IITA IPM project 07: Cassava mosaic disease pandemic mitigation in East and Central Africa.

Duration: 3 years (2003 – 2005)

Purpose: To mitigate the effects of current and potential food security crises in areas of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, the Republic of Congo and Gabon recently affected or immediately threatened by the CMD pandemic, through the exchange and development of cassava germplasm and the accelerated multiplication of CMD resistant varieties.

Background/description: This project represents the sixth one-year phase of an on-going programme addressing the emergency management of the cassava mosaic disease pandemic in East and Central Africa. The primary elements of the programme include: monitoring and diagnostics of viruses and vectors associated with the pandemic, multiplication of CMD resistant varieties, germplasm diversification and exchange, training and technology transfer centres and project management and monitoring. These activities, co-ordinated by IITA from its Uganda regional centre, are being implemented in Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi.

Agroecozone(s) and location(s): Humid forest and savannas in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon

Expected outputs: a) > 15 million stems of CMD resistant cassava multiplied in target zones; b) Expansion of the pandemic mapped and future spread forecast; c) New diagnostic surveys conducted in Rwanda and Central African Republic; d) New germplasm evaluated and incorporated in the multiplication programme; e) Farmers trained in technology transfer centres throughout target areas; f) Results/impact reviewed and future plans developed through regional stakeholder meeting

Potential impact and beneficiaries: Cassava producers and consumers in East and Central Africa. Major impact currently being achieved in western Kenya as production is being restored following the pandemic associated collapse in the late 1990s. A similar impact should be realized in other target countries including Tanzania and Burundi. This project is having a major influence in guiding researchers, extension staff and policy makers in directing efforts to manage this continental-scale problem in a rational, science-based and effective way.

Partners: NARES and farmers organizations in East and Central Africa.

Development investor(s): USAID, CGIAR

IITA contact person(s)/principal investigator(s): James Legg J.Legg@cgiar.org website http://www.iita.org