Cassava is the fifth most produced staple food crop in the world, being a basic source of staple food for an estimated 800 million people worldwide. Like other crops, cassava is vulnerable to pests and diseases that can cause heavy yield losses.

Of the viral diseases, Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) are the most widespread, severely affecting at least 50 percent of cassava crops in Africa and posing a serious threat to the food security of 135 million people in Central and East Africa alone. 

This information sheet focuses on FAO’s strategy to help countries build resilience against CMD and CBSD through Integrated Pest Management, research, surveillance and policy support.