Cassava for Food Security, Poverty Reduction and Climate Resilience: A Review Immanuel Sheela*, Jaganathan D., Prakash P., Sivakumar P. Sethuraman Extension and Social Sciences, ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram-695 017, India *E-mail: sheela.immanuel@icar.gov.in
Online Published on 20 February, 2024. Abstract Cassava plays a significant role in the food security of the rural poor and marginal farmers and is also recognized as an important industrial crop. Among the crops, cassava is the third largest source of carbohydrates in the tropical region after rice and maize. It is a major staple food in the developing world, which has the capacity to provide a basic diet for over half a billion people. The worldwide production of cassava amounted to 315 million metric tons in 2021, out of which Africa’s share was about 65%. According to FAO projections, by 2025, about 62% of global cassava production will come from sub-Saharan Africa. Cassava is a crop that can be considered a poverty reduction crop as it is climate resilient and can be grown in marginal, less fertile soil with less-inputs. Its tuberous root contains 30-40% dry matter and 25-30% starch. Nutritionally, cassava contains potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin A, folic acid, sodium, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and protein. It is a climate resilient and insurance crop that helps rural people tide over the famine caused by natural calamities and other disasters. Cassava is a crop that is considered as a poor man’s saviour crop which helps them to sustain their livelihood in times of natural disturbances. Cassava is a best crop which contributes for rural development, poverty reduction, economic growth and food security. The present review gives comprehensive information about the cassava crop and its role in food security, poverty reduction and income generation for farmers. Top Keywords Cassava, Food security, Poverty, Climate resilience. Top |