The growing use of maize and cassava for ethanol production could lead to rising feed prices across Nigeria and other parts of Africa, according to Prof. Kola Adebayo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), reported The Nation.
Prof. Adebayo explained that both maize and cassava are key ingredients in animal feed. He warned that diverting a large portion of these crops for ethanol production could result in supply shortages, pushing prices higher. He also noted that the cassava sector is facing increased demand from both local and industrial markets, especially from food processing and ethanol industries. With demand outstripping supply, the cost of cassava is likely to rise, making it harder for feed millers to source affordable raw materials. This price hike, he added, will ultimately affect consumers, driving up the cost of animal products.
At present, the national output of both cassava and maize is insufficient to meet the growing needs of the feed industry. While these crops are crucial for feeding poultry, livestock, and aquaculture, Adebayo emphasized the need for interventions to address the shortfall in production, ensuring that both industrial and consumption demands are met.
Farmers in Nigeria’s cassava sector face numerous challenges, including high production and transportation costs, limited access to improved cassava varieties, and the lack of modern storage and processing facilities. As a result, significant post-harvest losses occur for both maize and cassava, leaving the feed mill industry struggling to secure high-quality and affordable raw materials.
Maize and soybean production, which are vital for feed production, are both expected to see a 13 percent drop due to soaring fertilizer prices and difficult weather conditions. According to the AFEX 2024 Wet Season report, maize production is projected to decrease by 5.6 percent, resulting in an estimated output of 11 million metric tons. Additionally, the area dedicated to corn fields in Nigeria has fallen to its lowest level in 14 years, as insecurity and high input costs deter farmers from planting maize.
The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) predicts an 8 percent decline in Nigeria’s corn production for the 2024/25 marketing year, estimating a total output of 11 million metric tons (MMT). However, the USDA also suggests that higher market prices could lead to a 6 percent increase in production, potentially reaching 11.68 MMT.
The total area of corn fields harvested in the 2024/2025 season is expected to be 5.1 million hectares, marking the lowest level since the 2010/2011 agricultural season.
In response to the growing demand for ethanol, the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has proposed converting cassava, corn, and sugarcane into ethanol fuel as an alternative to petrol. MEMAN believes that this approach could significantly reduce the amount of money Nigerians spend on fuel.
According to MEMAN, ethanol has the potential to alleviate energy poverty in Nigeria while also reducing emissions. The association estimates that utilizing ethanol to supplement petrol could save the country approximately $7.4 billion annually. In India, researchers are also working on improving the ethanol content of maize to support the growth of grain-based ethanol plants.
The Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) in Ludhiana is focused on developing maize varieties that can yield 41-42 percent ethanol, up from the current 38 percent. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is considering mandating the inclusion of ethanol content information on seed packets. This initiative could help farmers make more informed decisions about planting, potentially allowing them to negotiate better prices for maize varieties with higher ethanol content.
