AfDB to invest $120 million to boost cassava, others
In the next 2-3 years, the African Development Bank (AfDB) will be investing $120 million to increase productivity and transform cassava and other commodities on the continent. Dr. Martin Fregene, Director for Agriculture at AfDB, who made this known at the Fourth International conference on cassava, organized by the Global Cassava Partnerships for the 21st […]
In the next 2-3 years, the African Development Bank (AfDB) will be investing $120 million to increase productivity and transform cassava and other commodities on the continent.
Dr. Martin Fregene, Director for Agriculture at AfDB, who made this known at the Fourth International conference on cassava, organized by the Global Cassava Partnerships for the 21st Century (GCP21), In Cotonou, Republic of Benin on Monday, said modifying cassava on the continent would aid African nations in reducing imports, thereby diverting about $1.2 billion into domestic economies.
He said cassava is a strategic crop for food security and also the creation of wealth for women and youth in Africa.
The largest volume of cassava comes from Africa, where it supports more than 350 million people.
“Another dimension to the importance of cassava is in nutrition, where cassava can enhance the nutrition of children directly or as a feed for poultry and other livestock,” he added.
Dr. Gaston Dossouhoui, Minister of Agriculture for the Republic of Benin, said cassava remains the most affordable staple consumed by Africans.
Dr. Kenton Dashiell, Deputy Director General for Partnerships for Delivery at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), said unlocking the potential of cassava requires partnerships and close collaboration of partners to address the limitations of cassava.
Dr. Dashiell commended GCP21 on the organization of the conference with experts that shared knowledge of innovations in cassava.
The nine commodities AfDB will be investing in include; cassava, rice, maize, sorghum/millet, wheat, livestock, aquaculture, high iron beans and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.