FIRST MEETING OF THE IFAD ROOTS AND TUBERS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES/PROJECTS

Douala, Cameroun14 -16 November 2007

Contribution of the PNDRT - CAMEROON

André MBAIRANODJIOfficer in Charge of Production/Processing

CASSAVA PRODUCTION

OUTLINE OF THE PRESENTATION

• Introduction• Current situation of production activities• Main activities carried out by the

PNDRT/Results achieved– Real impacts on beneficiaries– Implementation procedures– Good practices/Innovations – Difficulties and solutions– Main challenges for the future and

required/anticipated actions

• Conclusion

INTRODUCTION Cassava production in 2002-2003 in Cameroon is estimated at 2 349 171 tonnes for an area

of 204 548 hectares i.e. a yield of 11.48 t/ha.

The production chain aims at improving:

Productivity through R&T intensification and diversification within small-farming systems; Multiplication of improved foundation plant material by networks of farmer-multipliers; Integrated pest management; Sustainable soil management.

Production activity is dominated by women and is primarily intended for domestic

consumption.

The cropping system is extensive, with intercropping. There is very little single cropping.

Opportunities for cassava production in Cameroon include the availability of fertile land and of labour, the women growers’ dynamism and openness to innovation, and good collaboration among actors.

CURRENT SITUATIONOF PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES

AGROECOLOGICAL ZONES

CURRENT SITUATION OFPRODUCTION ACTIVITIES (continued)

Year Production (tonnes)

1984-1990 1 437 000

1991-1992 1 617 000

1992-1993 1 645 000

1998-1999 2 815 000

1999-2000 1 894 000

2002-2003 2 349 171

- 500,000

1,000,000 1,500,000 2,000,000 2,500,000 3,000,000

PRODUCTIO

N

1YEARS

DEVELOPMENT OF CASSAVA PRODUCTION FROM 1984-90 TO 2002-03

1984-1990

1991-1992

1992-1993

1998-1999

1999-2000

2002-2003

CURRENT SITUATION OF

PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES (continued)

The cropping system: extensive and with intercropping (85% of farms).

Single cropping: on some farms (average density of 10 000 plants/ha).

Three types of plot can be distinguished: Individual, small (0.5 to 1 ha/year); Individual, large (5 ha/year); Community (> 5 ha/year).

Supply of plant material: In old fields (unreliable quality); From specialist multipliers. The availability of this plant material is not always guaranteed.

CURRENT SITUATION OF PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES (continued and concluded)

The most valued varieties are local varieties because of their: Availability; High dry-matter content; Sensory properties; Production cycle long enough for them to be kept in the field for a relatively long time.

Plant material requirements: 765 000 000 cuttings/year.

The PNDRT is closely involved in the multiplication and distribution of improved cassava plant material.

Main activities carried out by the PNDRT

• Establishment of cassava farmer field schools (FFSs).

• Establishment of multiplication fields for improved cassava plant material.

Main activities carried out by the PNDRT

Establishment of cassava farmer field schools

Results/Impacts on growers

70 FFSs established:

• 2005-2006 : 309 growers (82% women) trained in 10 FFSs in cassava production and integrated protection techniques: technical package, growers’ knowledge of diseases, rapid multiplication of cuttings, other lessons learned.

Yield: 20-30 t/ha:

• 2006-2007 : 730 growers (517 women and 213 men) trained/in training in 20 FFSs

• 2007-2008: 1 285 growers (71% women) in training in 40 FFSs

200 000 cuttings: produced in the FFSs, already harvested

Sale of cuttings: 25 CFAF per 25-30 cm cutting

Main activities carried out by the PNDRT

Establishment of FFSs Establishment method

• Identification of groups on the basis of well-defined criteria;• Presentation of introductory modules on the FFS;• Identification of the site for the FFS;• Establishment of the FFS;• Animation/Monitoring of the FFS (the length of the training period is based on

the cropping cycle);• Harvesting.

Target group• Cassava growers.

Good practices/Innovations• Disease/pest control is biological or based on cultivation methods;• Every trained grower is a potential trainer;• A trained grower should train 10 more growers;• The plant material produced is productive and healthy and is a source of

income;• The improvement in yield is visible.

Main activities carried out by the PNDRT

Establishment of FFSsDifficulties:

• School fields invaded by straying animals;• Lack of dynamism of some groups.

Solutions:• Fencing the FFSs;• Insistence on group dynamics before selection.

Main challenges:• Establishment of FFSs in all the villages of the PNDRT;• Estimation of the take-up rate of FFSs.

Required/Anticipated actions:

• Gradual increase in the number of FFSs;• Organization of a survey to evaluate the take-up rate of FFSs;• Further reflection on the way trained farmers hand on their knowledge to their colleagues once their training is over.

Main activities carried out by the PNDRTMultiplication fields for improved cassava plant material

Results/Impacts on beneficiaries

• 2 609 650 cuttings made available to about 1044 beneficiaries:– IRAD : 1 586 450 (41-15, 24-25, 8061, 8034, 8017, 6889,

92/0326, Escape 32, 91/427, 91/0234, TME1, 92/0057 & escape);

– IITA :144 700 (92/0326, 96/1414, B.Bulk P6, 8085, 96/1762, 95/0109, 92/0057, 8804772, 96/0023 & 880713);

– Farmers’ organizations : 878 500 (8017, 8034, 8061).

• 261 ha planted;

• Sale of multiplied cuttings by beneficiaries (25 CFAF per 25-30 cm cutting).

Main activities carried out by the PNDRTMultiplication fields for improved cassava plant material

Establishment method– Identification of beneficiary groups– Preparation of the ground– Signing of agreements with research institutions– Delivery/Reception of plant material– Training in multiplication techniques– Monitoring

Target group- Cassava growers

Good practices/Innovations– Production of healthy plant material– Distribution of healthy, productive plant material throughout the country– Micro-propagation by cuttings (multiplication of two-knot cuttings)– Certification of the plant material used by the relevant departments of the

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Main activities carried out by the PNDRTMultiplication fields for improved cassava plant material

Difficulties:• Late delivery of cuttings• Low capacity for cutting back cuttings

Solutions: • Acceleration of the processing of non-objection requests• IRAD and IITA: increase in the number of staff engaged in cutting back

Main challenges:• Establishment of stockyards under the sole responsibility of the PNDRT• Meeting of growers’ needs for cuttings

Required/Anticipated actions:• Search for supplementary funding• Boosting of collaboration with research institutions, international organizations and the other partners involved

CONCLUSION FFSs: a powerful tool for transferring production and integrated protection techniques; 70 FFSs established;

674 growers trained and 1 650 in training in production and integrated protection techniques; every trained grower is a trainer;

Yields obtained through the FFSs: 20-30 t/ha (+ 11 t/ha);

2 609 650 cuttings (improved varieties) made available (covering 261 ha);

Heavy demand for cuttings: alternative sources of funding must be sought other than the PNDRT;

Need to boost collaboration with research institutions (IRAD, IITA), NGOs and CIGs.

Thank you