Improved Cassava Varieties Research Articles

Consumer Perception and Sensory Profiling of Cassava Mealiness Attributes Using Hedonic, JAR, and CATA Methods

ABSTRACTThe ability of cassava root to be softened within a short period, being easy to chew, and dissolving easily upon biting, otherwise known as cassava root mealiness, is one of the major attributes of boiled cassava roots. This study aimed to identify the attributes of cassava root mealiness from consumers' end and evaluate consumer acceptability of boiled cassava roots. A well‐structured questionnaire comprising of a 9‐point hedonic, Just About Right (JAR) and Check‐All‐That‐Apply (CATA) test was administered to 120 respondents to elicit information on cassava root mealiness (CRM) attributes and to evaluate four cassava varieties (danwarri, suppi, akpu, dangbo) for consumers' acceptability of boiled cassava in the selected LGAs of Benue State, Nigeria (Vandekya, Ushongo, Konshisha and Gwer East) using purposive sampling techniques. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using statistical packages for social science (SPSS) and XLSTAT packages. CRM for the four cassava root varieties were dissolving easily, easy to chew, and softness. The CATA test showed that the most important mealiness attributes of boiled cassava roots were dissolving easily (80%) > being easy to chew (78%) > being moderately soft (76%). The JAR test results also revealed that the softness and chewiness of danwarri and suppi cassava varieties scored above 50%, just about right (JAR) values. The acceptability test showed that danwarri variety was scored 7.48 > suppi (6.68) > akpu (5.44) > dangbo (4.19) in that order. This information, with an in‐depth laboratory characterization of the raw roots, will assist breeders in developing improved cassava varieties that are mealable and acceptable to the consumers.

Influence of Contracted Extension Service Delivery Model on Uptake and Use of Cassava Technologies, Innovations and Management Practices in Nakuru and Busia Counties, Kenya

Adoption of Technologies Innovations and Management Practices (TIMPs) by farmers is critical in improving farmers’ livelihoods. The Kenyan Government, through Kenya Agricultural Productivity and Agribusiness Project (KAPAP), implemented the Contracted Extension Service Delivery Model (CESDM) across various agricultural value chains. In the cassava value chain, nine TIMPS were promoted which included the use of improved cassava planting materials, organic manure/ inorganic fertilizers, rotational crops, intercrops, pest and disease management, drying, milling, blending and collective marketing. Using a cross-sectional approach and a sample of 816 respondents, this study employed a multivariate and an ordered probit to determine the effects of CESDM on adoption of cassava TIMPS in Busia and Nakuru counties of Kenya. The results showed that the CESDM influenced certain practices positively. These included use of improved cassava varieties, crop rotation, fermentation and milling. The CESDM was negatively associated with fertilizer use, intercropping and disease control. Generally, factors that influenced adoption of cassava TIMPS included household size, land tenure, cassava yield, credit use, off-farm employment, ownership of cassava machineries, gender of household head, access to cassava information, higher cassava acreages, cassava experience and agricultural group membership. Factors that explained the extent of use of cassava included household size, gender of household head, land ownership, and age of household head. The study concluded that indeed government support and interventions are key in enhancing adoption of selected cassava TIMPs, and such initiatives are necessary in building a critical mass of trained farmers for increased welfare gains.

Costs and Returns Analysis of Cassava Production in Ijebu-North Local Government Area, Ogun-State, Nigeria

The study on Costs and Returns of Cassava production was carried out in Ijebu-North local government area of Ogun state in Nigeria in 2023. Given the importance of cassava in the lives of the farmers and the general public in Ijebu-North LGA, there is need to examine the current trend whether the farmers make profit or not by engaging in cassava production per hectare in the area. This gap will help to encourage farmers to cultivate cassava as a means of improving family living standards. The study described the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and determined the farm profit per hectare of the cassava farmers. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty (120) cassava farmers as respondents. The tools used for data collection were questionnaire and interview schedule. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and profitability analysis. The results showed that 75.8% of the cassava farmers are male, 79.2% of the cassava farmers are married, 50.8% are within the age bracket of 51 years and above, 99.2% of the respondents are educated i.e. they have obtained at least a First school leaving certificate, 50% have an household size of 6-10 persons per family, 65.8% of the respondents have a farming experience of 11 years and above, 47.5% of the respondents have a farm size of 4ha and above and 100% of the respondents have personal savings as their major source of capital. The Profitability analysis revealed that the total variable cost (TVC) of producing cassava per hectare was N185,500 and the total fixed cost (TFC) of producing cassava per hectare was N72,015 giving a total cost (TC) per hectare of N257,515. The total revenue generated per hectare was N368,000 with a gross margin of N182,500. The finding further revealed that a profit of N110,485 with N1.43k made on every naira invested into the business. On cassava production constraints, the farmers ranked Lack of Credit/loan facilities, Poor extension facilities and Lack of improved cassava varieties as the three top major constraints. The study recommends that youths should be encouraged to engage themselves in cassava production on a large-scale basis in the study area.

TREND OF CASSAVA YIELD/PRODCUTION IN IN KOGI EAST SENATORIAL DISTRICT, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the trends in cassava yield and production in the Kogi East Senatorial District of Kogi State, Nigeria, focusing on the perceptions of local farmers regarding yield changes over the past five years and the factors influencing these trends. A total of 403 respondents were surveyed, revealing that 71.3% of the farmers perceived an increase in cassava yields, while 28.7% reported stable yields. The primary factors contributing to the perceived increase included the use of improved cassava varieties (58.1%) and climate variability (41.9%). Furthermore, the statistical analysis indicated a stationary R-squared value of 0.792, suggesting a robust model fit for predicting future production trends. Forecasts indicated a steady increase in cassava production per hectare from 2024 to 2033, with projected yields rising from 17.33 tons per hectare in 2024 to 18.54 tons per hectare by 2033. Despite these positive trends, the study identified significant challenges posed by climate variability, with 76.7% of respondents recognizing a high impact on production. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, including the promotion of climate-resilient cassava varieties, improved access to quality planting materials, and the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. Overall, this study provides critical insights into the cassava production landscape in Kogi East and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to enhance productivity and ensure food security in the region.

Assessment of the Availability and Accessibility to Improved Cassava Varieties by Smallholder Farmers in Siaya County, Kenya

Assessment of the Availability and Accessibility to Improved Cassava Varieties by Smallholder Farmers in Siaya County, Kenya

Cassava breeding: Classical to recent breeding approaches for food, industry and climate resilience

Cassava ranks as the fourth-most significant starchy root crop in underdeveloped countries in terms of future food and acting as a key source of income for small and marginal farmers. To meet the growing demands for food security and economic development, it is imperative to develop improved cassava varieties that offer higher yields, enhanced nutritional content, safer for consumption, greater resistance to diseases and climate change. The development of these improved varieties necessitates advancements in breeding techniques, leveraging both traditional methods and modern biotechnological tools. However, a major challenge in cassava breeding is heterozygous nature and the crop’s sparse flowering, which limits the potential for sexual reproduction, thereby constraining breeding efforts for predominantly clonal selection. The continuous clonal propagation impedes genetic diversity and the introduction of novel traits, narrowing the overall progress of breeding programs. Integrating genomic tools and accelerating the adoption of biotechnological advancements can overcome these limitations and expedite the development of superior cassava varieties. This review highlights the need of cassava breeding for addressing these challenges with conventional as well as with new breeding techniques with the aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current scenario and future directions of cassava breeding research. Key words: Climate change, CRISPR/Cas 9, New breeding techniques, PPD, speed breeding, Waxy cassava

Heterogeneous pathways of technological change in marginalised rural areas: the case for fuller accounts of adoption

ABSTRACT Dynamic and cumulative processes shaping technology adoption receive less attention in agricultural research compared to snapshot analyses of its determinants. We address this through theory-driven evaluation and the Propositions, Encounters, Dispositions and Responses framework. In 2005, research institutes introduced improved cassava varieties (ICVs) in East Cameroon. In the following decade, economic transformations brought in new development actors who revived their circulation. The interactions and actors who intervened in a relatively short period and the diversity of adoption pathways in a relatively small area highlight the complexity of technological change. Learning-oriented, systemic and systematic evaluations are needed for fuller adoption accounts.

Cyanide in cassava: Understanding the drivers, impacts of climate variability, and strategies for food security

AbstractThe consumption of cassava, a vital staple food for more than 1 billion people worldwide, holds particular significance in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Expansion in cassava production in SSA is driven by increasing market demand, local consumption, and adaptability to diverse environments. However, cyanide concentration in cassava tubers and products across SSA ranges from 9 to 1148 ppm – most exceed the World Health Organisation's recommended safe level of 10 ppm. Such variation and high cyanide concentrations in cassava products are expected to be exacerbated by climate‐induced increases in the frequency, intensity and occurrence of drought, heat waves and biotic stresses, further jeopardising regional food security. Thus, it is essential to examine cassava production and cyanide toxicity under climate change and their implications for food security in SSA. In this review, we look at the drivers of cassava production and spatial variation in cyanide concentrations across SSA, impacts of climate variability and biotic stresses on cassava cyanide concentrations in SSA, and crop management practices for reducing cyanogenic glucosides in cassava tubers. We surmise that urgent actions are required to adopt improved cassava varieties and management strategies that reduce cassava cyanide toxicity amid climate‐induced challenges in SSA.

Resource productivity and allocative efficiency in improved cassava (Manihot esculenta) -based mixed cropping system in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Over 60% of the cassava-producing households in Nigeria have adopted the cultivation of improved cassava varieties resulting in increased cassava yields and output. Yet, the attainment of domestic production level that would cope with the domestic consumption and the needs for the export market can only be achieved if the technical efficiencies of smallholder farm resources are upgraded and the cassava farmers become more efficient in the allocation of these resources. This study examined the resource productivity and allocative efficiency in improved cassava-based mixed cropping system in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select a total of 120 respondents (comprising 60 adopters and 60 non-adopters of improved cassava-based mixed cropping system) on whom structured questionnaires were administered during the 2022/2023 cropping season. Inferential statistics involving the Cobb-Douglas production function and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The regression results revealed that all the five resource inputs for the adopters and four inputs excluding agrochemicals for non-adopters of the improved cassava-based mixed cropping system positively contributed to output of the respondents in the area. The results further showed that most of the resource inputs were of higher productivities under the adopters than the non-adopters. The result of the deviation from unity of the ratio of the Marginal Value Product (MVP) to Marginal Factor Cost (MFC) revealed that the adopters were more efficient in the allocation of land, cassava stem cuttings and miscellaneous variable capital inputs than the non-adopters. Constraints to increased cassava production in the area include lack of finance, high cost of farm inputs, among others. Policy measures aimed at liberalization of agricultural credit schemes to enhance farmers’ access to essential farm inputs, introduction of labour-saving techniques to farmers among others were recommended towards increased production and profitable cassava value chain business in Nigeria

Resistance to Cassava Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) among Eastern and Southern African Elite Cassava Genotypes.

Cassava whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, directly damages cassava leaves by feeding on phloem, causing chlorosis and abscission, leading to a yield loss of up to 50%. The pest also causes indirect damage through sooty mold formation. Most Ugandan cassava varieties resist cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and tolerate cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), but little is known about their response to whitefly infestation. The main objective of this study was to identify cassava genotypes with putative resistance to whitefly in Uganda. This was conducted on 24 improved cassava varieties in three agro-ecological zones during the second rains of 2016. Monthly data were taken for adult and nymph counts, whitefly and sooty mold damage, and CMD and CBSD severities from 2 to 9 months after planting (MAPs). The results show that the whitefly population is highly significantly (p < 0.000) amongst varieties across the three agro-ecological zones. Mkumba consistently supported the low adult numbers and nymphs. The findings demonstrate the potential of the improved cassava varieties as sources of whitefly resistance for sustainable management.

Analysis of the Effect of Climate Change Adaptation Measures Used by Cassava Farmers in Central Agricultural Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria

The study examined an analysis of the effect of climate change adaptation measures used by cassava farmers in a central agricultural zone, Cross River State, Nigeria. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 141 Cassava farmers who participated in the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a logit model. Adaptation measures and barriers to adaptation were captured using a four (4) point Likert scale, while the data on socio-economic characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentage and frequency, while hypothesis one was tested using a logit regression model and hypothesis two was tested using Chi-square x2. The findings show that (74.80/0) of the respondents were between the ages of 31 years and above. The majority of the respondents were males (50.10/0), while 480/0 of them were females and were mainly dominated by the married class (50.30/0). The study reveals that the major cause of climate change in the study area is bush burning, which was ranked first; using agricultural chemicals was ranked second; and deforestation was ranked third, respectively. While the climate change effects were reducing rainfall, was ranked first pest and disease outbreaks and drought were ranked second and third, respectively, as the most adverse effects caused by climate change in the study area. The study also shows that farmers have been able to carry out some adaptation measures to combat the effect of climate change, such as the use of improved cassava varieties, the use of green manure, early planting, change of planting date, change of harvesting date and tillage. It was also revealed that the barriers associated with climate change mitigation include lack of access to weather forecast technology, inadequate finance to cope with the changing climate, and lack of cassava varieties that are adaptable to low rainfall. The result of the Chi-square x2 test on the relationship between the effect of climate change and the adaptive measures used by cassava farmers in the study area shows that x2 values of 287.3 of the effect of climate change on cassava production are greater than the tabulated value of 0.0922. The result, therefore, indicates that there is a significant relationship between the effect of climate change and the adaptive measures used by cassava farmers. The positive sign associated with the variables in the logit regression model improved varieties of cassava stem, green manure, early planting, and mulching would increase cassava yield. It was recommended that policy-makers formulate policies that will strengthen climate adaptation in the study area.

Adoption determinants of improved cassava varieties and intercropping among East and Central African smallholder farmers

AbstractA key constraint to cassava productivity in Africa is the lack of adoption of improved cassava varieties tolerant to pests and diseases. To understand the drivers of adoption behavior, we examine the simultaneous adoption of improved cassava varieties and intercropping by 1200 smallholder farmers in Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda. Using a linear model, we find that varietal characteristics, such as yield and early maturity, are critical drivers of adoption. Access to extension and credit is associated with an increase in the attractiveness of yield‐improving characteristics. We conclude that a more targeted extension approach would increase technology adoption in these countries.

Definition of sensory and instrumental thresholds of acceptability for selection of cassava genotypes with improved boiling properties.

Consumers of boiled cassava in Africa, Latin America and Asia use specific preference criteria to evaluate its cooking quality, in terms of texture, colour and taste. To improve adoption rates of improved cassava varieties intended for consumption after boiling, these preference criteria need to be determined, quantified and integrated as post-harvest quality traits in the target product profile of boiled cassava, so that breeding programs may screen candidate varieties based on both agronomic traits and consumer preference traits. Surveys of various end-user groups identified seven priority quality attributes of boiled cassava covering root preparation, visual aspect, taste and texture. Three populations of contrasted cassava genotypes, from good-cooking to bad-cooking, in three countries (Uganda, Benin, Colombia) were then characterized according to these quality attributes by sensory quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and by standard instrumental methods. Consumers' preferences of the texture attributes mealiness and hardness were also determined. By analysis of correlations, the consumers' preferences scores were translated into thresholds of acceptability in terms of QDA scores, then in terms of instrumental measurements (water absorption during boiling and texture analysis). The thresholds of acceptability were used to identify among the Colombian and Benin populations promising genotypes for boiled cassava quality. This work demonstrates the steps of determining priority quality attributes for boiled cassava and establishing their corresponding quantitative thresholds of acceptability. The information can then be included in boiled cassava target product profiles used by cassava breeders, for better selection and adoption rates of new varieties. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Adoption of Improved Cassava Varieties in Uganda: What Does Agricultural Extension Do?

Agricultural production, especially by smallholder farmers, is often hampered byinsufficient knowledge about better farm inputs or farming practices, low adoption toimproved agricultural technologies, or low diffusion of agricultural innovations by theinventing institutions. This paper examines the role of agricultural extension to theadoption of improved cassava varieties in Uganda. We indicate for agricultural extensionusing the farmers’ reported accessibility to agricultural extension from extension workersabout such improved varieties. We use probit with selection equation on data collectedfrom eight (8) districts in Northern Uganda. Our main results indicate a higherprobability of adopting improved cassava varieties when farmers access agriculturalextension services; and also document farmers’ distrust to improved cassava varieties asa crop enterprise that can guarantee their households with food security. From a policyperspective, our results suggest that the design and content of agricultural extensionservices are important to leverage the extent of the adoption of modern agriculturaltechnologies. Specifically, improving the performance of the cassava crop enterpriserequires enhanced investment in diffusing innovations in the enterprise.JEL Classification: O12, O13, O33, Q16

Analysis of Adoption of Improved Cassava Varieties among Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria

The study assessed determinants of adoption of improved varieties of cassava among farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. A sample size of 321 respondents was used for the study. Primary data were generated through the use of a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean score and standard deviation were used for data analysis. Results of the study indicated that about 72% of the respondents were male, married (78.7%), most (56.3%) of them were within the age bracket of 31–40 years, 25.3% were within the age bracket of 41–50 years, 13.8% were within the age bracket of 21-30 years while only 4.0% were aged 51 years and above. Findings also showed that 39.3% of the respondents adopted TME 419 (farmer’s delight) while 34.9% adopted NR 8082 and TMS 30572 (BNARDA or AGRIC) respectively. Other varieties such as TMS 98/0505 (fine face), TMS 01/1363 (sunshine or vitamin A), TMS 98/0581 (Dixon) and TMS 98/0510 had a low percentage adoption of 18.7%, 12.5% and 11.2% respectively. The study revealed that the major determinants of improved cassava varieties in the study area include diseases and pests resistance (×̅=2.57), high yielding ((×̅=2.57), marketability (×̅=2.54), adaptability to harsh environment (×̅=2.48), high dry content (×̅=2.47), marketability/profitability (×̅=2.42), taste (×̅=2.27) and yield stability (×̅=2.22). The study inferred that there is a significant relationship between farmer’s level of education, farm size and farming experience and use of improved varieties of cassava in the study area. The study recommends that research institutions, extension agents, Government and non-governmental organizations should take the determinants of adoption of improved cassava varieties into consideration in policy discussions in order to increase the productivity of cassava in the study area.

Assessing the crop productivity and household welfare effects of adopting certified seeds of improved cassava varieties in Uganda

ABSTRACT This article identifies the determinants, crop productivity, and household welfare impacts of adopting certified seeds of improved cassava varieties (c-ICVs) in Uganda. The determinants were identified using the two-part model while the crop productivity and household welfare impacts were assessed using the endogenous switching regression model. The data came from 609 farm households in Uganda’s three major cassava-growing regions (Eastern, Northern, and mid-Western). The results showed that adopters of c-ICVs experienced a considerable increase in productivity (stem and root yields) and improvement in welfare outcomes (cash income and consumption expenditure). The results provide evidence of the effectiveness of the country’s seed certification and genetic improvement efforts over recent years and justify increased investments in genetic improvement and seed certification.

Analysis of the Cassava Value Chain in Reference to Smallholder Farmers in Busia County, Kenya

A survey was undertaken in Busia County, Kenya to obtain data for the situational analysis of the cassava value chain. Two hundred and forty-five households were sampled and interviewed in the months of August and September 2021 in Teso South Sub-County, Busia County. Descriptive statistics methods were used to analyse data using Statistical Product Service Solutions (IBM SPSS) version 20 Software. The results showed that the average land size in the study area was 2.7 acres. The mean land allocated to cassava was 0.25 acres. Those interviewed grew cassava mainly for subsistence while the surplus is marketed. Results also showed farmers preferred to grow local varieties (68.4%), improved varieties (21.6%) and a combination of improved and local varieties (10%). The adoption of improved cassava varieties in the study sites was still low. Most of the farmers obtained their income from on-farm sources (71.8%). The major source of information was the farmer-to-farmer extension approach with approximately 66% of respondents obtaining information from other farmers. The farmers like growing local varieties as they have traits that make them preferred to the farmers. The adoption of the improved varieties was still low. More needs to be done on both production; processing and marketing if cassava is to contribute to the food security and income of the households in Busia County.

Comparative analyis of cost and return of improved cassava production in Awka South LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria

IITA developed several new varieties during 1976-1985 for the benefit of cassava farmers. The study had four specific objectives which described the socio-economic characteristics of the cassava farmers, identify the perception of cassava farmers on the IITA improved varieties, ascertain the cost and profitability of cassava production and the constraints faced by the farmers. A multi stage and purposive sampling method was used in the selection of 100 respondents, 50 adopters and 50 non-adopters of IITA intervention in the study area. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents and these data were analyzed using gross margin, likert and descriptive analysis (frequency, percentage and mean). The result showed that majority of cassava farmers in the study area were male and majority of them were married. The mean farm size was 1.8ha which implied that production was in a small scale in the study area. The result also revealed the net return for adopters was N230,800 and N146,000 for non-adopters, which denoted that cassava production was more profitable to the adopters of the improved cassava varieties. The result further revealed that the inadequate information on availability of planting materials was the main constraints faced by the cassava farmers. This study concluded that the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) improved cassava varieties increased the profitability of cassava production. Therefore, it is recommended that extension agents should train and encourag farmers to use IITA varieties to increase their profitability in the study area.

English

Partial substituting wheat with high-quality cassava flour (HQCF) in bread making would be economically beneficial in Tanzania. However, cassava varieties with the best pasting quality for this use are unknown. In addition, the appropriate time of harvesting the varieties to attain the best pasting quality is also unknown. This study, therefore, aimed at identifying the most appropriate cassava varieties and their appropriate harvesting time that could be used for production of HQCF for baking bread. Nine improved cassava varieties namely Kiroba, Mkuranga1, Pwani, Chereko, Mkumba, Hombolo, Orela, Kizimbani and Kipusa and two local varieties, Albert and Kibandameno were planted in 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons at TARI-Ukiriguru using a split plot design. Harvesting was done at 10 and 12 months after planting (MAP). Pasting characteristics of the HQCF samples were determined at the International Centre of Tropical Agriculture, Dar es salaam, Tanzania using Perten Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) Tecmaster equipment, Model: N103802. The results indicated that KIPUSA had the lowest significant setback, while Hombolo had the highest significant setback both at 10 and 12 MAP suggesting that HQCF produced from KIPUSA should be considered for partial substitution of wheat in baking bread that is attractive to consumers. Key words: Pasting temperature, setback, cassava application, wheat substitution, bread.&nbsp

Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategies of Cassava Farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

The study evaluated the climate change impacts and adaptation strategies of cassava farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 419 cassava farmers who administered the questionnaire. Data were collected using primary and secondary means and were analysed using mean, frequency, percentage, beta regression model, and ordinary least squares multiple regression techniques. Factors influencing cassava production are meteorological information (95.7%), tradition and culture (94.5%), improved technology utilization (93.1%) and low access to credits (71.8%). Climate change effects on cassava production were reduced biodiversity (95.2%), increased crop failure (97.6%), decreased yield (100%) and increased soil salinity (92.6%). Cassava farmers adapted to various practices such as planting improved cassava varieties (95.9%), insurance (3.3%), planting different crops (96.9%), and livelihood diversification (94.9%). Age, education, household size, farm size and extension contacts were significant determinants of climate change adaptation strategies of cassava farmers. Variables such as temperature, rainfall, humidity and sunshine had both positive and negative impacts on cassava production. The study recommends cassava farmers seek early warning signals and information on climate change before embarking on their farming operations to avert possible negative consequences.