Scientific Publication

Is there a space for medium-sized cassava seed growers in Nigeria?

author(s) Bentley, J.W. - Nitturkar, H. - Obisesan, D. - Friedmann, M. - Thiele, Graham
from CGIAR - Research Programs and Platforms
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themes
regions
  • Africa
  • World
  • Western Africa
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
citation

Bentley, J.W.; Nitturkar, H.; Obisesan, D.; Friedmann, M.; Thiele, G. (2020). Is there a space for medium-sized cassava seed growers in Nigeria?. Journal of Crop Improvement. ISSN 1542-7536. Published online 03Jul2020
Is there a space for medium-sized cassava seed growers in Nigeria?

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Abstract

Until recently, there has been little commercial sale of vegetatively propagated crop seed, except for potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). This is especially true in developing countries. However, a formal, commercial seed sector for cassava (Manihot esculenta) is emerging in Nigeria. In 2016, a project, Building an Economically Sustainable Integrated Cassava Seed System in Nigeria (BASICS), started to encourage village farmers to certify and sell cassava seed. A questionnaire survey of 30 cassava entrepreneurs across Nigeria in 2019 included some of those village-based growers as well as larger producers, including some who certified their planting material. In the long run, if there is a consistent demand for certified cassava seed, medium-sized producers may be able to satisfy some of that demand, especially if they have continued programmatic support; otherwise, these budding seed entrepreneurs may close down.

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