Bukedi Region Faces Cassava Crisis as Farmers Shun Traditional Crop

Cassava, long a cornerstone of food security and income in Uganda’s Bukedi sub-region, is facing a significant decline as farmers increasingly switch to other crops. Districts like Budaka, Kibuku, Butebo, and Pallisa, once characterized by expansive cassava fields, are now witnessing a shift driven by perceived profitability and reduced risk in alternative crops.

Farmers cite a combination of challenges, including low yields, prevalent diseases like cassava mosaic and brown streak, and unpredictable weather patterns. Beatrice Nankera, a 63-year-old farmer from Budaka, expressed that cassava, once their “insurance crop,” is no longer worth the effort due to diminished returns and widespread illness affecting the plants. This shift has led to increased food insecurity, as many households relied heavily on cassava for sustenance.

The spread of diseases, often exacerbated by the use of infected planting materials, continues to plague production. While the National Agricultural Research Organisation (Naro) has introduced resistant varieties, limited access to clean stems and a lack of coordinated disease control efforts hinder progress. Furthermore, unpredictable weather patterns and a lack of investment in processing industries limit value addition, forcing farmers to sell raw cassava or dried chips at low prices.

Agricultural experts and local leaders warn that the abandonment of cassava could have severe consequences for the region’s economy and food security. “If the current trend continues, Bukedi risks losing not only an important source of food and income, but also a crop deeply-rooted in its history and identity,” stated Badrru Kirya, chairperson of the Bagwere Cultural Council. The decline has already led to increased prices for the scarce commodity, with some regions now importing cassava from neighboring districts.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/concern-over-low-cassava-yields-in-bukedi-region-5572608