Biofortified Cassava Research Articles

Assessing realized genetic gains in biofortified cassava breeding for over a decade: Enhanced nutritional value and agronomic performance

Assessing realized genetic gains in biofortified cassava breeding for over a decade: Enhanced nutritional value and agronomic performance

Validation of SNP Markers for Diversity Analysis, Quality Control, and Trait Selection in a Biofortified Cassava Population.

A validated marker system is crucial to running an effective genomics-assisted breeding program. We used 36 Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers to genotype 376 clones from the biofortified cassava pipeline, and fingerprinted 93 of these clones with DArTseq markers to characterize breeding materials and evaluate their relationships. The discriminating ability of the 36-quality control (QC) KASP and 6602 DArTseq markers was assessed using 92 clones genotyped in both assays. In addition, trait-specific markers were used to determine the presence or absence of target genomic regions. Hierarchical clustering identified two major groups, and the clusters were consistent with the breeding program origins. There was moderate genetic differentiation and a low degree of variation between the identified groups. The general structure of the population was similar using both assays. Nevertheless, KASP markers had poor resolution when it came to differentiating the genotypes by seed sources and overestimated the prevalence of duplicates. The trait-linked markers did not achieve optimal performance as all markers displayed variable levels of false positive and/or false negative. These findings represent the initial step in the application of genomics-assisted breeding for the biofortified cassava pipeline, and will guide the use of genomic selection in the future.

Production and quality evaluation of bread from blend of biofortified cassava, wheat and dry date flours

In this study, quality evaluation was carried out on bread made from a blend of wheat, biofortified cassava, and dry date flours. Bread samples, designated A through E were produced using various flour blend ratios. Cassava flour samples were subjected to functional and anti-nutritional analysis while proximate, β-carotene, mineral, and sensory contents were evaluated on the bread samples. The result of analysis showed that in the water absorption capacity (WAC), oil absorption capacity (OAC), bulk density, foaming capacity, and foaming stability, sample BCF (biofortified cassava flour) had values of 1.98%, 2.55%, 0.72%, 1.98%, and 92.77%, respectively, while sample OCF (Ordinary cassava flour) had values of 2.0%, 1.55%, 0.76%, 7.31%, and 88.38%, respectively. The hydrogen cyanide (1.71 mg/100 g), tannins (0.16 mg/100 g), and oxalates (0.08 mg/100 g) found in BCF were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of OCF, which were 2.04 mg/100 g, 0.12 mg/100 g, and 0.16 mg/100 g, respectively. The moisture contents ranged from 4.50-6.35%, crude protein from 10.0-11.29%, fat from 8.43-10.44%, ash from 1.77-3.65%, crude fiber from 2.0-3.48%, and carbohydrate from 67.73-70.16%. The moisture, crude protein, and carbohydrate contents decreased significantly (p<0.05) as the level of biofortified cassava flour substitution increased. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the level of β-carotene with increase in biofortified cassava flour substitution. The values of minerals were calcium (27.81–31.40 mg/g), potassium (43.64-52.63 mg/g), sodium (20.41–28.74 mg/g), iron (0.83–1.11 mg/g), zinc (0.60-0.91 mg/g), and copper (0.25-0.32 mg/g). Samples showed good sensory properties, although sample A was preferred.

Building sustainable agri-food market systems: Interconnectedness of social, economic and environmental factors in biofortified cassava food systems

Sustainability and the future of food systems have become major food policy discourses in recent years. While prior research has focused on analyzing social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability separately, the present study takes a broader approach to understand the interconnectedness of these dimensions. The present study involves a cross-sectional survey of 90 biofortified cassava base of pyramid (BoP) producers in Nigeria. Data for this study were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using a combination of descriptive analysis and the structural equation modelling (SEM) method. The analysis of the fit indices indicates that the model is appropriate, and the associations between the dimensions and their constructs are statistically significant and positive, suggesting a robust relationship that supports the hypothesized path movements. Our analysis revealed a strong correlation between environmental and economic issues, emphasizing the significance of value-based supply chain practices as a marketing option and its considerable market potential, among other considerations. The study supports adopting a systemic approach in managing sustainability challenges and, thus, serves as a foundation for developing sustainable policies that align the demands of the market, society, and environment.

Understanding the biofortified cassava market in Nigeria: Determinants of consumer demand and farmer supply

Understanding the biofortified cassava market in Nigeria: Determinants of consumer demand and farmer supply

Development of an Improved Steamer for Optimum Retention of Carotenoids in Attiéké Produced from Biofortified Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Roots

Attiéké, made from biofortified (yellow) cassava genotypes, requires a new cooking method to minimize carotenoid degradation during processing. Thus, this research is aimed at designing and building a more efficient steamer to produce high-quality attiéké from biofortified cassava roots. Using three improved biofortified cassava genotypes (IBA141092, IBA070593, and IBA011368) obtained from IITA research farms, attiéké samples were produced using traditional and developed steamers. The results show that the developed steamer outperformed the traditional steamer; it was 1.5 times faster, used less fuel (2.6 times less), and had higher true carotenoid retention. The developed steamer genotype IBA070593 had the highest true retention of 90.4 percent, while the traditional steamer genotype IBA0141092 had the lowest carotenoid retention of 61.9 percent and the highest in the developed steamer (62.4 percent). When compared to the traditional steamer, the developed steamer had better cooking performance and a more extraordinary ability to retain carotenoids. Thus, the developed steamer is recommended for attiéké processors due to its improved cooking performance, and using this steamer to produce attiéké from biofortified cassava will help to alleviate vitamin A deficiency among attiéké consumers.

Marketing Capabilities, Market Orientation and Food Security of Biofortified Cassava Producers in Nigeria

This paper proposed that marketing capability is a critical component of market orientation. As such, knowledge of intelligence and competitive strategy, aspects of market capability obtained through training is essential for market orientation. Cross-sectional survey was used. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analysed using the structural equation model (SEM). The structural model and path estimates indicate that all the constructs intervene in food security, implying that a systemic approach rather than individual strength can help achieve food security. The study's findings support the perspective that marketing capabilities have spill-over effects that improve market orientation and food security performance. Therefore, BoP producers through training can generate significant marketing capabilities that can improve the food market. It highlights the importance of producers adopting a market-oriented approach. The study recommended a multi-stakeholder engagement model toward integrating biofortification into public and private policies and programmes. This would encourage investment and continuous training of producers on how to improve communication and customer relationship management to stimulate consumption and supply.

Development, Optimization and Evaluation of Enriched Custard Powder from Selected Local Food Ingredients

Custard powder is a breakfast cereals meal, primarily, made from corn starch; processed with added flavour and fortified with vitamins and minerals. The aim of this study is to formulate, characterize, and optimize enriched custard powder from bio-fortified cassava, pearl millet, soybeans, Africa locust beans fruit pulp, ginger, egg powder, and milk powder; using a seven-component constrained, D-optimal mixture experimental design, with thirty-eight randomized experimental runs. The formulation design constraints were: bio-fortified cassava (10% - 70%), pearl millet (10% - 70%), soybeans (10% - 60%), Africa locust beans fruit pulp (5% - 30%), ginger (1% - 2%), egg powder (0.5% - 1.5%), and milk powder (0.5% - 1%). The formulated samples were analyzed and evaluated for proximate properties, functional properties, vitamin contents, mineral contents, anti-nutritional contents, and sensory properties; using standard procedures. The result of the numerical optimization gave optimized enriched custard with an overall desirability index of 0.833, based on the set optimization goals and individual quality desirability indices. The optimal formulated enriched custard was obtained from 51.3% bio-fortified cassava, 30.469% pearl millet, 10.0 % soybeans, 5.0% Africa locust beans fruit pulp, 2.0% ginger, 0.5% egg powder, and 0.731 % milk powder. The quality properties of this optimal enriched custard are 6.202 % moisture content, 1.139 % crude fibre, 2.548 % ash content, 20.0 % protein content, 6.668 % lipid, 61.786 % carbohydrate, 0.157 (mL/g) water absorption capacity, 0.121 (mL/g) oil absorption capacity, 19.005 (% vol) foaming capacity, 8.886 (%) foaming stability, 52.474 (deg C) gelation temperature, 5.178 (%) least gelation concentration, 0.758 (g/cubic metre) bulk density, 88.383 (mg/100g) vitamin C, 1.832 (mg/100g) beta carotene, 0.6 (%) tannin, 3.072 (mg/100g) cyanide, 19.032 (%) phytate, 5.313 (mg/100g) oxalate, 16.737 (mg/100g) sodium, 469.150 (mg/100g) potassium, 201.332 (mg/100g) calcium, 167.254 (mg/100g) magnesium, 585.770 (mg/100g) phosphorus, 4.694 (mg/100g) iron, and 6.10 overall acceptability, The result of the study showed that the formulated enriched custard was found to be of higher quality than the traditional custard which are produced from mono-cereals. Improving the nutritional quality of food and tackling nutrient deficiencies, particularly protein energy malnutrition in populations, is possible through the application of numerical optimization technique in the development of new food products.

Comparative Analysis of Functional Properties, Nutrient Composition and Sensory Quality of Bio-fortified and Traditionally Prepared Cassava Granules

The success of bio-fortification of cassava for production of vitamin A rich cassava granules commonly known as garri depends on the consumers’ acceptance. The study aimed at determining the quality of bio-fortified and traditional cassava granules. Four sample types were used for the study. This includes the bio-fortified sample and three traditionally prepared samples. The cassava granules samples were analyzed for functional properties, nutrient and anti-nutrient composition and sensory quality. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. Results obtained indicated that there was significant (p<0.05) difference in the bulk density, swelling capacity and water holding capacity. Ijebu white cassava granules recorded the highest swelling capacity (3.80 %) while Ohafia cassava granules had the lowest swelling capacity (2.42 %). Ohafia cassava granules had the highest bulk density (0.65 g/cm3) and water absorption capacity (413.5 %) while the Ijebu white cassava granules had the least. The study revealed that Ohafia cassava granules had the highest crude fiber (7.10 %), ash (0.60 %) and moisture content (10.25 %). While the highest protein (2.59 %) and vitamin A (21.11 μg/g) were found in bio-fortified cassava granules There was significant difference in the moisture content, crude fiber, protein, ash and vitamin A. The hydrogen cyanide content of Ohiafia yellow cassava granules had the lowest value of 2.8 mg/kg while the Ijebu white cassava granules recorded the highest value (4.5 mg/kg). There was no significant (p<0.05) difference in the colour and the taste of the cassava granules samples. The Oyo white cassava granules followed by the fortified cassava granules were the most preferred for texture, aroma and overall acceptability. Bio-fortified cassava granules had comparative quality properties with the traditional cassava granules and could be beneficial in formulating diet rich in vitamin A and protein.

Influence of exposure to light and storage period on color changes in gari produced from bio-fortified cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties

Light degrades carotenoids and thus the color of bio-fortified gari during storage. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effect of exposure of bio-fortified gari to light during storage on its color. Gari samples obtained from the processing of fresh storage roots of three yellow root cassava varieties (TMSI011368, TMSI010593, and TMSI010539) and a white root variety (TMS30572) as check were packaged in three replicates in transparent white plastics containers (light condition) and blue plastics containers wrapped in black polythene bags (dark condition). These were stored on an open shelf in the laboratory in a 4 × 2 × 13 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design. Immediately after processing and monthly for 12 months, the gari samples were evaluated for color using a scale of 1 (white) to 8 (pink). The result showed that yellowness of the gari from bio-fortified cassava varieties decreased over the storage period from 5.5 (TMS010539) immediately after processing to 2.5 (TMS010593, under both storage conditions) at 12 Months After Storage (MAS). The change was significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by variety, storage duration and storage condition. Gari from varieties TMSI011368 and TMSI010593 had the least (38.3%) and highest (50.2%) percentage reduction in yellowness, respectively at the end of the storage period (12 months). Across the storage period, the mean color of gari samples stored in the dark condition (3.37) was significantly higher than the mean color of gari samples exposed to light (3.22). Therefore, the proper selection of cassava variety and the use of packaging containers that screen light from bio-fortified gari during storage can best preserve its color and ensure the availability of a reasonable amount of carotenoids to consumers after long-term storage (12 months).

Phenotypic diversity and selection in biofortified cassava germplasm for yield and quality root traits

Increasing carotenoid content and improving other root quality traits has been the focus of cassava biofortification. This study aimed to (i) evaluate the genetic variability for total carotenoid content (TCC), as well as for root yield and root quality attributes; (ii) estimate potentially useful correlations for selection; and (iii) select parents for breeding and estimate the genetic gain. Data from 2011 to 2020 of 265 cassava genotypes with cream and yellow roots were analyzed for dry matter content (DMC), shoot yield, fresh root yield (FRY), dry root yield (DRY), harvest index, average number of roots per plant, starch content, root pulp color, cyanogenic compounds, and TCC. The best linear unbiased predictions showed great phenotypic variation for all traits. Six distinct groups were formed for productive characteristics of root quality, mainly TCC, DMC and FRY. Only TCC showed high broad-sense heritability ({h}^{2}= 0.72), while the other traits had low to medium magnitude (0.21 ≤ {h}^{2} ≤ 0.60). TCC was strongly correlated with pulp color (r = 0.70), but null significance for DMC. The network analysis identified a clear separation between the agronomic and quality attributes of cassava roots. The selection of the 30 genotypes for recombination in the breeding program has the potential to raise TCC by 27.05% and reduce the cyanogenic compounds content by 23.03%, in addition to increasing FRY and DRY by 22.72% and 22.95%, respectively. This is the first consolidated study on the potential of germplasm for the development biofortified cassava cultivars in Brazil.

Transforming Nigerian Food Systems Through Their Backbones: Lessons From a Decade of Staple Crop Biofortification Programing.

This article presents the evolution of the biofortification program in Nigeria over the last decade and the role of interdisciplinary research in informing cost-effective, efficient, and inclusive development; implementation; and scaling of this program. Launched in 2011 to improve Nigeria's food systems to deliver accessible and affordable nutrients through commonly consumed staples, the Nigeria biofortification program was implemented through an effective partnership between the CGIAR and public, private, and civil society sectors at federal, state, and local levels. By the end of 2021, several biofortified varieties of Nigeria's 2 main staples, namely cassava and maize, were officially released for production by smallholders, with several biofortified varieties of other key staples (including pearl millet, rice, and sorghum) either under testing or in the release pipeline. In 2021, the program was estimated to benefit 13 million Nigerians consuming biofortified cassava and maize varieties. The evidence on the nutritional impact, consumer and farmer acceptance, and cost-effective scalability of biofortified crops documented by the program resulted in the integration of biofortified crops in several key national public policies and social protection programs; private seed and food company products/investments, as well as in humanitarian aid.

Economics of bio-fortified cassava varieties (BCVs) adoption and its gender implication among farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria

Cassava bio-fortification is presented as a cost-effective approach, and it is predicted to provide some economic benefits to its adopter. On the other hand, gender-blind agricultural innovation delivery strategies impede short- and long-term impact among adopters. Due to a disregard for gender differences, many agricultural programs fall short of their objective. Recent studies in Nigeria are yet to adequately capture the gender differentials in the economic implication of BCVs adoption. This study, therefore, investigates the gender differentials in the economic implication of BCVs’ adoption among farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select a total of 180 respondents for the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and budgetary techniques. Descriptive statistics revealed a significant difference between the socio-economic characteristics of male and female cassava farmers. The results suggested that BCVs’ production is profitable and can serve as a panacea for the economic improvement of households. Study findings thus concluded that the adoption of BCVs is economically beneficial to cassava farmers and thus recommended that concerted efforts are made to ensure all farmers adopt BCVs for planting. The study proposes an integration of gender-responsive strategies to further enhance the delivery of BCVs in Nigeria.

Datasets on the variations of minerals in biofortified cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) as a function of storage root portion, maturity and environment.

Background: The accurate measurements of the mineral content of cassava roots are vital from a nutritional perspective. The research datasets were from the study assessing the influence of storage root portion, maturity, and environment on the variations of minerals in biofortified cassava roots. Methods: Twenty-five biofortified clones with three varieties as checks were harvested 12 months after planting from five different environments. Also, a different thirty-nine (39) biofortified cassava clones from the unlimited yield trials (UYTs) that included five (5) white-fleshed varieties (as control) were harvested at the age of 9 and 12 months after planting. In addition, two different methods of sample preparations were employed, using a cork borer and without a cork borer. The samples' elemental (minerals) analysis was determined using a standard laboratory method. Results and conclusion: The breeders could use the data in their biofortification cassava programs to know the distribution of minerals in the roots and identify the best promising pipelines. Also, the data could be used by food scientists and nutritionists to understand the parts of the roots with optimum minerals to design their processing protocols and to know those genotypes specific to different environments that could be used for various nutrition intervention programs.

The differential impact of four tropical species of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) on biofortified cassava

Summary Cassava plays an important food security role in Africa. Although a hardy crop in general, average yields are low, while traditional cultivars tend to be low in nutrients and vitamins. Substantial efforts have therefore been made to improve the nutritional quality of cassava through the development of biofortified cultivars. Although root-knot nematodes (RKN) are among the various important constraints affecting production, details on the impact of different species of RKN on cassava productivity are scarce. In this study, six popular cultivars of biofortified cassava were evaluated for their response to M. arenaria, M. enterolobii, M. incognita, M. javanica and a combination of all four species, in pots. All tested cultivars were susceptible to the four Meloidogyne species, but some cultivars showed a tolerance to M. arenaria infection. Galling damage was observed on feeder roots of inoculated plants, with nematode reproduction factors ranging between 2.3 and 9.5. Plant height, stem girth and fresh plant mass were significantly lower for most cultivars by as much as 70% following RKN infection. The highest root galling and damage were observed in plants following inoculation with a combination of the four species. As individual species inoculations, M. incognita and M. javanica were the most damaging, with the least damage observed in plants inoculated with M. arenaria only. These results confirm the pathogenicity of M. arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica and further illustrate the potential of M. enterolobii to impact cassava production, while combined species infections demonstrate the greater levels of damage that these may cause.

Characterization of cassava ORANGE proteins and their capability to increase provitamin A carotenoids accumulation.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) biofortification with provitamin A carotenoids is an ongoing process that aims to alleviate vitamin A deficiency. The moderate content of provitamin A carotenoids achieved so far limits the contribution to providing adequate dietary vitamin A levels. Strategies to increase carotenoid content focused on genes from the carotenoids biosynthesis pathway. In recent years, special emphasis was given to ORANGE protein (OR), which promotes the accumulation of carotenoids and their stability in several plants. The aim of this work was to identify, characterize and investigate the role of OR in the biosynthesis and stabilization of carotenoids in cassava and its relationship with phytoene synthase (PSY), the rate-limiting enzyme of the carotenoids biosynthesis pathway. Gene and protein characterization of OR, expression levels, protein amounts and carotenoids levels were evaluated in roots of one white (60444) and two yellow cassava cultivars (GM5309-57 and GM3736-37). Four OR variants were found in yellow cassava roots. Although comparable expression was found for three variants, significantly higher OR protein amounts were observed in the yellow varieties. In contrast, cassava PSY1 expression was significantly higher in the yellow cultivars, but PSY protein amount did not vary. Furthermore, we evaluated whether expression of one of the variants, MeOR_X1, affected carotenoid accumulation in cassava Friable Embryogenic Callus (FEC). Overexpression of maize PSY1 alone resulted in carotenoids accumulation and induced crystal formation. Co-expression with MeOR_X1 led to greatly increase of carotenoids although PSY1 expression was high in the co-expressed FEC. Our data suggest that posttranslational mechanisms controlling OR and PSY protein stability contribute to higher carotenoid levels in yellow cassava. Moreover, we showed that cassava FEC can be used to study the efficiency of single and combinatorial gene expression in increasing the carotenoid content prior to its application for the generation of biofortified cassava with enhanced carotenoids levels.

Climate smart technology for storage of fresh pro-vitamin A bio-fortified cassava

Climate change is a problem affecting food security across the globe. The climate change effect of rising temperatures can be mitigated by using climate-smart crops such as cassava and climate-smart technology such as an Evaporative Cooling Structure (ECS). A 150 kg capacity Metal-in-Block evaporative cooling structure was designed and constructed to investigate its suitability for storage of fresh cassava roots. The postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD), weight loss, and deterioration rate of 12 months old biofortified cassava roots (TMS 01/1368) were evaluated, while the performance of the evaporative cooling structure was evaluated in terms of temperature drop, humidity increase, and cooling effectiveness. Results showed that the cassava was still in good condition and quality with no sign of PPD, while the total weight loss was 8.7%. The average cooling efficiency of the evaporative cooling structure was 102.7%. The result showed a drop in temperature from an average of 31.97–25.7°C and an increase in relative humidity from an average of 68.96–87.12%. The evaporative cooler was able to preserve freshly harvested cassava for at least 8 weeks. Storage of cassava in an evaporative cooling structure is thus recommended as an effective technology for medium scale cassava storage.

Knowledge, perception and utilization of biofortified cassava and orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) in selected rural areas in Nigeria

Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in Nigeria. Staple crops are targeted by biofortification efforts because they possess low micronutrient density and are consumed in large quantities by a large proportion of poor households. This study was designed to assess the knowledge, perception and utilization of biofortified cassava and orange-fleshed sweet potato in selected Local government Areas in Abia and Imo States. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. A total of 710 respondents were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to elicit the required information. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics(frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation)and inferential(correlation)analysis. Socio-demographic data revealed a preponderance of females, married, well-educated and working-class respondents. Monthly income above ₦29,000(US$ 70.54) and household size of 4-6 members were reported in 53.5% and 48.6% of the respondents. Study results further revealed that some (34.9%)of the respondents had good knowledge, while 46.1% and 19.0% had an average and poor knowledge of biofortified staples, respectively. Orange fleshed sweet potatoes and biofortified cassava were purchased at least once monthly by 73.7% of the respondents, however 16.5% and 27.5% of the respondents consumed these biofortified staples on a daily and weekly basis. Low positive perception towards the consumption (27.5%), benefits (39.6%) and barriers (16.9%) of utilizing studied biofortified staples was reported. A positive correlation was observed between respondents’ knowledge of biofortified staples and their benefits perception (p = 0.003), purchase (p =0.001) and consumption (p= 0.001) frequency.Therefore, while a good number of the respondents were fairly knowledgeable about the studied biofortified staples, it significantly influenced the perception and utilization of these staples, despite being reportedly low. Therefore, increased sensitization, price subsidy and availability of these biofortified staples will help improvetheir acceptance and utilization among rural households.

Novel application of biofortified crops: consumer acceptance of pasta from yellow cassava and leafy vegetables.

BACKGROUNDNewly developed yellow biofortified cassava has been adjudged as a cost‐effective solution to vitamin A deficiency in low‐ and middle‐income countries with high cassava intake such as Nigeria. In this study, yellow cassava was developed into a novel pasta enriched with amaranth vegetable and tested among consumers. Attitudes, perception, motives for consumption and perceived barriers were ascertained using focus group discussions and randomised face‐to‐face interviews, while liking, preference and ranking of the novel food were established through consumer sensory perception.RESULTSWillingness to consume the new food, low food neophobia (32%), a health‐driven consumption pattern, as well as an appreciable acceptance for the developed pasta, was established among the consumers. Ugwu (Telfairia occidentalis) was found to be the most preferred leafy vegetable. The yellow cassava pasta was ranked better than the conventional white cassava.CONCLUSIONThis study shows new avenues to valorise yellow cassava by which nutrition security can be improved in low‐ and middle‐income countries of Africa. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Land Tenure, Land Property Rights and Adoption of Bio-fortified Cassava in Nigeria: Policy Implications

This study investigated land tenure, land right and rental system, as it relates to adoption of bio-fortified cassava in Nigeria. The study was conducted in three states in Nigeria where bio-fortified cassava technology was first released in Nigeria including Oyo, Benue and Akwa Ibom. Multistage sampling techniques were used to select 360 bio-fortified cassava farmers. Descriptive statistics, t-test and Cragg’s double hurdle model were used to analyse the data collected. The land tenure system practised in the bio-fortified cassava-producing areas in Nigeria is governed by inheritance (23%), purchasing (19.7), gifting (31.7) and temporary arrangements through rentals (25.6%). The tenant bio-fortified cassava farmers pay about ₦31,000 per acre per year in land for cash agreement or 4%–7% of the actual yield of the bio-fortified cassava in land for cassava outputs agreements. However, this agreement between the landlords and tenant bio-fortified cassava farmers is verbal where both parties try as much as possible to honour the agreements. Variables such as access to credit, landownership status, access to bio-fortified cassava stems and extension contacts influenced the decision to adopt bio-fortified cassava technology, while age, perception and training influenced the intensity of adoption of bio-fortified cassava technology. The result of the t-test analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the farm sizes (34739.467 at 1%) and yields (0.593 at 1%) of the landlords and tenant bio-fortified cassava farmers. The findings of the study indicated that tenant bio-fortified cassava farmers were being faced with the problem of insecure land access, thus the need to implement policies that will increase access to land resources among the tenant farmers in Nigeria.