Improved cassava varieties Cassava varieties with high dry matter and starch content

Enhancing cassava yields and quality for greater food security in Africa.

Cassava varieties with higher dry matter and starch content in their roots, significantly impacting their value for farmers. This addresses the limited availability of suitable varieties in Sub-Saharan Africa, leading to better economic yields and increased food security. Through selective breeding and resistance to pests and diseases, we've created cassava with 40% to 45% dry matter and 80% to 95% starch. These improved roots can be used fresh or processed into high-quality flour or starch, serving as crucial ingredients in various industries. This technology not only benefits small-scale farmers but also provides a cost-effective source of essential ingredients for commercial agri-businesses.

This technology is TAAT1 validated.

8•8

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

Positive or neutral impact

Adults 18 and over: Positive high
The poor: Positive medium
Under 18: Positive low
Women: Positive high

Positive or neutral impact

Climate adaptability: It adapts really well
Adaptability for farmers: It helps a lot
Biodiversity: It doesn't hurt them
Soil quality: It doesn't harm the soil's health and fertility
Water usage: It uses the same amount of water

Problem

Limited availability of suitable cassava varieties in Sub-Saharan Africa
Low dry matter and starch content in common cassava crops
Insufficient options for farmers to improve root quality
Challenges in achieving higher economic yields from cassava cultivation
Reduced food security and income for small-scale farmers due to suboptimal cassava varieties.

Solution

Enhanced Varieties: Higher dry matter and starch content.
Improved Quality: Selective breeding for superior roots.
Versatile Use: Flour, starch, and industrial applications.
Boosted Security and Income: Benefits for small-scale farmers and agri-businesses.

Key points to design your project

The cassava varieties with high dry matter and starch content technology contribute significantly to various aspects of sustainable development. By enhancing the economic empowerment of women through increased household income and resource access, promoting their roles in agriculture this technology addresses critical farmers challenges.

To integrate this cassava technology into your project, consider the following activities and prerequisites:

Identify or develop cassava varieties with high dry matter and starch content suitable for specific agronomic conditions and consumer preferences in growing areas.
Conduct awareness-raising campaigns among value chain actors about the additional incomes generated by cultivating high-quality cassava.
Establish equitable access to cassava seed material and provide financial support for local suppliers and smallholder farmers, enabling necessary investments.

Estimate the quantity of cassava roots required for your project, considering a technology cost per unit.

As the technology is available in Benin, Ivory Coast and Nigeria, include the delivery cost to the project site, accounting for potential import clearance and duties. Consider a team of trainers for training and support during project installation, including costs for training and post-training support.

Develop communication support for the technology, such as flyers, videos, and radio broadcasts, to raise awareness.

For optimal results, associate this technology with Disease resistant cassava varieties, Golden cassava varieties, Integrated weed, pest and soil management system (GAP), Seed bulking for cassava multiplications.

To implement this technology in your country, explore collaborations with agricultural development institutes and seed multiplication companies for effective implementation.

ROI: $$$

IP

Plant variety protection

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

Countries where the technology has been tested and adopted
Country	Tested	Adopted
Benin	Tested	Adopted
Côte d’Ivoire	Tested	Adopted
Nigeria	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

Goal 2: zero hunger

Goal 3: good health and well-being

Goal 8: decent work and economic growth

Variety Selection: Choose the enhanced cassava variety suitable for your specific conditions and context in the value chain.
Acquire Planting Material: Purchase high-quality planting material from reputable seed companies for initial planting.
Planting and Cultivation: Use the acquired planting material to establish your cassava crop. Ensure the planting materials are free of disease symptoms when transferred to the field.
Planting Technique: Depending on rainfall conditions, plant cuttings horizontally in dry climates and vertically or angularly in humid areas with high precipitation. Cover them entirely with soil.
Soil and Fertilizer Management: Adhere to recommended soil and fertilizer management practices for your specific growing area and conditions to achieve high root yields.
Monitoring and Maintenance: Keep an eye on the cassava crop for signs of pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Address these issues promptly to maintain healthy growth.
Harvesting: Harvest the cassava roots once they have reached the desired maturity and size, typically around 8-12 months after planting.
Post-Harvest Handling: Handle the harvested roots with care to avoid damage. Store them in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.
Processing (Optional): If needed, process the roots into flour or starch for various applications in food, pharmaceuticals, packaging, or industrial products.
Seed Management (Optional): If you're interested in multiplying the improved varieties, follow recommended seed management practices for certification and compliance.
Market Linkages (Optional): Establish connections between seed suppliers, cassava growers, food processors, and consumer groups to create demand for cassava-based products.