Cassava Research in Ethiopia and Achievements: A Comprehensive Review
Gobeze Loha1, Gifole Gidago2, Mesay Paulos3, Daniel Munda4
1Gobeze Loha, Department of Plant Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Ethiopia.
2Gifole Gidago, Department of Plant Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Ethiopia.
3Mesay Paulos, Biodiversity Institute of Ethiopia, Asosa Branch Office, Asosa, Ethiopia.
4Daniel Munda, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Ethiopia.
Manuscript received on 17 May 2023 | Revised Manuscript received on 02 June 2023 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 June 2023 | Manuscript published on 30 June 202 | PP: 56-68 | Volume-3 Issue-4, June 2023 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijapsr.E408005050825 | DOI: 10.54105/ijapsr.E4080.03040623
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Abstract: Cassava is a root crop cultivated mainly for its starchy roots, food stability and the most critical energy source root crop in tropics. In Ethiopia, cassava is grown in specific areas of the southern regions, offering several advantages over other cereals as a staple food in areas with poor soil conditions, uncertain rainfall, and limited market infrastructure. Despite research on crop adaptability, selection, nutritional, and antinutritional factors, there is a lack of information on the overall status, challenges, and the future role of cassava production in Ethiopia. This paper, therefore, aims to provide a brief overview of the genetic improvement, agronomic research, nutritional aspects, biochemical analysis, anti-nutritional factors, disease and insect pest management, and future research directions of cassava in Ethiopia. It highlights the description of cassava, its agroecology, and the contribution of cassava as both a food crop and a source of animal feed. Moreover, genetic improvement, agronomic research, nutritional, medicinal, and anti-nutritional research, harvesting, processing, utilisation, as well as cassava diseases and insect pests, are discussed. Since the inception of cassava research in Ethiopia, various research findings have been obtained and recorded, including the development of different varieties, agronomic practices, crop protection technologies, biochemical analyses for nutritional composition, and anti-nutritional factors. The availability of these outputs in a compiled and comprehensive manner is crucial for enhancing cassava production and productivity in Ethiopia, and for influencing policymakers to consider cassava as one of the prominent food and nutrition security crops in the country. Hence, the article can serve as a valuable reference resource for researchers, students, agricultural extension workers, and NGOs working in Ethiopia in root crops, particularly cassava.
Keywords: Breeding, Biochemical, Crop Protection, Food Security, Productivity, Technology.
Scope of the Article: Medical Physiology