CBN-V Video Archives - S8-03
Uganda: Saving a Nation Besieged by Cassava Mosaic Virus Disease Epidemic

Bua A¹., G.W. Otim-Nape², W.S. Sserubombwe¹, J.M. Thresh³, Y. Baguma¹, G.N. Ssemakula¹, A. Titus¹ and C. Omongo¹

1. Namulonge Agricultural and Animal Production Research Institute, P.O. Box 7084, Kampala, Uganda wsserubombwe@hotmail.com
2. National Agricultural Research Organization Secretariat, P.O. Box 295 Entebbe, Uganda CIAT-UGANDA@imul.com
3. Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK

        Cassava has long been the main staple food crop, food security base and source of prosperity to a greater proportion of the population of Uganda. However, the situation changed drastically from 1988, with the appearance of a severe and epidemic form of cassava mosaic virus disease. The epidemic resulted in massive food shortages and starvation in many districts, especially in the east and north of the country, where in 1994, an estimated 3000 people died of starvation as a result of famine. The epidemic resulted into serious socio-economic impacts like disintegrated families and early marriages because of lack of food and income. Environmental consequences were mainly loss of biodiversity due to high susceptibility of many varieties and increased cultivation to offset the yield deficit. This paper highlights the problem, impacts of the epidemic and details the research and development interventions undertaken to address the novel problem. Further, the paper clearly presents and discusses a classic example of a successful programme resulting from investment in cassava research and development. An investment of US$ 2.5 million over a ten year period beginning 1989, broke even in 1994, and by 1996, the net benefits, internal rate of return and benefits to cost ratio were 24 million, 121% and 7.2 respectively. The lessons learnt, the knowledge gaps and challenges to stakeholders are highlighted. Additionally, the spill-over effect of the research and development products of this investment, to manage the epidemic in the neighbouring countries, where the problem is still fresh is notable. Realising the increasing challenge posed by cassava mosaic disease, at a time when food security, culture and the general well being of the people depending on cassava are critical, the paper further emphasizes the need for global action, characterized by continuous support to innovative and collaborative cassava research and development programmes. It is anticipated that such efforts should not only lead to improved agricultural production but should also serve as important ingredients for the transformation of the entire cassava sub-sector to commercial level.

2009© Donald Danforth Plant Science Center All rights reserved.