Subsistence agriculture in tropical smallholder farming systems of eastern Africa faces persistent productivity challenges due to low soil fertility, limited inputs, and increasing climate variability. Agroforestry can offer a sustainable strategy for smallholder systems by enhancing soil quality and influencing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community composition in crop root systems. Using a canopy-based radial sampling design, we assessed the influence of Mangifera indica (mango) trees on soil properties and AMF communities in maize and cassava in southern Ethiopia. Illumina MiSeq sequencing identified 908 AMF operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from 7 families, dominated by Glomeraceae. While soil properties, including pH, total nitrogen (TN), organic carbon, and potassium, were significantly affected by the distance from mango trunks (p < 0.001), this was not the case for AMF community composition and AMF richness and diversity. Host identity, rather than distance from the mango trees, was the primary driver of AMF community composition, with distinct and host-specific assemblages in mango, maize, and cassava roots (p < 0.001). Soil nutrients influenced AMF diversity differently across host plants (p < 0.05). In maize-mango systems, TN positively affected observed richness (Sobs) and Shannon diversity (N1), whereas Olsen P negatively affected N1 and Simpson diversity (N2). In cassava-mango systems, TN increased Sobs, and Olsen P positively influenced expected richness (Sexp). Overall, these findings suggest that improvements in soil fertility associated with mango-based agroforestry systems do not necessarily translate into corresponding changes in crop-associated AMF community composition and diversity. Without demonstrating direct benefits, we at least show that mango can be effectively integrated into smallholder maize and cassava production without compromising the AMF communities, while enhancing key soil fertility indicators. Maintaining adequate nitrogen levels while avoiding excessive phosphorus inputs may help sustain stable AMF communities in agroforestry systems.

Nigeria, a key agricultural nation in West Africa, faces persistent food insecurity due to limited access to improved farming practices, with cassava production playing a pivotal role in addressing hunger and supporting rural economies. In Ekiti State, mobile phone technologies offer a potentially impactful solution to enhance cassava production and food security, yet their utilization remains underexplored. This study investigates the socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria, and identifies factors influencing their use of mobile phone technologies to improve agricultural productivity and food security. Conducted across three agricultural zones (Aramoko, Ikere, and Isan), the study employed a multistage sampling technique to select 376 cassava farmers from nine local government areas. Data were collected using structured questionnaires via the Open Data Kit (ODK) and focus group discussions (FGD) with a Multifunctional Rechargeable Device (MRD), a software app for data collection. Factor analysis, chi-square tests, and linear regression were applied to analyze quantitative data, while qualitative data were processed using Atlas. Ti. Four key factors emerged from factor analysis influencing mobile phone technology utilization: economic factors (27.267%), perceived benefits (20.517%), technology enablers (15.033%), and constraints (10.921%). Significant relationships were found between utilization and technology enablers, alongside socio-economic variables like education, farming experience, and farmland size. Qualitative data from FGDs revealed inadequate electricity and poor network coverage as major barriers to mobile phone technology utilization. The study underscores that the mobile technology adoption by cassava farmers is driven by economic factors and perceived benefits but hindered by infrastructural constraints. To improve utilization and boost productivity, it is recommended to invest in rural electricity and internet, design inclusive applications with local languages, and enhance farmers' access to affordable credit.

Abstract Cassava remains one of Africa’s most strategic staple crops due to its resilience to climate stress, versatility in consumption, and importance to rural livelihoods. This study critically compares cassava production systems in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon with a focus on their implications for food security and agro‑industrial development. Using the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) computations, for a quantitative comparative research design based on secondary data from FAO, FAOSTAT, World Bank, and national statistical agencies, the study examines production trends, productivity levels, value‑chain integration, and policy frameworks between 2020 and 2025. Findings reveal that although Nigeria remains the world’s largest producer of cassava by volume, Ghana and Cameroon outperform Nigeria in yield efficiency and export orientation. Weak agro‑processing capacity, limited market integration, and infrastructural bottlenecks continue to constrain Nigeria’s cassava sector, thereby reducing its contribution to food security and trade competitiveness. The study concludes that productivity‑enhancing technologies, regional value‑chain integration, and targeted agro‑industrial policies are critical to transforming cassava from a subsistence crop into a food‑security and export‑led growth driver across West and Central Africa. Keywords: Cassava production, food security, comparative agriculture, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon.

Cassava production is severely affected by cassava bacterial blight (CBB). TPL/TPR as an important transcriptional cofactor is involved in the plant immune process, whereas its relationship with cassava disease resistance is still unclear. In this study, 10 members of the MeTPL family were identified, and functional analysis revealed the negative modulation by MeTPL7 on disease resistance to CBB through reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst. MeTPL7 significantly reduced the transcription of the MeRboh family especially MeRbohD, and overexpression of MeRbohD restored MeTPL7-mediated disease susceptibility. Notably, MeTPL7 contained a special PHA domain, whose deletion affected its specific nucleus localization, which was accompanied by decreased sensitivity in MeTPL7-overexpressed plants. In addition, jasmonic acid (JA) inhibited the transcription of MeTPL7, and overexpressing MeTPL7 alleviated JA-improved disease resistance. In summary, this study reveals that JA-repressed MeTPL7 negatively modulates disease resistance to CBB through ROS accumulation, providing a reference gene for genetic improvement in defense.

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is one of the most destructive constraints to cassava production in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of viruses causing CMD in the Kwango, Kwilu, and Ma&amp;iuml;-Ndombe provinces of western Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where data remain limited. The objective was to identify and to map the viral strains associated with CMD. A field survey was conducted, during which 216 cassava leaf samples were collected from plants aged from 3 to 6 months. Disease severity was evaluated using a scale of 1 to 5. Molecular detection was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with both specific and universal primers targeting most of CMD begomoviruses. Results revealed a high prevalence of ACMV in Kwilu (70.9%) and Kwango (66.6%), with Kwango also showing substantial incidences of EACMV (51.5%) and unidentified begomoviruses (48.5%). Co-infections of ACMV and EACMV were observed in 33.3% of samples, indicating complex viral interactions. In contrast, Ma&amp;iuml;-Ndombe was characterized by a predominance of unidentified begomoviruses (45%). These findings highlight the need to strengthen phytosanitary surveillance and molecular diagnostic capacities, particularly through high-throughput sequencing technologies. The study also recommends to develop and disseminate resistant cassava varieties and to adopt integrated disease management strategies to ensure sustainable CMD control.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effect of potassium (K) fertilization rates and application timing on cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) growth, yield, and nutrient composition. Two field experiments were conducted during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 growing seasons in Paranavaí, Paraná, Brazil, on a sandy Oxisol. A randomized block design with five treatments and five replications was used. Potassium was applied at two rates (80 and 120 kg ha−1 K2O), either at planting or 70 days after planting. Agronomic variables, yield components, soil fertility, and leaf nutrient concentrations were measured and statistically analyzed. In the 2021/2022 season, root yield was significantly affected by K fertilization, with a mean of 22.84 Mg ha−1 under drought conditions. In contrast, in 2022/2023, favorable rainfall resulted in higher yields, with root productivity averaging 42.26 Mg ha−1. Significant effects were observed for shoot biomass, soil K availability, and foliar K and S concentrations. Late application (70 days after planting) increased residual soil K and improved nutrient uptake efficiency. Potassium fertilization, particularly at higher rates and with split application, enhances cassava growth, nutrient balance, and productivity, highlighting the importance of synchronizing nutrient supply with crop demand.

(Manihot esculenta Crantz) cornerstone security, nutrition, rural livelihoods in, where it provides a major of dietary energy millions of smallholder households. Despite its strategic importance, cassava productivity remains constrained by persistent biotic stresses, notably (CBSD), declining limited access to quality planting material and effective extension services. In response to these challenges, , has disseminated improved and biofortified cassava varieties, including provitamin A–rich yellow-fleshed clones, aimed at enhancing productivity, disease tolerance, nutritional quality.This study evaluated the agronomic performance, phytosanitary response, and farmers’ perceptions of selected improved and biofortified cassava varieties under smallholder farming conditions in villages surrounding the INERA Mvuazi Research Centre in western DRC. Agronomic measurements were conducted in farmers’ fields to assess yield components and dry matter content, while disease severity for cassava mosaic disease and CBSD was evaluated using standardized visual scoring methods. In parallel, structured farmer surveys were administered to capture perceptions of varietal performance, management constraints, and adoption dynamics.Results showed that all evaluated varieties exhibited satisfactory agronomic performance under farmer-managed conditions. Dry matter content ranged from 25.6% to 34.3%, indicating good suitability for consumption and processing. No statistically for most yield-related parameters. However, significant varietal differences were recorded for CBSD severity, with Ilona, Obama (TME 419), and Zizila demonstrating comparatively better tolerance. Farmers’ adoption levels varied markedly among villages, reflecting differences in access to planting material, extension support, and perceptions of production risks.The findings confirm the agronomic and nutritional potential of improved and biofortified cassava varieties in the DRC while underscoring the importance of farmer-centred dissemination strategies and strengthened agricultural extension systems to achieve sustained adoption and impact.

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) are two viral diseases that threaten cassava production in the East and Central African countries. These diseases are spread by members of the cryptic species complex of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci sensu lato, and/or through the propagation of infected stem cuttings. This study aims to i) identify the B. tabaci s.l. species colonizing cassava in the north of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), ii) analyse their genetic diversity, and iii) examine how this diversity is geographically structured or influenced by invasions from neighbouring (eastern) countries with high CBSD prevalence. A comprehensive sampling survey was conducted across 43 sites from east to west in the DRC, spanning 1339 km. Both nuclear and mitochondrial markers were used to identify the species and study the genetic diversity and structuring of the populations. Three species of B. tabaci s.l. were found: B. tabaci SSA1-SG1 U SG2; B. tabaci SSA1-SG3, and B.tabaci SSA2 U SSA3. In the surveyed provinces, B. tabaci SSA1 SG1 U SG2 was the dominant species (94.91%). It was structured into two genetic clusters along the east-west transect, while B. tabaci SSA2 U SSA3 was restricted to the western provinces. The findings of this study confirm that B. tabaci SSA1-SG1 U SG2 is the most abundant and adapted species on cassava in the DRC. It is likely that this species is responsible for the spread of cassava virus diseases in the DRC. Furthermore, the results showed significant geographical structuring of B. tabaci SSA1-SG1 U SG2 populations, with potential movements of populations towards the west of the country. This highlights the increased risk of virus spread towards West Africa.

Cassava is a crop of socioeconomic and environmental importance in Brazil, especially in the Northeast region. Its roots are rich in starch, used in human and animal nutrition, and as a raw material in industry. Factors such as the use of low-yield genetic materials, inadequate soil management practices, and the occurrence of pests and diseases compromise the crop. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the production performance of cassava in Queimadas, Paraíba, from 2004 to 2023. The aim was to identify factors that influenced the evolution of local production, to determine which aspects determined the variations in cassava production, and how this can guide strategies and public policies for the sustainable strengthening of the crop. The analysis of the temporal variability of production showed that there was no significant progress, indicating the need for attention to the factors that influence the crop's productivity and profitability, reinforcing the urgent need to adopt new management techniques. Investments in producer training, genetic improvement, appropriate soil management, and rational use of irrigation are alternatives. Furthermore, encouraging agro-industrialization and the use of by-products is also promising for adding value and strengthening the local economy, making the activity more sustainable and competitive.

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), caused by cassava brown streak virus (CBSV; Ipomovirus brunusmanihotis) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV; Ipomovirus manihotis) (family Potyviridae, genus Ipomovirus), is increasingly becoming a threat to cassava production in several parts of Africa, especially in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. In Kenya, the disease continues to wreak havoc on cassava production leading to a significant reduction in crop yields and economic losses of up to USD 1 billion. Variation in virus populations make the control of CBSD challenging as virus genomic variation can affect the accuracy of diagnostic tests, lead to resistance breaking isolates and jeopardize strategies of breeding for resistance. CBSV and UCBSV populations obtained from cassava fields in Kenya were characterized. In total, 44 new complete sequences of CBSV and UCBSV were assembled and 40 sequences successfully submitted to GenBank. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis revealed that the cylindrical inclusion protein (CI) is the most stable region across the genome of CBSV and UCBSV. In contrast, protein 1 (PI) and the coat protein (CP) were the most hypervariable regions. Phylogenetic analysis showed three major geographical groupings for both UCBSV and CBSV isolates, suggesting a continued spread of the viruses through human-mediated movement of infected planting materials. The data obtained in this study can support the development of disease management strategies through improved molecular diagnostic tests and targets for breeding for resistance against CBSD.

Soil microbial community stability: A key to sustainable cassava production

Cassava mosaic begomoviruses are a major threat to cassava cultivation in Africa. The virulent Ugandan variant of the East African cassava mosaic virus (EACMV-Ug), which caused substantial damage to cassava production in Uganda in the 1990s and which was previously confined to East and Central Africa, was recently found to be well established in Guinea and Sierra Leone in West Africa. Molecular analysis of cassava leaf samples from a nationwide cassava fields survey conducted in Côte d'Ivoire in 2022 suggested the absence of EACMV-Ug in the country in 2022. Given the proximity of some confirmed EACMV-Ug infected locations in Guinea to Côte d'Ivoire, we conducted another survey in 2025 along the entire western border of Côte d'Ivoire, bordering Guinea and Liberia, to update the status of EACMV-Ug in the country. Molecular analysis of the leaf samples collected confirmed the presence of EACMV-Ug in Côte d'Ivoire for the first time, along with other begomoviruses. The infection rate of EACMV-Ug along the Liberian border was higher (28.85%) than the 17.07% observed along the Guinean border. African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and East African cassava mosaic Cameroon virus (EACMCMV) were detected both as a single infection and in double co-infections (ACMV+EACMCMV) in some plants, whereas EACMV-Ug was found as a double co-infection (EACMCMV+EACMV-Ug) and as a triple co-infection (ACMV+EACMCMV+EACMV-Ug). Our results also show that all the cassava varieties grown in the surveyed locations were susceptible to EACMV-Ug. Epidemiological assessment of cassava fields revealed that the incidence and severity of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) were significantly higher along the Liberian border compared to the Guinean border. However, whitefly populations were relatively low across the entire area surveyed. Furthermore, we found that the spread of CMD in the survey area was mainly through the use of infected cassava cuttings for the establishment of new farms. Based on these results, it is imperative to conduct an urgent nationwide cassava fields survey to assess the extent of EACMV-Ug spread in Côte d'Ivoire and implement containment measures to stop further spread.

A parameter-by-structure segmentation framework for enhanced CMD detection using UAV imagery and machine learning

Context: Regenerative agriculture off ers a sustainable approach to enhance soil fertility, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, yet its adoption among cassava farmers in Nigeria remains limited. Farmers’ environmental attitudes may infl uence the uptake of these practices. Objectives: This study assessed the level of adoption of regenerative agriculture practices among cassava farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria, measured their environmental attitudes using the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale, and examined the relationship between environmental attitudes and adoption levels. Methods: A multistage sampling technique selected 180 cassava farmers from two agricultural zones. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered electronically and analyze using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression. Results: Farmers favored practices with immediate benefi ts, such as improved cassava varieties (X̅= 1.35), crop rotation/intercropping (X̅= 1.32), and integrated pest management (X̅= 1.17), while cover cropping, agroforestry, and minimum tillage were least adopted. Nearly half of the farmers (46.7%) demonstrated moderate adoption. Environmental attitudes were moderate to strong, with 39.2% classifi ed as pro-ecological. A signifi cant positive correlation existed between environmental attitude and adoption (r = 0.462, p &lt; 0.01), and regression analysis indicated that environmental attitude signifi cantly predicted adoption of regenerative practices (β = 0.462, p &lt; 0.001, R² = 0.213). Signifi cance: Farmers’ pro-environmental attitudes infl uence the adoption of regenerative practices. Strengthening ecological awareness alongside practical support is essential to promote sustainable cassava production.

The study analyzed how socioeconomic factors and newly released cassava varieties impact women's participation and income generation in the value chain, aiming to promote gender-inclusive agricultural development. This study examines the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of women involved in cassava production. Most participants are middle-aged (31–50 years), married, and head large households, highlighting their central role in household sustenance and income generation. The majority possess secondary education, which may enhance their adoption of improved practices. Women predominantly farm small plots (1–2 hectares), reflecting persistent land access constraints. Annual earnings are modest, with most earning ₦101,000–₦200,000, indicating limited economic empowerment. Farmers prioritize high-yielding cassava varieties, though early maturity and income potential are also valued. These findings underscore the need for interventions targeting land access, improved varieties, and market opportunities. Ordinary least squares regression analysis revealed that 82.17% of the variability in women’s participation in cassava production in Imo State is explained by key socio-economic factors. Age and household size showed significant negative effects, indicating that older women and those from larger households are less likely to participate. In contrast, marital status, education, farmers’ association membership, and access to credit all had positive and significant impacts, with education and association membership being especially influential. Regarding income control, only 22.22% of women had full autonomy over cassava sales revenue, while the majority (77.78%) shared decision-making, highlighting both collaborative and independent financial roles within households. Key words: Women, Cassava, participation, Income generation

Agriculture is a very crucial sector in the Nigerian economy, it provides food and income to millions of residents. However, the increasing unpredictability of climate regimes which is a direct effect of anthropogenic climate change has a highly negative impact on the total agricultural output in terms of crop yield. This paper aims at creating a predictive model based on weather, which maximizes the productivity of cassava and cocoa in Ondo State, Nigeria. Kaggle repository data on temporal crop yield were collected from 1991 to 2020 using meteorological measures provided by NASA POWER, this weather data was used to gain a calibration of forecasting models. XGBoost (Gradient Boosting) machine learning model was used to develop salient climatic factors like precipitation, temperature, and soil moisture. The findings show that the cassava model had moderate predictability (R² = 0.61) and the cocoa model had less predictability (R² = 0.55). The system seeks to provide the agricultural sector stakeholders with actionable knowledge, which will empower the stakeholders to make evidence-based decisions on how to advance agricultural production and strengthen agric-food systems during climatic disturbances. It follows that the developed predictive system have a significant contribution to sustainable agricultural development and food security enhancement across the region.

This study investigates the effects of conflicts on both the production and consumption of cassava, a major crop crucial for rural development and food security due to its high carbohydrate content. Cassava is also an essential raw material for many industries. While numerous studies have examined the impact of conflicts on crops, most focus on aggregate production or consumption, and the findings on cassava production have been mixed. However, to our knowledge, no research has specifically explored the effects of conflicts on cassava consumption per capita, highlighting the need for a more systematic analysis. This paper addresses that gap by examining how conflicts influence both the demand and supply of cassava among households in different regions. In particular, it investigates the effects of conflicts on cassava production and per capita consumption in northeast and southeast Nigeria, adopting the novel perspective that these effects may differ between the two regions. A fixed-effect model was employed using three waves of household panel data merged with conflict data recorded in local government areas (LGAs) or within a 5 km radius of the households. Our results show that an increase in fatalities within local government areas decreases cassava consumption per capita and production in the Southeast of Nigeria. However, an increase in fatalities within a 5 km radius of households leads to increased cassava production and decrease cassava consumption in the Southeast. These results differ from the findings in Northeast Nigeria. The findings underscore the need for region-specific strategies, targeted interventions, and improved rural–urban accessibility. For instance, enhancing security in cassava-producing areas, particularly in the Southeast, is essential. Farmers, especially in the Southeast, are also advised to locate their Cassava farms closer to their homes to minimise the risks associated with distant farming.

Ensuring food security remains a significant challenge for rural farming households in Nigeria, where fluctuations in agricultural productivity directly affect household welfare and nutritional outcomes. Accordingly, this study investigates the relationship between cassava yield and household food security among cassava-farming households in Nigeria, using nationally representative data from the 2018–2019 Nigeria General Household Survey (GHS-Panel). Despite Nigeria’s global leadership in cassava production, widespread food insecurity persists among cassava producers, revealing a paradox between national output and household food security outcomes. To address this paradox, the study employed descriptive statistics, Box–Cox regression, and truncated Poisson regression models to identify the key factors influencing cassava yield and food security. The Box–Cox regression results show that age, access to credit, farm size, and the use of improved cassava varieties significantly affect cassava yield. Furthermore, the truncated Poisson model indicates that cassava yield, income, and access to water positively and significantly enhance household food security, whereas age, household size, and food expenditure exert negative effects. These findings highlight that improvements in yield alone are insufficient to guarantee food security unless they are complemented by access to credit, reliable water resources, and income diversification opportunities. The study therefore concludes that policies promoting the adoption of improved cassava varieties, youth participation in agriculture, expanded rural credit access, and irrigation development are crucial for enhancing productivity and achieving sustainable food and nutrition security among cassava-farming households in Nigeria.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a fundamental component of food security for rural families. This study focuses on analyzing cassava production and post-harvest processes in rural communities of the Chone canton, Manabí, from a gender and environmental sustainability perspective. The objective is to identify productive activities, the roles of men and women in the agro-production chain, and the associated environmental practices through a comprehensive socioeconomic assessment. Surveys with a qualitative approach grounded in “gender and environmental sustainability” were administered to 131 farmers from the parishes of San Pablo de Tarugo, San Elías, and Bejuquillo. The results show that 64% of producers stored and marketed cassava in its unprocessed form, with male participation (68%) exceeding female participation (32%). Limited knowledge of good agricultural practices and inadequate management of post-harvest residues were also identified. It is concluded that strengthening technical training and promoting greater female inclusion in the agricultural sector are key to improving productivity, reducing environmental impacts, and fostering sustainable rural development.

Organic waste from industrial cassava peels and goat manure in Lampung, a cassava production center (39.74 million tons in 2022), often pollutes the environment through open dumping due to slow natural composting from a high C/N ratio (&gt;33). This quantitative true experimental study aims to analyze the effect of Green Phoskko and EM4 activators on windrow composting of goat manure-cassava peel mixture (1:1 ratio). The population of all potential mixtures in Lampung; purposive total sampling yielded 9 units (3 treatments × 3 replications, 6 kg/unit). Instruments used were thermometer, pH meter, spectrophotometer for N and C-organic, descriptive analysis and ANOVA/t-test via Excel/SPSS. The results showed Green Phoskko was superior: N increased by 2.80%, C-organic decreased by 15.55%, C/N ratio 10.50, pH 6.5-7, mesophilic temperature 28-32°C on day 28, meeting SNI 7763:2018. In conclusion, Green Phoskko is more effective in accelerating the composting of lignocellulosic waste than EM4.