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Synthesis
of presentations
The two
authoritative presentations strongly illustrated the key roles of cassava
breeding towards attainment of the MDG’s in particular, increasing food
security, improved health, and income generation. Moreover, the
presentations examined and proposed the methodological strategies i.e.,
the decentralised cassava breeding scheme, which if adopted, can
significantly increase cassava genetic improvement and adoption of
developed varieties, as it has an in-built participatory approach.
From
the country presentations it was apparent that:
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Cassava variety selection
and or genetic improvement dates way back in the early 19th
century, which reflects the historic importance of the crop in the ESA
region;
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Since its introduction,
cassava breeding was slowly, but steadily evolving from routine
selection among introduced germplasm to generation of local hybrids;
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Various products in form
of cassava varieties and information have been generated by the National
Programmes;
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Despite progress in the
plant genomics, limited biotechnology applications are being integrated
into cassava breeding, perhaps due limited human and infrastructure
capacities;
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Most breeding programmes
conduct minimal genetic studies on cassava, and largely rely on
unsustainable field-based gene banks for conservation of genetic
diversity;
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Limited attempts are
being made to broaden the cassava utilisation base, establishment of
in-house evaluation mechanisms, and conduction of systematic impact
assessment studies;
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Most programmes are
limited by funds to support the various cassava breeding activities;
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