Why cassava?

• It is a fascinating plant, and perhaps the one with the most potential. - food;

starch- animal feed;- bioenergy and biofuels.

• Leaves are a source of protein and can be used in animal feed and food for human consumption.

Growing conditions

Cassava can:

• Grow under different agro-ecological conditions (where annual rainfall is as low as 500 mm, or where it is as high as 5,000 mm).

• Remain in ground for several months without serious deterioration.

Biofuels use

• High sugar varieties: can be developed as competitive crops for bio-ethanol production.

• High starch varieties: can be used as filler crops in processing bio-ethanol.

• Peels can be a source of bio-energy

Targets and objectives of the Consultation

To clearly define the research agenda for:• Developing high sugar varieties of cassava from

production to processing.• Identifying suitable varieties for using cassava as a

filler crop in multi feed bio-ethanol plants.The development needs to be undertaken:• While ensuring that the poor benefit• Without compromising food security.• Ensuring environmentally sound development.

ConsultationEight sessions covering the following topics:1. Overview of potential of cassava as a food crop and as

a feedstock for biofuels.2. Country experiences in the processing of cassava for

bio-ethanol production.3. Cassava improvement – breeding, biotechnology and

quality planting material.4. Agronomy (crop, soil, water, and pest management).5. Cassava as a bioenergy crop.6. Post-harvest handling and market optimization for

smallholders.7. Policy issues in bio-ethanol/bioenergy production

using cassava as feed stock.8. Next steps and summary.Each session is 100 minutes, each speaker 15 to 20

minutes and there are 40 minutes for discussion.Request clear summary from each session.