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Participatory appraisal of preferred traits, production constraints and postharvest challenges for cassava farmers in Rwanda

Author

Listed:
  • Athanase Nduwumuremyi

    (University of KwaZulu-Natal, African Centre for crop improvement (ACCI)
    Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB))

  • Rob Melis

    (University of KwaZulu-Natal, African Centre for crop improvement (ACCI))

  • Paul Shanahan

    (University of KwaZulu-Natal, African Centre for crop improvement (ACCI))

  • Theodore Asiimwe

    (Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB))

Abstract

Physiological postharvest deterioration (PPD) and late bulking are among the traits that make cassava an unattractive crop in many environments. This study aimed at assessing the main constraints of cassava production, the effects of late bulking, the losses due to PPD and the factors affecting adoption of new cultivars in Rwanda. A participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and a baseline survey were conducted in March-May 2014 in three agro-ecological zones in the country using a multistage sampling method. Cassava was grown on 0.29 ha out of 0.69 ha total average land possession per household. The majority of cassava farmers (59.1 %) practised intercropping as their land holding is small. Average yield was 21.8 t ha−1. A number of constraints was identified, particularly the lack of clean cuttings, viral diseases, late bulking cultivars, drought, limited information and knowledge, weathered soils, insufficient fertilizers, land shortage, lack of markets and effective storage techniques. Loss due to PPD was estimated at 11.9 % of total production per year. Piecemeal harvest and underground storage of roots were the main practices used to delay PPD. Change in colour and taste, rotting, difficulty in removing skin and increase of fibres in the flesh were the farmers’ methods for assessing PPD. Time to harvest varied from district to district and was attributed to genetic x environment interactions. The use of late bulking varieties and the lack of yield production of other crops resulted in reduced food availability and potential food crises. Farmer preferences, information and extension services, performance, quality, market acceptability and cutting production influenced the adoption of new cassava cultivars. Thus, breeding objectives targeting the end user preferences could enhance the adoption of new cultivars.

Suggested Citation

  • Athanase Nduwumuremyi & Rob Melis & Paul Shanahan & Theodore Asiimwe, 2016. "Participatory appraisal of preferred traits, production constraints and postharvest challenges for cassava farmers in Rwanda," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 8(2), pages 375-388, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ssefpa:v:8:y:2016:i:2:d:10.1007_s12571-016-0556-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s12571-016-0556-z
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Thomas Pircher & Conny J. M. Almekinders, 2021. "Making sense of farmers’ demand for seed of root, tuber and banana crops: a systematic review of methods," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 13(5), pages 1285-1301, October.
    2. Aditya Parmar & Asnake Fikre & Barbara Sturm & Oliver Hensel, 2018. "Post-harvest management and associated food losses and by-products of cassava in southern Ethiopia," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 10(2), pages 419-435, April.
    3. Aditya Parmar & Barbara Sturm & Oliver Hensel, 2017. "Crops that feed the world: Production and improvement of cassava for food, feed, and industrial uses," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 9(5), pages 907-927, October.
    4. Katrin Reincke & Elisa Vilvert & Anja Fasse & Frieder Graef & Stefan Sieber & Marcos A. Lana, 2018. "Key factors influencing food security of smallholder farmers in Tanzania and the role of cassava as a strategic crop," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 10(4), pages 911-924, August.
    5. Ngcebo C. Mncwango & Corlina M. Van Jaarsveld & Nontuthuko R. Ntuli & Sydney Mavengahama, 2021. "Participatory Selection of Amaranthus Genotypes in the KwaMbonambi Area, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-13, October.
    6. Kennedy Masamba & Wisdom Changadeya & Pheneas Ntawuruhunga & Pilirani Pankomera & Willard Mbewe & Felistus Chipungu, 2022. "Exploring Farmers’ Knowledge and Approaches for Reducing Post-Harvest Physiological Deterioration of Cassava Roots in Malawi," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-13, February.

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