Nigerian and United States Experts have called for greater investment in converting cassava processing waste into energy as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s persistent power supply challenges.
An Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Health and Technical Director, Renewable Resources Centre, University of Ibadan, Prof. Taiwo Hammed, who spoke at a U.S.-Nigeria Transdisciplinary Workshop, themed, ‘From Cassava Effluent to Energy,’ at the University of Ibadan, he said cassava effluent and other by-products generated during cassava processing could be converted into useful energy, providing an alternative source of power for processing facilities, rural communities and small businesses.
According to he, Nigeria’s large cassava production capacity provides an opportunity to develop a reliable waste-to-energy industry while also addressing the environmental challenges associated with improper disposal of cassava effluent.
Cassava processing generates substantial amounts of organic waste, including peels, pulp and liquid effluent. When poorly managed, the waste can pollute waterways and surrounding communities. However, experts noted that the same waste contains organic matter that can be harnessed through technologies such as anaerobic digestion to produce biogas.
The biogas can subsequently be used to generate electricity or heat, potentially reducing the dependence of cassava processors on diesel-powered generators.
Experts said developing cassava waste-to-energy projects could provide multiple benefits, particularly for rural areas where cassava processing is widespread but access to reliable electricity remains limited.
They also noted that the approach could help reduce production costs for processors, improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s cassava industry and create additional revenue streams from agricultural waste.
Beyond electricity generation, the experts said cassava waste could support the production of biofuels and other useful products, creating opportunities for investment and employment along the agricultural value chain.
They called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, private investors, cassava processors and development organisations to develop commercially viable waste-to-energy projects.
The experts further urged policymakers to provide incentives, technical support and financing mechanisms that would encourage processors to adopt cleaner energy technologies.
They said the development of decentralised energy systems based on locally available agricultural waste could complement existing efforts to improve Nigeria’s electricity supply.
With cassava production taking place across several parts of the country, experts believe the sector could become an important contributor to Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner and more locally sourced energy.
They stressed that turning cassava waste into energy would not only help address power shortages but also promote environmental sustainability and strengthen the country’s agricultural and industrial sectors.
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