Virus (CMD/CBSD) resistance; higher starch/yield; reduced cyanogenic potential; drought tolerance Staple for food security in marginal areas; supports >700k households; second only to bananas in calorie contribution. Disease losses and low yields

Submitted by admin on February 23, 2026
Priority Organism
Cassava
Socioeconomic Justification
Staple for food security in marginal areas; supports >700k households; second only to bananas in calorie contribution. Disease losses and low yields constrain livelihoods.
GEd Potential
High
Existing R&D
RAB-led cassava work; IITA/CIAT/IITA breeding networks; FAO/IFAD support programmes; new Rwanda Agricultural Biotechnology Programme (RAB + AATF) targeting cassava.
Actual Annual Production (tonnes)
1300000