Genetic gains revolutionizing cassava farming: 400 high-quality varieties boost commercialization and product development

11 September 2024

IITA has developed and released 400 high-quality cassava varieties across Africa for four product profiles, namely industry, fresh market, biofortification, and granulated and paste products, with 56 of these varieties released in Nigeria, the largest cassava producer in Africa. Introducing these new varieties can potentially rejuvenate the declining cassava value chain.

IITA has had a significant impact through its outreach, capacity development, and empowerment initiatives. Farmers have gained access to the newly released cassava varieties and have received training on production technologies and good agronomic practices (GAP) for efficient cassava farming in several Nigerian states.

The Demand Creation Trials (DCT) is a powerful decision-making tool developed by the IITA Cassava Breeding Program in collaboration with Sahel Consulting. Processors identified by Sahel Consulting are conducting DCT activities and making crucial product decisions by selecting preferred varieties and establishing production plans. The DCT approach involves a large trial of 3-5 pre-released and released varieties established in the processor's fields.

IITA-CBU launched the DCT as part of an information and decision support tool developed to help farmers propagate IITA's newly released resilient cassava varieties with increased yield and productivity. Smallholder farmers, processors, and in-grower and out-grower partners were engaged to directly co-design solutions to address real challenges facing farmers. This approach, particularly the DCT, has significantly improved field performance and variety selection, leading to increased acceptance, adoption, food production, and sustainability. This uptake and production has greatly increased income and improved farmers' livelihoods.

ITA-CBU, with Sahel Consulting, organized Farmers Field Day events at Promise Point Itakpaji, Ekiti State, Agbeyewa in Ekiti State, Gidigidi Farm in Benue State, and Brieljeco farm in Delta State, to increase production, reduce food insecurity, and promote sustainability. The initiative helped boost awareness and adoption of high-quality cassava varieties among farmers and processors in the states.

Contributed by Onasanya Emmanuel