Enhancement of Cassava Production

**75**

**1. Introduction**

**Chapter 4**

*Monica Addison*

**Abstract**

Research and Development for

Improved Cassava Varieties in

Ghana: Farmers' Adoption and

*Patricia Pinamang Acheampong, Eric Owusu Danquah,* 

The importance of Cassava in the food systems of Ghanaians cannot be underestimated. As a main staple crop, Cassava contributes about 22% and 30% to the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (AGDP) and daily calories intake respectively. Per capita consumption of 152 kg makes it the highest among all food crops. Due to Cassava's importance, there have been lots of attention paid to it by the Government and Donor agencies towards its improvement. This has yielded substantial results in terms of the development of cassava varieties and good agronomic practices. This chapter reviewed cassava technologies development in Ghana, adoption of these technologies by smallholder farmers, and livelihood implications. Results generated showed that Research and Development since 1993 has developed, released, and disseminated 25 new cassava varieties to smallholder farmers. Average cassava yields have increased from about 14 t/ha in 2009 to 21 t/ha in 2018. Partial budget analysis showed that smallholder farmers' profitability has increased over the years from GH₵644.32 (about US\$ 111) in 2009 to GH₵5243.27 (about US\$ 904) in 2018. Again, the crop is gradually gaining attention as an industrial crop for flour, starch, and alcohol production, a drive that would further improve on returns to farmers. It is a food security crop because it is robust, produces more per unit area, and versatile for multiple usages in household foods and derivatives. It is recommended that continuous policy consideration on

*Kennedy Agyeman, Kwame Obeng Dankwa and* 

cassava in national agricultural agenda setting is essential.

**Keywords:** food system, per capita consumption, productivity, Policy, technologies

Cassava (*Manihot esculenta Crantz*) is an important food security and income-

generating crop cultivated by many smallholder farmers globally, mainly in developing countries [1, 2]. Cassava came to Africa in the 16th century from Brazil through Portuguese traders and was adopted for home consumption as a faminereserve crop during drought seasons [3]. Cultivation of cassava in Ghana started

Effects on Livelihoods

#### **Chapter 4**
