S1-17
Review of Cassava (Manihot
esculenta) Production and Utilization Constraints in Swaziland and
Potential Countermeasures
Nxumalo
M.H.
Malkerns
Research Station, PO Box
4, 268 Mbabane, Swaziland malkernsresearch@cafrica.sz
In
1991/92 and 1995/96 seasons there was drought in Swaziland.
Many studies have reported cassava as a drought tolerant crop
grown successfully on marginal soils with low fertility and adapted to
the diverse African farming systems.
The numerous advantages that cassava offers motivated the
Swaziland government to start promoting cassava research, production and
utilization. However, cassava production and utilization is limited by
several constraints. In
1995 and 1999 two surveys were conducted in Swaziland covering the four
agro-ecological zones of the country. The objective of the surveys was
to identify cassava farmer’s production practices, utilization and
constraints and to update the information collected.
A questionnaire was developed and pre-tested before used.
A total of 100 out of 400 farmers were interviewed. Fourteen
constraints were identified which varied from technical, socioeconomic,
policy to institutional constraints.
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