CASSAVA FARMING IN MALAWI

 Cassava is a staple food crop for almost 30-40% of the population in Malawi contributing about 7% of total caloric intake and ranks second as the most important food crop and third as a cash crop. It is mainly produced by smallholder farmers and a few large-scale farmers.In Malawi, the project is focusing on the cassava value chain. Cassava is the second most important staple crop after maize, and it is the main staple crop in the lake shore districts. Cassava is becoming commercially important, and its production has nearly tripled in ten years. 

For the fresh market, traders usually buy the whole field from farmers and transport the roots to the nearest retail market. For processed products, the largest market is formed by small-scale bakeries and mandazi and kanyenya producers. In addition, a large potential market for High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) is in biscuits, packaging and breweries.A project inception workshop was carried out in Lilongwe, bringing together a number of important stakeholders involved in the cassava value chain to launch the project and to make a detailed country-specific work plan for the implementation

Cassava(Manihot esculenta) is one of the most important root and tuber crops. Its yields of carbohydrates per unit area are very high. Cassava is important as source of food, cash and raw materials for industrial use. Even in areas where maize is staple food, cassava is used as supplement. Cassava is particularly important as food crop in seasons of drought and survive relatively well in marginal soils.

Cassava is becoming a major cash crop. It is also grown in other parts of the country as a security crop, eaten as a snack and also as dry cassava chips. The leaves are also used as relish. Cassava is used as livestock feed. Cassava is a drought tolerant crop with ability to yield well in marginal soils, tolerance to pest and diseases, minimal labor requirements compared to grain crops.Food Security: It's the second most important staple food, after maize, for a significant portion of the population, especially in lakeshore areas. This provides a vital source of calories and helps prevent hunger, particularly during droughts when maize yields may suffer.

The importance of Cassava farming 

 

• Food Security: Cassava is Malawi's second most important staple crop, after maize [FAO Malawi]. It's especially vital in the lakeshore areas and some central districts, providing food for 30-40% of the population [CABI]. Even in droughts, cassava's resilience ensures people have something to eat [FAO Malawi]
• Cash Crop: Cassava can be sold for income, acting as a third most important cash crop for Malawian farmers [CABI].
• Smallholder Farmers: Well-suited to Malawi's climate and requiring minimal inputs, cassava is ideal for smallholder farmers, who make up the bulk of cassava producers [CABI].

In short, cassava farming is a major contributor to food security, diet, income, and supports small-scale agriculture in Malawi.

Written by Suten Mwanyongo