, interact, and share knowledge on challenges and opportunities for sustainable cassava production.
