Cassava promotion initiative

The UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has established five cassava nurseries in Malawi in an initiative to enhance food security, crop diversification and income generation. Maize is the staple diet of Malawi, as in much of Southern Africa, but the crop is dependent on the correct amount of rainfall at the right time, unlike the hardier cassava which is drought resistant. Over the last five years, the government has sought to diversify crop production by encouraging cassava, a traditional crop in parts of the country. "But the major problem was accessing cassava seed, so we're trying to establish a seed production capacity," FAO Country Representative, Louise Setshwaelo, told IRIN. Cassava cuttings are provided to selected farmers who produce either a cassava crop for the market, or seeds to boost local cassava seed production. Controlled conditions in the 60 hectares of nurseries aim to ensure that the cuttings are clear of disease, Setshwaelo explained. The project, sponsored by the Swedish government, is run in collaboration with FAO and the NGOs Initiative for Development and Equity in African Agriculture, and the Southern African Roots and Crops Network. Maize production in Malawi was hit by two consecutive droughts in 2001 and 2002 that led to widespread food shortages.