Top Five Cassava-Producing Countries in the World in 2026: Powering Global Food Security and Industrial Growth
Cassava continues to play a critical role in global agriculture, serving as one of the world’s most valuable food and industrial crops. In 2026, the resilient root crop remains a lifeline for hundreds of millions of people, particularly across Africa, Asia, and South America. Renowned for its ability to thrive under harsh climatic conditions and poor soils, cassava has become an essential crop in the fight against food insecurity while supporting industries that produce starch, flour, animal feed, ethanol, and other bio-based products.
As the global population grows and the demand for sustainable food sources and industrial raw materials increases, cassava production has become more important than ever. According to World Population Review, five countries stand out as the world’s leading cassava producers in 2026, collectively contributing more than half of global cassava production.
Nigeria – The World’s Largest Cassava Producer
Nigeria continues to hold its position as the world’s leading cassava-producing nation. The country’s success is driven by its favourable tropical climate, vast agricultural land, and millions of smallholder farmers who cultivate cassava across numerous states.
Cassava is deeply woven into Nigeria’s food culture, providing staple foods such as garri, fufu, cassava flour, and other traditional delicacies consumed daily by millions of households. Beyond its importance as a food crop, Nigeria is increasingly expanding cassava’s industrial applications, particularly in starch manufacturing, livestock feed production, and other agro-processing industries.
With growing government support and investments aimed at increasing productivity and value addition, Nigeria remains a global leader in cassava production and utilization.
Democratic Republic of Congo – Strengthening Food Security Through Cassava
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) ranks among the world’s largest cassava producers and remains one of Africa’s most significant cassava-growing nations.
For millions of Congolese families, cassava serves as a primary staple food and an essential source of food security, especially in rural communities. Farmers value the crop for its resilience, adaptability to different soil conditions, and dependable yields even under challenging farming environments.
Its ability to withstand climate variability has made cassava one of the country’s most reliable agricultural commodities, supporting both household nutrition and rural livelihoods.
Thailand – A Global Export Powerhouse
Thailand has established itself as one of the world’s leading commercial cassava producers and the largest exporter of cassava-based products.
Unlike many African countries where cassava is primarily consumed domestically, Thailand has built a sophisticated cassava processing industry that focuses on international trade. The country exports cassava chips, pellets, flour, and starch to markets around the world, supplying industries involved in food processing, animal nutrition, paper manufacturing, textiles, and bioenergy.
Continuous investments in modern farming techniques, processing technology, storage facilities, and value-added manufacturing have enabled Thailand to remain one of the most influential players in the global cassava market.
Ghana – Expanding Production and Industrial Value
Ghana continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading cassava producers and ranks among the world’s top five cassava-producing countries in 2026.
Cassava remains a staple food for millions of Ghanaians and is widely consumed in popular dishes such as gari, cassava dough, kokonte, and other traditional meals. Beyond household consumption, Ghana has made significant progress in promoting industrial cassava processing for starch production, ethanol manufacturing, high-quality cassava flour, and livestock feed.
Government initiatives, research institutions, and private-sector investments have helped improve cassava production through better planting materials, modern farming practices, and stronger market access. These efforts continue to strengthen Ghana’s cassava value chain while creating employment opportunities and supporting economic growth.
Brazil – South America’s Cassava Giant
Brazil remains the largest cassava-producing country in South America and continues to rank among the world’s leading producers.
Known locally as mandioca or aipim, cassava has long been an integral part of Brazilian agriculture and cuisine. The crop is used extensively in food production, flour milling, starch processing, and numerous industrial applications.
Brazil’s extensive agricultural infrastructure, favourable climate, and advanced processing industry have enabled the country to maintain a strong presence in the global cassava market. Although its production trails that of the leading African nations, Brazil continues to play a vital role in international cassava production and value addition.
Cassava’s Growing Global Importance
As climate change, population growth, and food security challenges continue to shape global agriculture, cassava is emerging as one of the most strategic crops for the future. Its resilience, versatility, and wide range of industrial applications make it indispensable to both developing and emerging economies.
The continued leadership of Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Thailand, Ghana, and Brazil highlights the increasing importance of cassava in ensuring food security, generating employment, supporting industrial development, and driving economic growth. As investments in agricultural innovation and value-added processing continue to expand, cassava is expected to remain one of the world’s most significant crops for years to come.
