Top 10 Cassava Producing Countries in 2025
Cassava (Manihot esculenta), also known as manioc or yuca, is a starchy root crop native to South America that is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its versatility and resilience. A staple food for more than 800 million people worldwide, cassava provides essential carbohydrates and serves as a raw material for industrial products such as starch, ethanol, and animal feed. In 2025, global cassava production is projected to reach approximately 335 million metric tons, an increase of 1.2% from 2021 levels, driven by advances in agricultural practices and growing demand for sustainable crops.
Global Context for Cassava Production
Cassava’s adaptability to poor soils, low rainfall, and varying pH levels (acidic to alkaline) makes it a critical crop for food security, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it provides a significant portion of caloric intake. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global cassava production will reach 314.8 million tons in 2021, with a historical growth rate of 2.51% since 1961. Africa dominates production, contributing 63.6% of the global total in 2021, followed by Asia (28.7%) and South America (7.2%). The top 10 countries account for about 73.8% of global production, with Nigeria leading the way with 20% of global production.
The crop’s economic importance extends beyond food, with Thailand and Indonesia leading in exports of cassava starch and flour, particularly to China and the EU. However, challenges such as cassava mosaic virus, brown streak disease, and climate variability threaten yields, particularly in Africa. Innovations such as disease-resistant varieties and improved farming techniques are key to sustaining growth through 2025.
Top 10 Cassava Producing Countries in 2025
The following rankings are based on 2021-2023 data from FAO, World Population Review, and ReportLinker, with 2025 estimates derived from historical growth rates and industry trends. Production volumes are in millions of metric tons.
1. Nigeria
Production (2025 est.) 65.2 million tons
Nigeria remains the world’s largest cassava producer, with an estimated 65.2 million metric tons in 2025, or 19.5% of global production. The Southwest, South-South and Southeast regions, with their tropical climates and fertile soils, are key production centers. Government initiatives such as the Cassava Transformation Agenda, which promotes high-yielding varieties and mechanized farming, are expected to drive annual growth of 3.51 percent from 2020 to 2021.
Nigeria's cassava sector is a model for balancing food security and economic growth, but pests and market volatility remain critical challenges, says Dr. Adebayo Abass, a cassava specialist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
2. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Production (2025 est.) 50.8 million tons
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is projected to produce 50.8 million tons, with a growth rate of 4.1%. Cassava is a staple food for millions of people, particularly in rural areas, and is grown in provinces such as Kongo Central and Kasai. Challenges such as cassava mosaic virus and poor infrastructure limit yields, but investments in disease-resistant varieties are boosting production.
3. Thailand
Production (2025 est.) 35.6 million tons
Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of manioc, with an estimated 35.6 million tons, supplying 70% of the world’s manioc starch and flour. The Northeast, particularly Nakhon Ratchasima, benefits from well-drained soils and advanced processing technologies. A 2.8% growth rate reflects investment in high-yielding varieties such as Kasetsart 50.
Thailand's cassava industry thrives on innovation and export-driven strategies, making it a global leader in value-added products, says Dr. Somchai Prasert, an agronomist at Kasetsart University.
4. Ghana
Production (2025 est.) 26.7 million tons
Ghana’s cassava production is projected at 26.7 million tons, with a growth rate of 3.2%. Grown in regions such as Brong-Ahafo and Ashanti, the crop is processed into gari, flour and starch, supporting food security and exports. Government programs are increasing yields through training and improved seeds.
5. Cambodia
Production (2025 estimate) 18.4 million tons
Cambodia’s estimated 18.4 million tons reflects a 4.5% growth rate, driven by export demand to China and the EU. The northeast, particularly Mondulkiri, is using intercropping and modern varieties to increase yields. Cassava supports rural livelihoods and industrial applications.
6. Brazil
Production (2025 est.) 18.3 million tons
Brazil is expected to produce 18.3 million metric tons of cassava for food, ethanol and animal feed. The Northeast and Amazon regions lead in production, supported by government research into pest-resistant varieties. A growth rate of 1.8% reflects steady domestic and export demand.
7. Indonesia
Production (2025 est.) 14.2 million tons
With 14.2 million tons, Indonesia is a major player with a growth rate of 2.3%. Lampung and Java are major production areas where cassava is processed into flour and snacks. Government policies and increasing demand for gluten-free products are driving growth.
8. Viet Nam
Production (2025 est.) 11.0 million tons
Vietnam’s estimated 11.0 million tons supports both the food and industrial sectors, especially biofuels. The Central Highlands and Tay Ninh lead production, with a growth rate of 1.9%, fueled by modern farming techniques and export markets in China.
9. Angola
Production (2025 est.) 10.9 million tons
Angola’s 10.9 million metric tons reflect a 3.0% growth rate, with cassava grown in Huambo and Uíge provinces. The crop is critical to food security, although pests and limited mechanization pose challenges.
10. Mozambique
Production (2025 est.) 6.8 million tons
Mozambique rounds out the top 10 with 6.8 million tons, driven by smallholder production in Nampula and Zambezia. A 2.5% growth rate is supported by government efforts to improve seed quality and market access.
Cassava Production by Country (2025 Estimates)
Cassava Production by Country
| Rank | Country | Production (Million Tons) | Share of Global Production (%) | Annual Growth Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nigeria | 65.2 | 19.5 | 3.51 |
| 2 | DR Congo | 50.8 | 15.2 | 4.10 |
| 3 | Thailand | 35.6 | 10.6 | 2.80 |
| 4 | Ghana | 26.7 | 8.0 | 3.20 |
| 5 | Cambodia | 18.4 | 5.5 | 4.50 |
| 6 | Brazil | 18.3 | 5.5 | 1.80 |
| 7 | Indonesia | 14.2 | 4.2 | 2.30 |
| 8 | Vietnam | 11.0 | 3.3 | 1.90 |
| 9 | Angola | 10.9 | 3.3 | 3.00 |
| 10 | Mozambique | 6.8 | 2.0 | 2.50 |
Source: Estimates based on FAO (2021–2023), World Population Review, and ReportLinker.
Cassava Production by Country
Source: Estimates based on FAO (2021–2023), World Population Review, and ReportLinker.
Economic and nutritional importance
Cassava is a cornerstone of food security, providing up to 30% of daily caloric intake in countries such as Ghana and Nigeria. Its roots are rich in carbohydrates, while its leaves provide protein, although they must be processed to remove toxic cyanogenic glycosides. Economically, cassava supports rural livelihoods and industrial markets. In Thailand, cassava starch exports generate billions of dollars, while ethanol production from cassava is expanding in Brazil. The global cassava market is projected to reach 368 million metric tons by 2030, valued at $238.2 billion, driven by demand for biofuels and gluten-free products.
Cassava's versatility as a food and industrial crop makes it indispensable for both subsistence and commercial agriculture, says Dr. Chimeremeze Emeh, a certified cassava farmer and researcher.
Challenges and future trends
Cassava production faces significant hurdles, including pests (e.g., whiteflies), diseases (cassava mosaic virus and brown streak disease), and climate change impacts such as drought and erratic rainfall. In the DRC and Angola, poor transport infrastructure limits market access. However, innovations such as disease-resistant varieties, intercropping and digital tools such as satellite imagery are improving yields. Africa is expected to drive future growth, with Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon benefiting from technological advances.
Investing in climate-smart agriculture and pest-resistant varieties is crucial for sustaining cassava’s role in global food systems, says Dr. Elizabeth Parkes, a cassava breeder at IITA.
Expert Perspective
The future of cassava lies in bridging the gap between smallholder farmers and modern technology. With the right support, Africa could dominate global production for decades, notes Dr. Alfred Dixon, a root crop expert at the CGIAR.
Cassava Production by Continent
| Continent | Production (Million Tons) | Share of Global Production (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Africa | 200.2 | 63.6 |
| Asia | 90.3 | 28.7 |
| South America | 22.7 | 7.2 |
| Oceania | 0.2 | 0.1 |
Source: FAOSTAT, 2021
Conclusion
In 2025, Nigeria leads global cassava production, followed by the DRC and Thailand, with African nations driving growth through resilient farming practices and government support. Asia, particularly Thailand and Indonesia, dominates exports, while Brazil and Vietnam leverage cassava for industrial applications. Despite challenges like pests and climate variability, innovations in breeding and technology promise a bright future for the crop. The data and visualizations highlight cassava’s critical role in food security and economic development, positioning it as a key crop for sustainable agriculture.
Sources: FAOSTAT (2021–2023), World Population Review, ReportLinker, WorldAtlas, Helgi Library.
