Free Access | March 2019

How the Government can support the processing of cassava for value addition

Authors/Editors: Isaac M.B. Shinyekwa (PhD) ,  Tony Odokonyero ,  Martin Munu

Abstract:

Annual cassava production at the global level stands at 278 million MT; with 56% (156 million MT) coming from Africa. Nigeria is the largest producer in Africa at 55million MT. Uganda is the 22nd largest cassava producer in the world at 2.9 million MT behind Tanzania and Rwanda which produce 5.8 million MT & 3.5 million MT (FAO, 2018). According to Uganda’s national agriculture strategic plan, the country’s cassava production target is 3.5million MT by 2020 . Cassava is a known staple food for communities in almost all parts of Uganda and is also a backbone for food security. This is due to its high yielding ability, drought resilience, and high carbohydrate content and long storability of roots in the ground with minimum deterioration. Cassava is the second largest crop grown in the country.