GOVERNMENT UPS THE FIGHT AGAINST CASSAVA BROWN STREAK AND CASSAVA MOSAIC DISEASES

CASSAVA is an important staple crop in a number of countries in Africa and the continent accounts for over 60 percent of the world’s cassava production.

In Zambia, cassava is an important staple crop which provides food and income for millions of smallholder farmers across the country.

It is a staple food in Luapula, Northern, Muchinga, North-Western, Copperbelt and Western provinces where it is widely grown.

In recent years, the industrial use of cassava has increased and it is now being utilized in the manufacture of starch, beverages, flour, medicines, feed and cosmetics.

Zambian Breweries, Zhongkai International, Itabwa Investments and Sun Bird International collectively require over 50 ,000 tonnes of daily cassava feedstock for various industrial uses including brewing, mining, confectionary and biofuel production.

Unfortunately, cultivation of cassava is hampered by a number of biotic constraints, among these is the Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and the Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) which at the moment is the most important factor limiting cassava production in Zambia.

Recently, the outbreak of these cassava diseases in Chiengi District of Luapula province and Kaputa District of Northern Province has become a source of concern.

This genuine anxiety on the part of government is primarily due to the fact that the two provinces account for over 50 percent of cassava production in Zambia.

The incidence of this problem simply means we have many lives under threat of food insecurity and the situation does not resonate well with the aspiration of the government in fighting for better nutrition and poverty reduction.

Despite the notable progress Zambia has made in increasing cassava production and processing, the productivity of farmers remains low and it continues to be threatened by these diseases.