I am a retire banker and I have a dream of processing High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF). I am looking at how to organize the small farmers to produce enough to support the production on a commercial basis. I know you might have some guidance that can be very beneficial to me at the planning stage.
Great to hear about your dream. I wish you all the best.
From my experience working with small holder farmers, their major problem is finding a permanent market for their produce. Approaching them to assure them of that you will buy from them, would be a welcome news to them.
Then, they will look at the price you offer. This is a bit tricky. I believe you will do your checks and balances to know what good offer to give these farmers.
Moreover, it will be safer to also establish your own cassava farms as a backup if you can.