EPAR TECHNICAL REPORT #223
Mon, 12/10/2012
AUTHORS: Angela Gaffney, Claire Kpaka, Elysia Slakie, C. Leigh Anderson
ABSTRACT:
Cassava is a tuber crop originating in South America and grown in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world. Cassava use varies significantly by region. In Africa, cassava is primarily grown for food. In Asia, production is typically for industrial purposes, including ethanol, while in Latin America and the Caribbean it is commonly used in animal feed. Both roots and leaves are consumed, though most information on production focuses on roots. There are bitter and sweet varieties; bitter cassava has a high cyanide content and must be processed prior to consumption, while sweet varieties can be eaten directly. This report presents information about current production, constraints, and future potential of cassava. We discuss cassava’s importance in Africa, current worldwide production, projections for supply and demand, production constraints, and current policies affecting cassava production and trade. We include global information but focus on Africa, particularly Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, and Tanzania.
This report is part of a broader series of reports on crop value chains. Follow the links below to explore the other reports in this series:
- Crop Value Chains: Wheat Global Analysis (EPAR Technical Report #199)
- Crop Value Chains: Wheat in Bihar, India (EPAR Technical Report #202)
- Crop Value Chains: Wheat in Bangladesh (EPAR Technical Report #203)
- Crop Value Chains: Wheat in Ethiopia (EPAR Technical Report #204)
- Crop Value Chains: Yams in Ghana (EPAR Technical Report #206)
- Crop Value Chains: Yams in Nigeria (EPAR Technical Report #207)
- Crop Value Chains: Sweet Potatoes in Tanzania (EPAR Technical Report #211)
- Crop Value Chains: Sweet Potatoes in Uganda (EPAR Research Brief #217)
- Crop Value Chains: Sweet Potatoes in Ethiopia (EPAR Research Brief #219)
- Crop Value Chains: Sweet Potatoes in Nigeria (EPAR Technical Report #220)
- Crop Value Chains: Bananas and Plantains in West Africa (EPAR Technical Report #239)
TYPE OF RESEARCH: Literature Review
RESEARCH TOPIC CATEGORY: Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods; Agricultural Inputs & Farm Management; Market & Value Chain Analysis
GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS: West Africa Region and Selected Countries; Global; East Africa Region and Selected Countries
DATASET(S): FAOSTAT
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