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Summary of Plenary
Presentations
Role of cassava breeders and
the civil society towards food security and income generation in ESA; Dr.
Robert Mwanga; Namulonge Agricultural and Animal Production Research
Institute, Uganda
The presentation highlighted causes of child mortality of which, 54%
is due to malnutrition - a constraint that is associated with food
quantity and quality. The Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) in
particular, the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger was
highlighted, as its one intervention through which plant breeders can
considerably contribute too. Further, the presentation provided an
overview of intervention by Harvest Plus towards MDG’s, and the targeted
crops, of which cassava is included.
An overview of the current
status of cassava breeders and its implication towards food security and
income generation was presented. Characteristics of cassava breeders in
the region were highlighted: 1)
1-2 per country and work on other root
crops; 2) work as public servants and have exposure on the first day of
work; 3) work in a team and have extensive collaboration at both national
regional and international level; 4) besides breeding, also have other
administrative roles. Tools of cassava breeding (genetic diversity and
selection environment) and characteristics of an ideal cassava breeding
programme (focussed breeding objectives, extensive networking, sustained
funding, intellectual capital and infrastructure, germplasm management,
conduction of basic genetic studies, variety release and impact
assessment), were critically examined.
Why Breed for Locally Adapted Cassava
Varieties? Dr. E. Kanju; Agricultural Research Institute, Mikocheni,
Tanzania
The presentation examined
the cassava growing regions in Africa, which are marginal, heterogeneous
and characterised by variability resulting from social, economic, edaphic
and biological factors. Further the presentation examined the genotype x
environment interaction, which is highly significant in cassava, and a
factor, which largely limits response to selection. An overview of
traditional farming system, which is characterised by
Agro-morphological diversity (in
response to use and preferences), and adaptive diversity (in response to
microenvironments, biotic and abiotic stresses) were discussed. It was
highlighted that landraces fit these criteria, as they are hardy,
multipurpose and meet various cultural preferences and local food systems.
A decentralized farmer participatory
breeding scheme, which exploits specific adaptation by direct selection in
the target environment was also highlighted; the steps in this scheme were discussed: 1) use of local
landraces as parents to generate F1 seeds, 2) establishment of a seedling
trial at one site, 3) clonal evaluation done at 2 – 3 sites, and 4) early
generation materials evaluated with farmers at a few target sites. Key
advantages of this scheme were further discussed. The presentation ended
with a stimulating Smale et al.
1998 quote “In traditional,
low resource farming communities located in marginal, variable
environments, the crop populations that endure are those that meet
production and consumption standards and that possesses
the genetic variability to respond to continual changes in farmers’ needs
and growing environments”
Evolution of cassava
breeding in Kenya; Ms. Theresia Luvuno Munga, Mr. Joseph Kamau, Mr. Henry
Okwaro; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute
The presentation reviewed
the evolution of cassava breeding in Kenya, which was broadly classified
into three phases: 1) 1950-1990 which involved routine evaluation of
introduced germplasm in coastal Kenya; 2) 1990-2002 continuation of
germplasm evaluation, but with stratification into the different cassava
growing zones; and 3) 2002-2005, which coincided with initiation of
participatory plant breeding (PPB), characterisation of landraces and
their hybridisation with improved varieties.
It was also highlighted
that through these interventions a number of varieties have been released
in Coastal, Central and Western Kenya. Further, the presentation
highlighted the challenges of cassava breeding in Kenya: addressing the
diverse variety preferences, lack of well-trained breeders, inherent
cassava genetic problems, and limited funding. Opportunities for cassava
breeding in Kenya were also discussed: increasing donor support,
integration of molecular techniques, initiation of a community based
approach in the evaluation process, and strengthening of the regional and
international collaboration.
Evolution of cassava
breeding in Mozambique; Mrs. Anabela Zacarias; National Agricultural
Research (IIAM), Mozambique
The presentation provided an
overview of cassava breeding in Mozambique, highlighting the screening
work that was done in 1963, 1983, 1992 and 2000; hybridisation only
commenced in 2002 and is still ongoing. During this period, varieties
were being screened for low cyanide, pests and diseases resistance, and
for specific adaptation. Further, the presentation illustrated the
currently used IITA breeding scheme, and listed the various stakeholders
involved in the variety development process. Key achievements
particularly, with the progress in generating botanical seed, extensive
collaboration and variety released were highlighted.
Key challenges particularly
those related to the inherent crop characteristics, limited human capital
and expertise were mentioned.
Evolution of cassava
breeding in Tanzania; Mr. E.F. Marandu, Mr. H. Kulembeka, Dr. B. J. Gondwe;
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Tanzania
Tanzania is home to one of
the oldest cassava breeding programmes in Africa, which commenced in the
1930’s. Breeding work is currently being conducted in three regions: Lake
Zone Agricultural Research Institute (ARI), Maruku
and Ukiriguru; ARI- Kibaha in the Eastern; and ARI-Naliendele in the
Southern zone. Further, the presentation (Appendix 2) highlightened that
during the 1980's - 1990's, most efforts were put on selection for cassava
brown streak disease (CBSD) cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and adaptability
to the sub humid lowland and mid-altitude agro-ecologies. These
interventions have resulted in the release of 6 varieties in the Coastal
region: Kiroba, Kibaha, Mzungu, Mumba, UKG 93/041 and NDL 90/034.
Further, the presentation illustrated the 7-year breeding scheme beginning
with a seedling nursery till variety release and multiplication. Key
challenges experienced during cassava breeding (inherent crop
characteristics, outbreak on new diseases, limited adoption and
participation of the private sector) were mentioned. Opportunities for
cassava breeding in particular the integration of appropriate
biotechnology tools were highlighted.
Evolution of cassava
breeding in Uganda; Mr. R. Kawuki; A. Pariyo; Namulonge Agricultural and
Animal Production Research Institute, Uganda
The presentation provided
the three-phase period of cassava breeding in Uganda, commencing with the
1927-1934; 1949-1960; and then 1980-2005 periods. The colonial periods
(1927-1960) were largely dominated by selection from introduced germplasm
for adaptability and resistance to CMD. Further, the presentation
highlighted that during the period 1980-2005, drastic changes were
implemented in the National Cassava Programme among which was initiation
of controlled genetic crosses, inbreeding, integration of biotechnology
tools and participatory variety selection with farmers. Further, the
presentation highlighted the varieties released (the Nase series 1-12),
variety adoption rates (20-100% depending on location) and other
achievements made. Challenges, (increasing genetic gain) and
opportunities (diversification of cassava utilisation base) were
particularly illustrated. The presentation illustrated future plans, which
included: consolidation of past achievements, initiations of in-house
review mechanisms, identification of alternative markets, development and
maintenance of adequate human and infrastructure resources.
Evolution of cassava
breeding in Zanzibar; Mr. Haji. H. Saleh, Ministry of Agriculture Natural
Resources, Environment and Cooperative, Zanzibar
Cassava breeding
in Zanzibar began in the 1970’s, and mainly focused on evaluation of local
and introduced germplasm for adaptability. The presentation indicated that
between 1980-1990s 2 varieties (TMS 4 (2) 1425, H.46106/27) had been
widely recommended; by the late 1990’s 5 more clones were developed from
half-sibs developed at Kizimbani. Further, the presentation
highlighted
the breeding scheme that was broadly characterized into seedling trial,
clonal, advanced yield trial; farmers are incorporated in the latter
stages of evaluation. Disease resistance and dry matter are the most
important traits. Key challenges to cassava breeding particularly the
threat from CBSD was highlighted.
Evolution of cassava
breeding in Malawi; Mr. T. Mkandawire,
Mkondezi Agricultural Research Station,
Malawi
The
presenter Mr. Mkandawire was unable to make it, he however mailed his
presentation, which was examined, and herein we provide the contents.
Cassava breeding in Malawi began in 1970’s; during then, most activities
were focussed on selection for adaptability from introduced germplasm.
However, in the 1990’s breeding took a different shape with the
establishment of a crossing block from which both half and full sibs were
generated. Further, the presentation highlighted the breeding scheme
which involves the clonal, AYT, UYT and OFT. From these breeding
activities about 5 varieties (Silira, Maunjiri, Mkondezi, Sauti, Yisazo)
have been released. The presentation also examined key challenges
affecting cassava production in Malawi. Considerations for the future,
particularly relating to capacity building, and broadened utilisation of
cassava were examined.
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