Crop Yield Benchmarks Across Africa
Yields vary significantly by country, soil quality, rainfall, and farming practices. Small-scale rain-fed farmers typically achieve the lower end; irrigated commercial farms with improved seeds and fertiliser can reach 2–3× these figures.
| Crop | Smallholder Yield (t/ha) | Improved Yield (t/ha) | Top Producer Countries |
|---|
| Maize | 1.0–2.0 | 4.0–8.0 | Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa |
| Cassava | 8–12 | 20–35 | Nigeria, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania |
| Rice (Paddy) | 1.5–2.5 | 4.0–6.0 | Nigeria, Madagascar, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire |
| Yam | 8–12 | 15–25 | Nigeria (70% of world supply), Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire |
| Sorghum | 0.8–1.5 | 3.0–5.0 | Nigeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso |
| Soya Bean | 0.8–1.2 | 2.0–3.5 | Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia |
| Groundnut | 0.7–1.2 | 2.0–3.5 | Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Niger |
| Cocoa | 0.3–0.5 | 0.8–1.5 | Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon |
Typical Input Costs (Nigeria, 2026)
- Maize (1 hectare): Seeds ₦15k–₦25k, fertiliser (3 bags NPK + 3 bags Urea) ₦120k–₦180k, labour ₦50k–₦80k, herbicides ₦15k–₦25k. Total: ~₦200k–₦310k/ha
- Cassava (1 hectare): Stems ₦20k–₦40k, fertiliser ₦80k–₦140k, labour ₦60k–₦100k. Total: ~₦160k–₦280k/ha
- Rice (1 hectare): Seeds ₦12k–₦20k, fertiliser ₦150k–₦220k, labour ₦80k–₦120k, irrigation (if applicable). Total: ~₦250k–₦400k/ha
Costs in other countries will be proportionally lower in local currency. Use the calculator's input cost field to enter your actual costs for accurate profit estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert plots to hectares?
In West Africa (especially Nigeria), a "plot" is typically defined as 50×100 ft = 5,000 sq ft ≈ 465 m² ≈ 0.046 hectares. However, this varies: in some regions a plot is 60×120 ft or even 100×100 ft. The most common agricultural convention is 1 acre = 2 plots, and 1 hectare = 2.47 acres = 4.94 plots. This calculator uses the 1 plot = 0.5 acre convention.
What is a realistic maize yield for a Nigerian smallholder?
Without improved inputs, a smallholder typically gets 1.0–1.5 t/ha. With improved seeds (OPV or hybrid), proper fertilisation (NPK + Urea), and weed control, 3–5 t/ha is achievable. Commercial irrigated farms can reach 6–8 t/ha. Nigeria's national average is about 1.7 t/ha — well below potential — mainly due to limited fertiliser use and poor seed quality.
Should I include post-harvest losses?
Yes. Post-harvest losses in Africa average 20–40% for grains and up to 50% for perishables like yam and cassava. If your expected yield is 5 tons but you anticipate 25% loss, enter 3.75 tons as your marketable yield. Proper storage (hermetic bags, silos) can reduce losses to under 5%.
How does the ROI calculation work?
ROI = (Net Profit ÷ Total Input Costs) × 100. A 100% ROI means you doubled your investment. A 200% ROI means you tripled it. For farming to be sustainable, most agronomists recommend targeting at least 50–80% ROI to cover living costs and reinvestment. Commercial farms typically target 100–150% ROI per season.