Participatory appraisal of preferred traits, production constraints and postharvest challenges for cassava farmers in Rwanda

Athanase Nduwumuremyi (), Rob Melis, Paul Shanahan and Theodore Asiimwe
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Athanase Nduwumuremyi: University of KwaZulu-Natal, African Centre for crop improvement (ACCI)
Rob Melis: University of KwaZulu-Natal, African Centre for crop improvement (ACCI)
Paul Shanahan: University of KwaZulu-Natal, African Centre for crop improvement (ACCI)
Theodore Asiimwe: Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB)

Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, 2016, vol. 8, issue 2, No 6, 375-388

Abstract: Abstract Physiological postharvest deterioration (PPD) and late bulking are among the traits that make cassava an unattractive crop in many environments. This study aimed at assessing the main constraints of cassava production, the effects of late bulking, the losses due to PPD and the factors affecting adoption of new cultivars in Rwanda. A participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and a baseline survey were conducted in March-May 2014 in three agro-ecological zones in the country using a multistage sampling method. Cassava was grown on 0.29 ha out of 0.69 ha total average land possession per household. The majority of cassava farmers (59.1 %) practised intercropping as their land holding is small. Average yield was 21.8 t ha−1. A number of constraints was identified, particularly the lack of clean cuttings, viral diseases, late bulking cultivars, drought, limited information and knowledge, weathered soils, insufficient fertilizers, land shortage, lack of markets and effective storage techniques. Loss due to PPD was estimated at 11.9 % of total production per year. Piecemeal harvest and underground storage of roots were the main practices used to delay PPD. Change in colour and taste, rotting, difficulty in removing skin and increase of fibres in the flesh were the farmers’ methods for assessing PPD. Time to harvest varied from district to district and was attributed to genetic x environment interactions. The use of late bulking varieties and the lack of yield production of other crops resulted in reduced food availability and potential food crises. Farmer preferences, information and extension services, performance, quality, market acceptability and cutting production influenced the adoption of new cassava cultivars. Thus, breeding objectives targeting the end user preferences could enhance the adoption of new cultivars.

Keywords: Carotenoid; cultivar adoption; End-user preferences; Farming system; Late bulking; Physiological postharvest deterioration; storage techniques (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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DOI: 10.1007/s12571-016-0556-z

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