The impact of the presidential cassava initiative on cassava productivity in Nigeria: Implication for sustainable food supply and food security

Emmanuel Donkor,Ignacio De Los Rios Carmenado,Joe Bogue,Stephen Onakuse,Fatih Yildiz

doi:10.1080/23311932.2017.1368857

Abstract

AbstractAgricultural programmes are implemented in sub-Saharan African countries to stimulate rural economic development. One such programme is the Presidential Cassava Initiative (PCI) in Nigeria aimed at reducing poverty and food insecurity, but there is a limited study on contribution of the programme to cassava output and food security. This study estimated the effects of the PCI on cassava output and food security in Nigeria. A three-stage multivariate linear regression model was applied in the empirical analysis. The results showed that the PCI has increased cassava output; promoted food supply; and enhanced national food security. The study concludes that agricultural development interventions are required to achieve a sustainable food supply and food security in sub-Saharan Africa. It is recommended that exit strategy should be incorporated in designing agricultural interventions to enable beneficiaries to enjoy sustainable effects.

Highlights

Agriculture continues to play an important role in the economic growth and development in subSaharan Africa (SSA)
Our findings show that the implementation of the Presidential Cassava Initiative (PCI) contributed to improving cassava output, national food supply, and food security
National budgets allocated to the agricultural sector have been declining over the years

Summary

Introduction

Agriculture continues to play an important role in the economic growth and development in subSaharan Africa (SSA). It employs the majority of the labour force and provides a valuable source of raw materials and food commodities. Agriculture in SSA is characterized by low productivity emanating from the over-reliance on traditional farm technologies. Another factor contributing to the poor performance of the agricultural sector is low investment. Christiaensen, Demery, and Kuhl (2011) point out that most SSA countries allocate a low percentage of their national budgets to the agricultural sector. It is not surprising that most SSA economies are not yet as transformed as Asian countries, for example, where the agricultural sector is a priority

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