BASICS Model: A Seed System Model for Cassava Transformation

An economically sustainable integrated cassava seed system!

The BASICS model is a blueprint for developing an economically sustainable cassava seed system that can reliably deliver quality stems of improved varieties to farmers and processors. The model connects all actors along a seed production pathway to ensure a sustained and reliable supply of quality seeds of improved varieties to farmers and processors. The model comprises a series of components or ‘modules’ which when implemented as a package can facilitate the establishment of a commercially viable system. The BASICS model is based on selling seeds rather than giving them away because its goal is creating an economically sustainable and entrepreneurial system that is eventually self-financing.

This technology is pre-validated.

8•8

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 8/9; level of use 8/9

IP

Open source / open access

Problem

Unpredictable stem quality and yield: less than 10 tons/ha in informal systems.
High disease load with over 80% of stems infected in farmer fields.
Donor-dependent models distort markets and disincentivize private investment.
Lack of formal seed value chain hinders commercial cassava supply chains.

Solution

Creates new agri-enterprise opportunities in seed multiplication and distribution.
Disease-free, improved seed delivers consistent yield gains (up to 20–25 tons/ha).
Use of digital apps enables scalable monitoring, remote traceability, and marketing.
Certified seed linked to growing demand from processors, bakers, and starch producers.
Seed businesses report strong ROI within 1–2 planting cycles.

Key points to design your business plan

Cassava processing is expanding rapidly across Africa, presenting new market opportunities for agribusinesses. The BASICS model offers private investors a proven system to boost productivity and gain a competitive edge through high-quality cassava seed supply.

To benefit from this model, private sector actors should:

Establish or invest in early-generation seed businesses focused on breeder and foundation seed production to secure upstream supply and market advantage.
Adopt SAH-based propagation technologies to scale up multiplication of elite, market-demanded cassava varieties in a clean and cost-efficient manner.
Build and collaborate with networks of trained Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs (CSEs) to expand distribution, increase market access, and drive profitability.
Align with regulatory standards and leverage digital certification tools to ensure trust and transparency in seed quality assurance.

BASICS-II offers practical business models and expert support to accelerate private sector participation and returns in the cassava seed sector.

Adults 18 and over: Positive high

Provides jobs especially through the cassava seed entrepreneur network

Others: Positive high

The BASICS Model ensures the constant supply of raw materials to the cassava industry

The poor: Positive high

The BASICS Model ensures that resource-poor farmers get a better return on their investment through the cultivation of cassava

Under 18: Positive high

Provides more food (cassava roots) for the population

Women: Positive high

Women who are active players in the cassava value chain are gainfully employed

Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable

Cassava is highly adapted to the changing climate.

Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement

Cassava is highly adapted to the changing climate.

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested
Countries with a blue colour: Testing ongoing

Countries where the technology is being tested or has been tested and adopted
Country	Testing ongoing	Tested	Adopted
Democratic Republic of the Congo	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Gabon	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Kenya	–No ongoing testing	Tested	–Not adopted
Liberia	Testing ongoing	–Not tested	–Not adopted
Nigeria	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Rwanda	–No ongoing testing	Tested	–Not adopted
Sierra Leone	Testing ongoing	–Not tested	–Not adopted
Tanzania	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ	Subtropic - warm	Subtropic - cool	Tropic - warm	Tropic - cool
Arid	–	–	–	–
Semiarid	–		–
Subhumid
Humid

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Goal 1: no poverty

By increasing farmer yields and enabling rural entrepreneurship, the model helps lift smallholders out of poverty through better income and market access.

Goal 2: zero hunger

Improved seed leads to higher productivity, reducing food insecurity and increasing availability of cassava for food and processing.

Goal 5: gender equality

The model promotes equal access to training, tools, and markets for women in the seed value chain.

Goal 8: decent work and economic growth

By establishing seed enterprises and linking them to structured markets, the model promotes formalized, profitable employment.

Goal 13: climate action

Disease-resistant and high-yielding varieties improve resilience to climate variability, while clean seed reduces the carbon footprint by minimizing losses and replanting.

Goal 17: partnerships for the goals

BASICS is built on collaboration between public research institutions, private entrepreneurs, government regulators, and international donors, showcasing a successful public-private development model.

To start or invest in cassava seed production:

Study the Toolbox modules to understand cassava seed demand, quality requirements, and business models.
Choose your entry point — early-generation seed propagation, commercial multiplication, or retail sales.
Use rapid propagation techniques to scale up certified clean planting materials efficiently.
Invest in diagnostics and digital tools (e.g., Seed Tracker, Nuru app) for quality assurance and pest management.
Form or join seed producer associations to access training, markets, and finance.
Apply smart marketing strategies to reach processors, farmer cooperatives, and development programs.
Track profitability and yield impact using the M&E tools within the system.