Breeding resistance to cassava mosaic virus
As much as 50% of Africa's cassava crop is destroyed by pests and diseases every year
© IITA
East African cassava mosaic virus has caused enormous losses to cassava farmers, and is becoming a significant concern to farmers across the continent, including in West and Central African countries. In Cameroon, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has developed several varieties of cassava that can resist the virus, but a major challenge lies in multiplying these varieties in sufficient quantities. Working closely with farmers, the Institute has set up a multiplication system, and local entrepreneurs have also started growing the virus-resistant planting material as a business. Rachid Hanna, IITA country representative in Cameroon, explains more about the fight against the virus to Martha Chindong.
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