What makes a good cassava variety? For farmers, it may be high yield, strong plant structure and good root production. For processors, it goes further—, how well does the cassava perform when it reaches the factory?
At a Farmers’ Field Day in Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria, farmers, commercial cassava seed entrepreneurs and an industrial processor came together to explore these questions as part of a demand creation trial under the PROSSIVA project.
The trial, conducted by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), in collaboration with Sasakawa Africa, is designed to help farmers and other actors in the cassava value chain make informed choices about improved varieties based on what happens both in the field and at the factory.
According to ThankGod Ogwuche, PROSSIVA Focal Person and Senior Research Supervisor, Cassava Breeding Program, the project focuses on “enhancing availability, affordability, productivity and sustainability of seed systems for cassava to catalyze industrial growth in Nigeria.”
He explained that demand creation trials serve as a practical decision-making tool, allowing farmers and processors to assess improved varieties under real-world conditions while bringing seed entrepreneurs into the process.
“The demand creation trials is a powerful variety decision making tool for farmers and processors. Through these trials improved varieties that can drive the PROSSIVA focus are tested under real world conditions with farmers, processors and seed entrepreneurs to create awareness and increase adoption,” Ogwuche said.
Testing the varieties farmers want
Three cassava varieties, Renewed Hope, Baba 70 and TME419, used as the check variety were evaluated at IFGREEN Industries in Epe.
Following the harvest, 92 smallholder farmers and newly recruited commercial cassava seed entrepreneurs, including 47 women and 45 men, assessed the varieties based on characteristics such as root yield, root numbers, moisture content and plant architecture.
The results showed clear differences in fresh root yield.
From the 197.6-square-meter net plot harvested, fresh root yields ranged from 25.3 to 35.3 hectare/ha. Renewed Hope recorded the highest yield at 35.3 hectare/ha, followed by Baba 70 at 33.7 hectare/ha, while TME419 recorded 25.3 hectare/ha.
But yield was not the only factor influencing farmers’ choices.
More than 90% of participants preferred Baba 70 and Renewed Hope, citing their root numbers, fresh weight and plant architecture. Participants also considered the two varieties less prone to lodging during heavy winds compared with TME419.
Harvested Renewed Hope cassava roots displayed during the Farmers’ Field Day at Epe, Lagos State. The variety recorded a fresh root yield of 35.3 hectare/ha in the trial. Photo- PROSSIVA /Idris Adediran
What works in the field must also work in the factory
For IFGREEN, however, the test did not end at the farm gate.
The industrial processor, which produces starch, high-quality cassava flour, fufu and garri, bulked the harvested roots for processing to assess their suitability for different products.
The results revealed different strengths. Baba 70 was preferred for garri quality, while Renewed Hope recorded the highest gari quantity and performed well for high-quality cassava flour. TME419 produced the preferred sharp white color.
The exercise highlights an important reality for the cassava value chain; a variety’s value is not determined by yield alone. Farmers need varieties that perform well in their fields, while processors need roots that meet the requirements of their products and markets.
Harvested cassava roots being weighed during the demand creation trial at IFGREEN Industries to assess variety performance. Photo- PROSSIVA /Idris Adediran
Farmers as decision-makers
For participants, the field day also offered an opportunity to connect the technical information from the trial with real business opportunities.
Josephine Idowu, one of the participants, said the event provided practical knowledge on improved cassava varieties, industrial applications, value addition and market linkages with off-takers.
“Beyond learning, it was an excellent platform to connect with key stakeholders across the cassava value chain and gain insights that will strengthen my agribusiness journey.”
She said she looked forward to applying the knowledge to promote sustainable agriculture and create greater value within the cassava sector.
Farmers and commercial cassava seed entrepreneurs assess improved cassava varieties during the Farmers’ Field Day at IFGREEN Industries, Epe, Lagos State. Photo- PROSSIVA /Idris Adediran
Connecting the field to the market
The demand creation trial brings together three important decisions in the cassava value chain: what farmers want to grow, what seed entrepreneurs can supply, and what processors can profitably use.
For PROSSIVA, the approach is intended to create demand for high-quality cassava planting materials and accelerate access to improved varieties through commercial seed entrepreneurs.
The results from the Epe trial provide useful evidence for that process, Renewed Hope and Baba 70 recorded higher fresh root yields than the check variety, more than 90% of participating farmers preferred the two varieties, and processing assessments revealed distinct advantages for different cassava products.
Participants and stakeholders at the Farmers’ Field Day organized as part of the PROSSIVA demand creation trial at IFGREEN Industries. Photo- PROSSIVA /Idris Adediran
The next challenge is to turn this evidence into wider access, seed multiplication, and sustained adoption. Ultimately, the journey of an improved cassava variety does not end when it produces a good harvest. Its real commercial potential emerges when farmers want to grow it, seed entrepreneurs can supply it, and processors can turn it into products that meet market demand.
Contributed by Bamise Dada and ThankGod Ogwuche
No Comments