COL40: A Colombian Solution to Protect Cassava in Africa
In several countries in Eastern and Central Africa including Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi millions of families depend on cassava as a staple food and source of income. However, production of this crop faces a growing threat: Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), caused by viruses that damage the plant’s roots, significantly reduce yields, and threaten food security.
- Africa
- Sustainable Agriculture
- crops
- Kenya
- food security
COL40: A Colombian Solution to Protect Cassava in Africa
In several countries in Eastern and Central Africa including Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi millions of families depend on cassava as a staple food and source of income. However, production of this crop faces a growing threat: Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), caused by viruses that damage the plant’s roots, significantly reduce yields, and threaten food security.
Cassava is essential in these regions because it provides daily energy for communities and, for many smallholder farmers, represents a primary source of livelihood. When production declines, both food availability and household income are affected.
CBSD mainly attacks the cassava root, which is the part consumed by families and sold by producers. The disease causes internal necrosis, reducing product quality. As a result, infected roots lose commercial value and, in many cases, become unfit for consumption. This means that a single harvest can no longer serve either as food or as a source of income.