Conference Documentshttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/112024-03-29T04:39:54Z2024-03-29T04:39:54ZVarietal characteristics of cassava: farmers' perceptions and preferences in semiarid zone of west AfricaKormawa, P.Tshiunza, M.Dixon, A.Udo, E.Okoruwa, V.https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/82012023-06-09T02:01:05Z2003-09-01T00:00:00ZVarietal characteristics of cassava: farmers' perceptions and preferences in semiarid zone of west Africa
Kormawa, P.; Tshiunza, M.; Dixon, A.; Udo, E.; Okoruwa, V.
The study examines and models Farmers' perceptions and preferences of cassava· varietal characteristics vis-i-vis the decision ' to adopt cassava cultivars in their fields. The paper is built on the concept of the effect of technology-specific factors on adoption. By way of threshold decision modelling for each of the countries considered, the results reveal different scenario. Based on the varietal characteristics considered, environmental resistance quality (ERQ), high-yielding quality (HYQ), early maturing qualities (EMQ), leaf quality (LQ), inground storability quality (lSQ) and taste quality (TQ) have declining importance in the order of Iisting. As such, environmental resistance quality appears a major varietal characteristic that the farmers perceived and preferred for cultivating any cassava cultivar in the zone. The results, therefore, reinforce the relative importance of varietal characteristics in the choice and preference of cassava cultivars by farmers; it is, therefore, imperative for breeders to develop cultivars that will be acceptable to the farmers considering their level of preference and perceptions.
2003-09-01T00:00:00ZBanana bunchy top virus threat to African bananasKumar, P.L.https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/80462023-02-10T02:01:13Z2022-09-07T00:00:00ZBanana bunchy top virus threat to African bananas
Kumar, P.L.
The banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is threatening livelihoods and banana biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa. Since the first report in the 1960s, the virus has spread to 17 countries, eight of those in the last decade, including a recent spread in Uganda and Tanzania. In the "2022 International Plant Protection Convention Regional Workshop for Africa," organized by the FAO-IPPC, the African Union-Inter-African Phytosanitary Council (AU-IAPSC), the Plant Protection Organization of Kenya (KEPHIS), and FAO, the BBTV emergence in EA, along with other emerging threats in Africa, was discussed to strategies control actions. The event was held in a hybrid format from 6-8 Sep-2022 in Nairobi and was attended by 58 participants from 22 countries. The summary of BBTV status and recommendations for control was made through the presentation. It has led to the FAO allocation of emergency funds for BBTV management in EA through TCP (Technical Action Program) for 2023.
2022-09-07T00:00:00ZDirect planting versus transplanting of yam leaf-bud cuttings for seed productionAighewi, B.Maroya, N.Aihebhoria, D.Balogun, M.Mignouna, D.Asiedu, R.https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/80402023-02-09T02:01:07Z2022-11-01T00:00:00ZDirect planting versus transplanting of yam leaf-bud cuttings for seed production
Aighewi, B.; Maroya, N.; Aihebhoria, D.; Balogun, M.; Mignouna, D.; Asiedu, R.
2022-11-01T00:00:00ZChallenges, opportunities and strategy for cassava subsector development in NigeriaEzedinma, C.I.Kormawa, P.M.Manyong, V.M.Dixon, A.G.O.https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/67482020-01-15T13:16:18Z2003-01-01T00:00:00ZChallenges, opportunities and strategy for cassava subsector development in Nigeria
Ezedinma, C.I.; Kormawa, P.M.; Manyong, V.M.; Dixon, A.G.O.
Nigeria has substantial economic potential in its agricultural sector. However, despite the importance of agriculture in terms of employment creation, its potential for contributing to economic growth is far from being fully exploited. The sector’s importance fluctuates with any rise and fall in oil revenue and has remained stagnant over the past ten years. The contribution of the manufacturing sector to the GDP declined over the same period. Inappropriate macroeconomic and sector policies perpetuated by the 15 years of military rule and mismanagement have had a negative impact, not only on agriculture but also on the entire economy. Presently, Nigeria grows more cassava than any other country in the world. Production has been driven primarily by the demand for food for its nearly 130 million inhabitants while very little is used for feed and industry. Estimates indicate that 52% of cassava output is wasted due to inefficiencies in production and processing, 43% is consumed as food while five percent is used as livestock feed. The question remains whether the country could reduce the amount wasted by diversifying utilisation to bring down levels of unemployment and rural poverty and enhance economic growth. Using data from primary and secondary sources, the paper assesses the challenges and opportunities in the development of the cassava sub-sector in Nigeria. At the moment, the country does not seem to have a comparative advantage in cassava exports due to inefficiencies in domestic production. There is a need to encourage product diversification to take advantage of the huge domestic and regional markets. The paper recommends a market-led strategy with an emphasis on agroindustrial development and the mobilization of resources through partnerships to improve domestic efficiency and subsequently tap into regional markets in West and Central Africa.
2003-01-01T00:00:00Z