CBN-V Video Archives - 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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