Cassava: food for millions

	Peeling cassava roots

Ghana and Nigeria are among the few countries in the world that managed to reduce the prevalence of undernourishment by more than 30 percentage points between 1979-81 and 1996-98. An important underlying factor was the rapid increase in the supply of cassava products during the period, which especially benefited the poor and undernourished.

Cassava tolerates drought and can grow in poor soils on marginal lands where other crops cannot. Also, its roots can be harvested up to three years after planting, so they can be left in the ground as a safeguard against unexpected food shortages. Cassava roots are an excellent source of energy, and its leaves provide vitamins A and C, as well as iron, calcium and protein.

Since 1980, Ghana and Nigeria have experienced a boom in the production and supply of cassava. This has been achieved largely due to research that led to the introduction of new disease-resistant, high-yielding varieties. These new varieties, coupled with policy measures and investments that supported cassava growers, have proven extremely effective in the fight against hunger.

Large areas of central and southern Africa are suitable for growing cassava, as are parts of Latin America and Asia. A global cassava strategy has been developed to promote the crop as an important staple food and source of income for its producers.

	Africa: Four women work together to promote production of cassava and encourage better farming policy (panel discussion -- 16:38). Mp3 (7759 Kb), RealAudio (2042 Kb)
	Latin America: Experts are improving cassava production both by creating disease-resistant varieties and by lobbying for better farming policies (panel discussion -- 10:27). Mp3 (4876 Kb), RealAudio (1283 Kb)
	Asia: Cassava is not a traditional crop in South Asia. Yet it is now boosting agricultural trade in Thailand. (interview --10:54). Mp3 (5076), RealAudio (1336)

The global cassava strategy
News and Highlight story on Cassava
Photofile on Cassava