Root Crops in Eastern Africa
1982
The Eastern Africa root crops workshop was concerned with cassava, sweet potato, yams, and cocoyams, with particular emphasis on the first two crops. None of these crops are indigenous to the area; however, cassava and sweet potato were quickly and widely adapted as important staple-food crops. At present, yields of the root crops in the region are far too low to meet the demand and do not reflect the potential. Researchers have demonstrated that yields can be increased substantially through improved cultural practices and improved varieties. Although opportunities to exchange research findings and views among researchers and policymakers are few, this workshop did prove useful. The areas of research that were considered high priority by the participants were: defining the relevant environmental, socioeconomic, and agronomic constraints to optimum productivity; developing viable cropping systems based on well-defined criteria; establishing economic models to determine the investment potential of different cropping systems; developing and testing improved cultivars with high-yield potential, pest and disease resistance, and good consumer acceptability and storability; designing storage systems appropriate for local conditions; and formulating a wider range of processing techniques for more efficient utilization of present production.
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