From staple to solution: Cassava Chat Friday promotes cassava value chain

10 May 2024

Cassava, known for its versatility and resilience, offers numerous opportunities for value addition, transforming it from a basic staple into a valuable commodity. Value addition in cassava involves processing it into various products, increasing its economic value and marketability.

The IITA-Malawi Cassava Unit organized Cassava Chat every Friday to educate and enrich staff's knowledge of cassava. Given the changing climate and the impact of inflation on maize production in Malawi, cassava is emerging as a potential solution. Highlighting the importance and resilience of cassava for food security, IITA Cassava Breeder Elizabeth Parkes said, "When all the crops disappear, cassava remains."

The sessions, anchored by IITA Agriculture Biotechnologist Theresa Cassandra Saini engaging cassava experts, have become an invaluable resource to participants, with a notable 85.7% resolving to engage in cassava farming.

The program spanned February, with sessions held during office happy hour on Fridays. Participants learned the intricacies of planting cassava in a step-by-step guide that included choosing the ideal cassava stem suitable for an individual's purpose of planting, land measurement and preparation, planting tricks, and the science behind them. Participants received Mbundumali (Manyokola) cassava planting materials to plant in their homes, adding a practical dimension to the session.

Prospective farmers usually face the critical challenge of accessing reliable seeds. Participants at the February Cassava Chat had access to multiple reliable seed sources for cassava, including the required number of cassava stems needed to cultivate an acre of land-32 bundles of cassava seed, each comprising 50 stems approximately 1 meter long. Each 1-meter stem can be cut into 25-30cm segments, each containing at least 6-8 nodes. Cassava thrives in sandy, loamy soil, with two-thirds of each 25-30cm segment buried vertically at a 45-60 degree angle. The buried nodes allow efficient uptake of nutrients essential for the healthy growth and development of the cassava root and stem. Participants also learned to identify and control various cassava diseases. Furthermore, there are various processing and value-addition opportunities.

Participants found the February Cassava Chat incredibly valuable. They lauded the sessions for their significant utility, with particular emphasis on the elucidation of pertinent topics such as the identification of cassava field diseases, optimal cultivation techniques, and the intricacies of cassava seed sourcing in Malawi. The sessions catalyzed a shift in perspective, igniting newfound interest and enthusiasm toward cassava cultivation among 85.7% of participants.

IITA-Malawi is exploring adapting the training manual developed by Theresa Cassandra Saini, Daniel Manduwa, Elizabeth Parkes, and Sika Gbegbelegbe for public access. This would serve as a resource for disseminating best practices in cassava farming among smallholder farmers.

Contributed by Folake Oduntan

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