Cassava Demand Stays Strong despite Decline in Production

Cassava production declined for the first time in two decades. A staple diet in Africa and a well-positioned commodity in the livestock feed and the energy sector, the global demand for cassava will stay strong.

Demand for Cassava Stays Strong

Cassava, also known as yuca or mandioca, is highly nutritious perennial plant harvested from November to February. Cassava typically grows in warm temperature and is known to prosper in less optimal conditions. For its tolerance to drought, cassava is one of the staple food for a population in sub-Saharan African countries. Cassava is commonly consumed in the form of flour or the root itself, which has culinary uses similar to that of potatoes. It is also used to make alcoholic drinks in South America.

Dried cassava roots processed into pellets or chips are used as livestock feeds

Other end uses of cassava are found in animal feed and energy sector. Cassava is processed to chip and pellet for animal feed, and the increasing livestock sector in China accounts for much of the demand. Due to its high starch content, cassava may also be processed to bioethanol for industrial uses.

While cassava production declined for the first time in two decades, the dominant market sentiment is that the decline is temporary and production will continue to…

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