A substantial impact on Africa agriculture can be made through research on crop improvement for the extensive inland valley agro-ecosystems (IVS) extending from the humid forest to the savanna zones in sub saharan Africa. Systematic surveys of farmers have shown that cassava is a favoured upland crop for the IVS. Screening of cassava for IVS adaptation in the sub Saharan Africa is a continued activity at IITA. Preliminary results indicate that elite clones TMS 85/00025 (15.9t/ha), TMS 63397 (13.3 t/ha) and TMS 84/00003 (12.6 t/ha) superceded the yield levels of local checks during a 6 month growing period. A scheme for the improvement of cassava targeted for IVS is described. In addition, for cassava and other upland crops to be suitable crop components in this highly fragile agro-ecosystem, attention has to be given to a combination of improved genotypes with appropriate water control, weed control and fertility management. Research at IITA to date has attempted to address these short and long term production constraints.

Smallholder Farmers; Cassava; Plant Breeding; Genetic Improvement

Farmers; Cassava; Clones; Genotypes

Africa; West Africa

Nigeria