Improved Cassava Varieties Research Articles

Adoption of Improved Cassava Varieties in Ghana

Adoption of Improved Cassava Varieties in Ghana

Effect of NPK Fertilization on Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) Expression in a Sub-Saharan African Region

The influence of NPK fertilizer on the incidence, severity and gravity of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) was investigated using eight genetically improved cassava varieties and eight local farmer’s varieties. The study was carried out in a savannah region (Gandajika) in D.R. Congo at two locations. The varieties were planted with and without NPK fertilization. Application of NPK fertilizer significantly (P<0.05) increased CMD incidence, severity (AUDPC) and gravity overtime compared to the trials without fertilizers for all the improved cassava varieties evaluated. The CMD incidence remained below 30% of infected plants for improved cassava varieties and reached 100% of plants for local varieties during the six months trial. The same trend was observed for CMD gravity (number of infected leaves per plant) that was below 50% for improved varieties while reaching 100% for all the local varieties at 6 MAP. High incidence and gravity of CMD were observed on local varieties just one month after planting. NPK fertilizers increased significantly the CMD incidence and gravity compared to control site during the first month after plantation. Thereafter, the effect of NPK fertilizer on CMD symptom expression was not noticeable since all the plants from local varieties were infected regardless of the fertilization regimen. Research Article

Farmers' Preferential Choice Decisions to Alternative Cassava Value Chain Strands in Morogoro Rural District, Tanzania

The study was conducted to determine farmers’ preferential choice decision of alternative cassava value chain strands and as well as factors behind such decisions in Morogoro rural District, Tanzania. Factor analysis was first used to reduce and identify the factors (variables for further analysis whereby the factors with highest eigen-value were applied to develop factor scores to measure the attitudinal variables. Results indicate that farmers have positive risk attitude towards participation in the alternative cassava value chain strands for commercialization. A count data model known as Poisson model was applied to determine the factors which influenced this attitude. Results indicated that farm size, experience, female-headed households and land-holding had influenced the farmers’ preferential choice decision. Recommendations for enhancing farmers’ participation in profitable cassava value chain strands are strengthening coordination, provision of improved cassava varieties and introduction of cassava processing technologies.

Socio-cultural participatory monitoring and evaluation indicators used in adopting improved cassavas by Western Kenya communities

Cassava production is critical to household food security in Kuria and Migori Districts. The adoption of improved cassava varieties has been low largely due to non-participatory extension approaches (GOK, 2006). Participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) at the community level is a relatively new approach and there has been considerable lack of emphasis on community-based monitoring and evaluation indicators during the development of technologies in Kenya. This study investigated the socio-cultural monitoring and evaluation indicators used by the Kuria and Luo communities in adopting improved cassava varieties in the two districts. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from farmers. Socio-cultural community-based participatory monitoring and evaluation indicators for selection and adoption of cassava varieties in the two districts were identified. The study found significant and non-significant differences in some of the socio-cultural indicators. The adoption of improved cassava varieties was found to be low in the two districts. The identified community-based participatory monitoring and evaluation indicators would help in enhancing cassava technology development, packaging and dissemination strategies by researchers, extension agents and farmers. The study recommends incorporation of local indicators during development and dissemination of technologies by research institutions as this would help in enhancing the uptake of new technologies developed. Key words: Socio-cultural, participatory monitoring and evaluation, indicators, cassava.

Application of Multivariate Techniques for Characterizing Composition of Starches and Sugars in Six High Yielding CMD Resistant Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Varieties

High yielding and cassava mosaic disease (CMD) resistant cassava varieties have been developed by the Crop Research Institute of Ghana with varying compositions and concentrations of starches and sugars. This study characterized four of these improved cassava varieties (Ampong, Broni bankye, Sika and Otuhia) together with two traditional varieties (Amakuma and Bankye fitaa) for their composition of starches and sugars using principal component and cluster analyses. The concentration of total sugars, reducing and non-reducing sugars, sucrose, starches, amylose and amylopectin were determined using standard analytical methods. Results obtained were total sugar (4.04-18.47%), non-reducing sugar (2.08-16.21%), sucrose (1.98-15.40%), starch (15.39-31.07%) and amylose (30.57-40.33%) and these were significantly different (p < 0.05) amongst the studied cassava varieties. The improved varieties (Ampong, Broni bankye, Sika and Otuhia) had high total sugar levels ranging from 7.19 to 18.47 %. With the exception of Broni bankye (improved variety) all the improved and traditional varieties were high starch and amylose containing varieties. These differences in the biochemical composition of the traditional and improved cassava varieties could be used in their selection for specific food and industrial processing applications.

Adoption Of Improved Cassava Varieties By Farmers In Kogi State, Nigeria

Improved cassava varieties have been developed and disseminated to farmers in the study area but the rate of adoption has not been ascertained. This gave rise to the study. The data for the study were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire, from 60 farmers randomly sampled from two Local Government Areas (LGAs) Ankpa and Olamaboro, which were randomly sampled from Ayangba and Alloma Agriricultural Development Programme (ADP) Zones of the state. Data collected included the demographic characteristics of the respondents, products of cassava processed, units of measuring cassava tubers for sale,sources of farm labour, sources of agricultural information, awareness and use of improved cassava varieties, and value added products of cassava. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and multiple regression analysis. Results showed that Extension Agents (EAs) were the major source of agricultural information (97%) in the area.Land for agricultural production was acquired mainly by inheritance (95%), with majority (70%) of the farmers cultivating cassava on about 5 ha of farmland mostly on scattered plots. TMS 92/0326 was the only predominantly cultivated improved variety of cassava by (90%) of the farmers. Cassava flour and starch were the value added products mainly adopted and used by majority (100%, and 70%) of the farmers respectively. The multiple regression analysis showed that age, household size, and farming experience were positive and significantly related to adoption at 5% level, while education was also positive and significantly related to adoption at 1% level. Marital status and membership of cooperative societies were however, negative but significantly related to adoption at 10% level. It was concluded that majority of the farmers in the area adopted only TMS 92/0326. Farmers were largely unaware of NRCRI cassava varieties and value added products. The major sources of agricultural information in the area were the Extension Agents. It was suggested that Extension agents should organize regular field days to encourage diffusion through fellow farmers they should also collaborate with relevant research institutes to introduce other improved cassava production technologies to the farmers in the area.Keywords: cassava, technologies, adoption

Social and Economical Factors Hindering Adoption of Improved Cassava Varieties in Kiganjo Location, Nyeri Municipality Division, Kenya

Social and Economical Factors Hindering Adoption of Improved Cassava Varieties in Kiganjo Location, Nyeri Municipality Division, Kenya

Evaluation of cyanogenic potential and organoleptic properties in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) roots of improved varieties in Cte dIvoire

Fourteen cassava varieties (13 new improved cassava varieties and 1 local variety control) harvested at maturity in Cote d’Ivoire, were analysed for their cyanogenic potential of cassava root parenchyma with a picrate kit and organoleptic properties after boiling. Quantitative estimation of cyanogenic potential for cassava varieties was carried out by comparing the colour of picrate paper against those of known standard. The total cyanogens content of five improved varieties (98/2101, 98/0505, 98/0002, 96/1632 and TME419 with 9.1, 14, 10.5, 16.6 and 13.3 mg HCN kg-1 root fresh respectively) was significantly lower than that for the local variety control (ANADER2 with 36.2 mg HCN kg-1 root fresh) (p < 0.05). However, cyanogens levels in all cassava varieties were ranging from 9.1 to 36.2 mg HCN kg-1 root fresh, therefore, inferior to 50 mg HCN kg-1 root fresh, the safe level. All cassava varieties cooked, mealiness and melting qualities appear to be under genetic control. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mealiness index between two improved varieties (98/0002 (1.8) and TME7 (1.7) and the local variety (ANADER2 (1.3). Results showed a strong correlation between mealiness and melting (R2 = 0.91), accordingly, melting could be predicted from mealiness. Key words: Cassava, improved varieties, cyanide, safe levels of cyanogens, mealiness, melting, Cote d’Ivoire.

Cluster analysis of improved cassava varieties cultivated at Onne, Nigeria by the international institute of tropical agriculture

Secondary data on proximate composition of “fufu” flour taken from forty three cassava mosaic disease (CMD) resistant varieties were used for this work. Agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis was performed on the squared Euclidean distance matrix. The distance coefficients generated between the forty three CMD resistant varieties ranged from 0.000 to 89.120. Six (6) distinct groups were identified at 0.97 coefficients. A dendrogram of the data indicated that cases with low distances are close together with a line linking them. It was observed that the line was a short distance from the left of the dendrogram indicating that they were agglomerated in a cluster at a low distance coefficient. This indicated likeness. The implication of this to the farmer and indeed to the nutritionist is that a variety can be selected from each of the 6 cluster groups for cultivation with the objective of achieving the same nutritional differences in terms of proximate composition without having to examine all the forty three varieties. Key words: Cluster, agglomerative hierarchical cluster, squared euclidean distance, cassava “fufu”, CMD-resistant varieties, clustering algorithms.

Utilization of improved cassava varieties among extension agents in Benue State, Nigeria

Utilization of Improved Cassava varieties among extension agents (EAs) in Benue State, Nigeria was appraised in 2006. The data were collected using structured questionnaire, and analyzed using simple descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages), and linear regression analysis. Results showed that TMS 30572 was utilized more than other varieties studied. The factors that contributed to utilization included high fresh tuber yield, early maturity and high quality gari and other products. Constraints to utilization included scarcity and high cost of planting materials (cassava stems) and inadequate information about some varieties (NR8083). The regression analysis showed that sex and education had a positive and significant relationship with utilization at 1% level, while age had negative but significant relationship with utilization at 1% level. It was recommended that efforts should be made to massively multiply improved cassava stems and effectively distribute at affordable prices to increase utilization of the improved varieties.

Availability Of Improved Crop Production Practices In Aguata Area Of Anambra State, Nigeria

The study focused on availability of improved crop production practices in Aguata area of Anambra State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to one hundred randomly selected respondents from twenty communities in five local government areas. Data analysis was by the use of frequency distribution, percentages, and mean scores. Findings of the study revealed that that the following improved crop production practices were available to the respondents: adequate crop spacing, optimum plant population, seed dressing, use of fertilizer, use of insecticides, regular weeding, adequate disease control measures, timeliness of planting, yam minisett technology, improved maize varieties, improved cassava varieties, dry season vegetables. Herbicide use was however identified as less available.

Evaluation of the pasting and some functional properties of starch isolated from some improved cassava varieties in Nigeria

Improved cassava of 13 cultivars (NR01/004, NR01/0161, NR01/0071, CR14A-1, CR.41 – 10, AR38 – 3, TMS01/0040, TMS01/1086, TMS00/0210, TMS00/0203, TMS00/0214, TMS30572CK and Local best (CK) were converted into starch and analysed for some functional and pasting properties. Variations were observed in the functional properties of the starch samples; water absorption capacity ranged from 59.75 – 68.02%; oil absorption capacity 60.70 – 80.01%; swelling power 5.49 – 6.92% and solubility index 4.25 – 5.96%. Significant differences (P lowest. The setback viscosity ranged between 9.75 – 49.25 RVU with starch from local best CK having the highest and that from TMS01/0040 having the lowest. The pasting temperature ranged from 63.00 – 64.70°C, with starch from TMS00/0214 having the highest and that from NR01/0161 having the lowest. There were significant differences (P best CK had the highest and that from TMS00/0203 had the lowest. Significant differences were observed in the amylose and starch contents of the cassava cultivars.

Pasting, Color, and Granular Properties of Starches From Local and Improved Cassava Varieties in High Rainfall Region of Nigeria

This study investigated the pasting, color, and granule properties of starches produced from 39 different cassava varieties (36 varieties resistant to cassava mosaic disease and three checks, TMS 30572, 4(2) 1425, and 82/00058) in two planting seasons at the experimental farm of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Onne, Rivers State, Nigeria. Varieties screened showed significant seasonal differences (p < 0.05) in all the properties over two harvesting seasons. The peak viscosity during heating ranged from 241.13 RVU to 485.21 RVU in year 1 and from 232.46RVU to 407.63RVU in year 2. Pasting time of the different starches ranged from 3.20–3.70 min in year 1 and from 3.6–4.2 min in year 2. Pasting temperature of the different starches ranged from 63.93–65.35 °C and from 73.15–77.15 °C in the years 1 and 2, respectively. Starch color intensity ranged from 85.05–94.49% in year 1 and from 90.27–92.96% in year 2. The structure of starches from cassava varieties was round in shape with granule size ranging from 12.50–22.50 μm in two years with varieties 97/0211 and 98/0510 as the smallest and variety 96/1632 as the largest. This study, therefore, showed that there were significant genotypic and seasonal variations in the pasting, color, and morphological properties of native starches from cassava.

Comparative analysis of factors affecting the adoption of two improved Cassava varieties (TMS 30572 and NR 8082) in Abia State, Nigeria

Comparative analysis of factors affecting the adoption of two improved Cassava varieties (TMS 30572 and NR 8082) in Abia State, Nigeria

An Ex-Ante Evaluation of Improved Cassava Varieties on Gender Relations in Migori District, Kenya

The purpose of this case study is to document the development and testing of a gender-sensitive tool for impact evaluation of agricultural technology appropriate to conditions in Kenya. This tool, a modified Gender Analysis Matrix (GAM), was tested by KARI researchers from Kisii Regional Research Center and during an ex-ante evaluation of introduced pest-resistant cassava varieties in Migori district. Eight aspects of cassava production - labour, time, tools, land, cash, funds, food and social standing were included in the matrix. Men and women of different age categories examined these for possible changes in access to and control over the resources. Results indicated that as a result of the new technology, labour burdens would increase for young men and women of all categories while control over their labor will decrease. Conversely, it is anticipated that adult men will provide less labour, have greater access and exert more control over the resource in nearly all resource categories. Adult women stand to gain more access to most of the resources investigated, but it was unclear whether there would be an increase in control over these resources, especially land and cash. These and other results obtained directly from farmers and analyzed using the GAM during the exercise gave researchers a clear understanding of differential impacts of this new technology on men and women farmers. The case discusses the utility of this gender-sensitive approach in ex ante impact of this and other technology. It also offers conclusions and recommendations for the use of the tool.

Perceived training needs of cassava farmers in Ovia north east local government area of Edo State. Nigeria

This study examined training needs of cassava farmers in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State. A total of 80 randomly selected cassava farmers were the respondents for the study. Data were collected using interview schedule and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that majority of the farmers (57.5%) were males, higher percentage of the respondents (63.8%) belongs to the age group 30 – 49years and 47.5 percent of the respondents were married. Majority of the respondents (60.0%) had both primary and secondary qualifications while 32.5 percent had no formal education. Findings further show that respondents attached great importance to the use of improved variety ( &#935=4.37), rapid multiplication of planting materials (&#935 = 4.18) weeding (&#935 =4.15) and storage of planting material (&#935 =3.85). They also identified quality flour making (&#935 = 4.72), rapid multiplication of planting materials ( &#935= 4.68), industrial utilization of cassava (&#935 =4.53) identification of improved varieties (&#935 = 4.42). as areas where training is highly required. There were significant association between respondents\' age, educational level and farm size and their training needs. It was therefore recommended that there is a need for organizing training for farmers in areas such as rapid multiplication of planting materials, quality cassava flour production and identification of improved cassava varieties. Keywords: Assessment, training needs, cassava farmers.Bowen Journal of Agriculture Vol. 5 (1&2) 2008: pp. 128-134

Nutritional evaluation of four optimized cassava-based complementary foods

Complementary foods were formulated and their nutritional composition analyzed from three yellow and one white cassava varieties. The composites were analyzed for proximate, mineral, fatty acids and amino acids. The mean values for the proximate composition of the diets are moisture (41.4 g kg-1) wet weight, ash (47.4 g kg-1), crude protein (145.8 g kg-1), crude fat (106.7 g kg-1), crude fiber (21.1 g kg-1), total carbohydrate (633.5 g kg-1), and energy (409.2 kcal). The diets supplied adequate amounts of most minerals, except iron (about 65% of the standard). The composites contained all the essential amino acids with adequate chemical score for most amino acids. The complementary diets contained moderate to high proportions of α-linolenic acids (18:3n3) and a high proportion of linoleic acid (18:2n6), which resulted in a high total n-6/total n-3 ratio and a high linoleic/ α-linolenic acids ratio. Micronutrient improved cassava varieties can be effectively used to formulate complementary food as acceptable micronutrients supplement. Key words: micronutrient-improved, cassava, complementary foods, children.

Adoption Of Improved Cassava Varieties Among Smallscale Farmers In Ikot Ekpene Agricultural Zone Of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The study was designed to investigate the adoption of improved cassava varieties in Ikot Ekpene agricultural zone of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The main objective of the study was to examine the rate of adoption of improved cassava varieties in Ikot Ekpene agricultural zone. The varieties involved in the study were: TMS30572, TMS4(2)1425, NR8082, and NR 8083. The multi-stage cluster sampling technique was adopted. A total of 100 farmers were randomly selected from 10 villages in five circles within two blocks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and multiple regression analysis. Results revealed that 68% of cassava farmers were males, while 66% either had no formal education or completed primary six level only. About 66% were located closer to markets. About 85% had 10 years farming experience, while 65% had below three hectares of land, which implied that the farmers were smallscale indeed. Regression analysis revealed that farm size and level of formal education were positively related to, and significant as the major determinants of adoption of the innovation in the zone. The major constraints faced by farmers were lack of agricultural inputs like fertilizers, insecticides, tractor; land tenancy, and high cost of labour. Keywords: Improved cassava varieties, Small-scale farmersGlobal Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 2 (2) 2006: pp. 41-50

Profit Efficiency Of Farmers\' Sustained Use Of Improved Cassava Varieties In Imo State, Nigeria.

Profit efficiency of farmers\' sustained use of improved cassava varieties in Imo State was estimated using stochastic translog profit frontier model. The mean level of profit efficiency was 81.9% with a range of 51.27% - 98.35%. Mean farm profit was N146, 309.00 per hectare. Determinants of level of sustained use of improved cassava varieties were taste, yield, garri quality, harvesting ease, early maturity, tubs size, stand establishment, root storability, water content and availability of cuttings. Sustained use of improved cassava varieties would be practiced by more farmers in Imo State if the factors effecting sustained use of improved varieties are adequately considered by the research institutes at the point of development of new cassava varieties. Keywords: Profit efficiency, sustained use, cassava varieties, farmersGlobal Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 2 (1) 2006: pp.60-66

Economic implications on management earnings of substituting traditional for improved cassava varieties in mix cropping farms in Cross River State.

Information through questionnaires and farm records were obtained from farms across the fourteen Local Government Areas of Cross River State between April and October 1990 and 1992, to investigate the economic impact on management earning associated with the adoption of structure on mixed crop farms in Cross River State. A sample of one thousand heads of farms family household across the State were interviewed and their records obtained were analysed following the residual claimant procedures. The result reveal that 5% of the farms operators who had adopted both improved Cassava varieties and applied fertilizers on their farms had earned incomes in excess of N 20, 000 while operators who had not adopted this practice could not make similar income. Seventy percent of farms operators who had adopted both improved varieties and applied fertilizers earn incomes between N5, 000 and N19, 000. Only 16.6% of non-adopter earned incomes within this range. Overall, 83.33% of the non-adopters earned incomes of less than N 15, 000 while only 30% of the adopters fell in this category. A critical problem uncovered in the study was that there were serious instability problems in the supply/procurement sources of these inputs, which could create problems of sustainability of this new technology. The study, therefore, recommends the adoption effective strategies that will enhance and stabilize input procurement. Resources structure in these class of farms is changing but at a relatively very slow rate. The notable significant changes are in substitution of hired labour for family and addition of cassava enterprises in all the farm enterprise combinations in the state.Journal of Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Research Vol. 2 1995: pp. 3-10