Abstract

S1-02 

Cassava: Becoming a Giant Crop in Malawi – Current Status

Benesi I.R.M.¹, C.C. Moyo², J. Mkumbira³, F.P. Chipungu³, A.P. Mtukuso⁴ and N.M. Mahungu⁵

1.  Chitedze Research Station, P.O. Box 158, Lilongwe, Malawi

     SARNET@malawi.net

2. Lunyangwa Research Station, P. O. Box 59, Mzuzu, Malawi

3. Bvumbwe Research Station, P. O. Box 5748, Limbe, Malawi

4.  Department of Agricultural Research and Technical Services P.O. Box 30779, Lilongwe, Malawi. agric-research@sdnp.org.mw

            Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is the main root crop in Malawi.  It is a staple food for over 30% of the population and is also an important cash and food crop throughout the country.  The importance of cassava as a food security crop came apparent when there was persistent unreliable rains (drought) during the 1991/92 season.  Of late, cassava is becoming an increasingly important commercial crop in various industries in Malawi.  Organised research started in 1978 with the objectives of meeting food security and as a source of income at the household level.  This led to the release of improved varieties, recommendation of improved technologies like modern cultural practices, sustainable plant protection, improved processing and multiplication and distribution of planting materials.  Many industries are showing interest in the use of cassava products like cassava flour and cassava starch.  Some have already started using cassava flour.  The outcry from the industries is that they cannot get the quality of flour they need and no one is producing cassava starch in Malawi.  The potential producers of starch and others also need quality characteristics of the commercial cassava varieties for them to know which varieties are good for starch or quality flour production or glucose making.  The commercial sector also need to be assured that there will be continued supply of cassava throughout the year, while producers are not sure of the market.  Hence, the way forward is for research to look into the quality aspects which industries are looking for and also come up with more ideal varieties.  There is also need to boost cassava production and link producers to users.  Biotechnology is the key component if we are to cut down the breeding cycle and still be perfect in selection and at the same time selecting for various quality parameters in addition to the normal high yields and resistance to pests and diseases.  The good news is that human development in the field of biotechnology, and also development of advanced biotechnology laboratories, are in progress in Malawi.