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Cassava: The Drought, War and Famine Crop in a Changing World

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  • Anna Burns

    (School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, 3800 Victoria, Australia)

  • Roslyn Gleadow

    (School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, 3800 Victoria, Australia)

  • Julie Cliff

    (Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, C.P. 257, Maputo, Mozambique)

  • Anabela Zacarias

    (Agricultural Research Institute of Mozambique (Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Moçambique), P.O. Box 3658 Mavalane, Maputo, Mozambique)

  • Timothy Cavagnaro

    (School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, 3800 Victoria, Australia
    Australian Centre for Biodiversity, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, 3800 Victoria, Australia)

Abstract

Cassava is the sixth most important crop, in terms of global annual production. Cassava is grown primarily for its starchy tuberous roots, which are an important staple for more than 800 million people, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, but also in other parts of Africa, Asia, the Pacific and South America. Cassava is important for both small-scale farmers and larger-scale plantations due to its low requirement for nutrients, ability to tolerate dry conditions and easy low-cost propagation. It is sometimes referred to as the “drought, war and famine crop of the developing world” and reliance upon this crop is expected to increase in the coming years as the global climate changes. As with all crops, cassava presents some challenges which need to be addressed, especially if its production is to continue to expand. We highlight here a number of key issues around the continued and increased reliance upon cassava as a staple food crop. Cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide and many cultivars are toxic if not processed before consumption. The degree of toxicity is altered by plant breeding, agricultural practice, environmental conditions and methods of food preparation. We conclude that use of cassava has the potential to help many countries achieve food security in a sustainable manner, in the face of significant environmental change, but that its introduction should be accompanied by appropriate education about its toxicity.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Burns & Roslyn Gleadow & Julie Cliff & Anabela Zacarias & Timothy Cavagnaro, 2010. "Cassava: The Drought, War and Famine Crop in a Changing World," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 2(11), pages 1-36, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:2:y:2010:i:11:p:3572-3607:d:10292
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. S. Hu & F. S. Chapin & M. K. Firestone & C. B. Field & N. R. Chiariello, 2001. "Nitrogen limitation of microbial decomposition in a grassland under elevated CO2," Nature, Nature, vol. 409(6817), pages 188-191, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nisanath Kaewwinud & Porntep Khokhajaikiat & Apichart Boonma, 2017. "Effect of moisture and region of cut on cassava stalk properties in biomass applications," Research in Agricultural Engineering, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 63(1), pages 23-28.
    2. Daryanto, Stefani & Wang, Lixin & Jacinthe, Pierre-André, 2017. "Global synthesis of drought effects on cereal, legume, tuber and root crops production: A review," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 18-33.
    3. Margarita Ramírez-Carmona & Leidy Rendón-Castrillón & Carlos Ocampo-López & Diego Sánchez-Osorno, 2022. "Fish Food Production Using Agro-Industrial Waste Enhanced with Spirulina sp," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-17, May.
    4. Olamide Olaosebikan & Abolore Bello & Obaiya Utoblo & Benjamin Okoye & Nathaniel Olutegbe & Elisabeth Garner & Béla Teeken & Elizabeth Bryan & Lora Forsythe & Steven Cole & Peter Kulakow & Chiedozie E, 2023. "Stressors and Resilience within the Cassava Value Chain in Nigeria: Preferred Cassava Variety Traits and Response Strategies of Men and Women to Inform Breeding," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-18, May.
    5. Hemalatha Palanivel & Shipra Shah, 2021. "Unlocking the inherent potential of plant genetic resources: food security and climate adaptation strategy in Fiji and the Pacific," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(10), pages 14264-14323, October.

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