BASICS-II: Building an Economically Sustainable and Integrated Cassava Seed System

Project description / objective

To transform the cassava seed sector in Nigeria and Tanzania by developing sustainable early generation seed systems through public-private partnerships, linking them to networks of entrepreneurs and processors who multiply, distribute and sell improved planting material - with potential replication across Africa.

Market systems focus

Cassava processing and value addition

Quality stem supply and early generation seed (EGS) strengthening

Cassava industrialisation has a vast potential to drive economic development in Nigeria. Yet processors lack reliable access to high-quality stems for their in-house operations and outgrowers, limiting the consistent root supply needed to enhance capacity utilisation and processing efficiency.

Programme approach

Building a commercially viable cassava seed value chain by integrating breeders, government regulatory agencies, processors, seed companies and farmers through public-private collaboration. Led by IITA and its partners, the initiative provides technical assistance and business support to enhance seed quality, market access and sustainability, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s cassava industry while promoting an inclusive, market-driven, and scalable seed system transformation.

Programme interventions

Cassava processing and value addition (quality stem supply and EGS strengthening)

Cassava root production
Provision of technical and business assistance to cassava processors and outgrowers for efficient root production.

Cassava stem multiplication
Building the capacity of processors and outgrowers in post-harvest handling, packaging and storage of cassava stems to maintain a reliable supply of high-quality planting material for sustained cassava root production.

Strengthening processor–outgrower supply systems
Established structured processor–outgrower contractual arrangements that enable smallholder farmers to access quality cassava stems for root production while securing a reliable supply of high-quality cassava roots for processor feedstock.

Skills development and knowledge transfer
Designed and conducted tailored capacity-building sessions on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and efficient weed management techniques to enhance the skills of processors, seed companies and farmers in quality cassava root production.

Business development support
Developed tailored business plans outlining financial management, enterprise development and sustainability strategies to support seed companies in achieving and maintaining commercial viability.

Development of frameworks for seed company coordination and governance
Strengthened institutional frameworks and coordination mechanisms to improve operational efficiency - particularly in production planning and marketing - while enhancing record-keeping, accountability and governance of seed companies. This included supporting the establishment of governing boards to improve viability and long-term sustainability.

Notable results

Enduring systemic change

Strengthening processor–outgrower supply systems
A total of 12 medium- and small-scale processors have established 3,049 hectares of high-quality cassava stem fields within their own operations and engaged 1,611 outgrowers cultivating an additional 1,528 hectares of certified fields for processor off-take. This combined effort is projected to consistently deliver an average yield of approximately 20 metric tons of fresh cassava roots per hectare, increasing the availability of quality feedstock for improved processing efficiency and capacity utilisation. This initiative drove the adoption of high-quality cassava varieties such as Game Changer, Ayaya, and Baba 70 - enabling processors to increase their use of quality stems from 37.5 to 100 per cent of their total planting material.

Strengthening the commercial viability of cassava EGS producers
The internal coordination and governance of the Association of Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs Network of Nigeria (ACSEN) has been strengthened through strategic planning and targeted capacity building across five states. The programme supported association members in developing location-specific business plans and conve national leadership workshops.

Impacts for target beneficiaries

• Processing throughput increased by an average of 51 per cent across processor sites, due to the increased availability of quality cassava roots. Outgrowers doubled their incomes, and factory capacity utilisation increased from an average of 20 to 55 per cent across processor sites.
• Two Early Generation Seed (EGS) companies were supported with viable business plans to streamline operations, enhancing overall efficiency and impact.
• Tailored training sessions across five Nigerian states strengthened the business management skills of 1,027 Commercial Seed Entrepreneurs (CSEs), supported by location-specific business plans and national leadership workshops.
• The CSEs’ association - ACSEN - now operates under a five-year strategic plan. Strengthened coordination mechanisms have improved governance, collaboration and market access for their members, resulting in a 30 per cent increase in income for the organisation's entrepreneurs.

_{*Other implementers: Umudike Seeds, IITA GoSeed, National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)}

[uploaded April 2026]