Cassava in Sub-Saharan Africa: Origin, Agronomy, Disease Management and Future Priorities

Abstract

Tapiwa Nyakauru*, Godwin Mtetwa, Ruvimbo Chimidzi and Thomas Marangwana

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a foundational staple for millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. Cassava is valued for its caloric density, drought tolerance, and flexibility across marginal environments. African production of cassava has expanded markedly since the year 2000. Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ghana, and Tanzania have been among leading producers. However, the production of cassava is heavily affected by various diseases such as cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), and by structural challenges in seed systems, markets, and processing. This review focuses on current knowledge on the origin of cassava and domestication, ecophysiology and agronomy, climatic tolerances, the epidemiology and management of diseases, progress in genetic improvement, food safety, issues around cyanogenic glycosides, and priorities for the next decade. We highlight advances from IITA/CGIAR breeding programs, expanding surveillance including the use of AI-enabled tools, and integrated seed systems. We conclude with a forward-looking agenda spanning durable resistance pyramids, whitefly-vector ecology, climate-smart agronomy, and consumer-preferred quality traits.

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