The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme has engaged stakeholders and partners on the imperatives of establishing a robust and sustainable cassava seed system in Cote d’Ivoire.

The engagement, which took place from February 25th to 29th, 2024, across locations in the country (notably Abidjan and Bouké), sought to address challenges facing Cote-d’Ivoire’s cassava sector, assess existing cassava research facilities, implement TAAT Phase II in the country, and confer with the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Centre for Agricultural Research (CNRA) about implementation support to the country.

A team of TAAT experts led by Dr Adebayo Abass, the TAAT Cassava Compact Leader, visited and held discussions with the (CNRA), focusing on various aspects such as activities planned by the TAAT Cassava Compact, practical implementation of the Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponic (SAH) technology for cassava seed multiplication, and support for post-harvest studies.

Subsequent visits to the Ministry of Agriculture and processing facilities advanced these discussions, emphasising collaboration and training opportunities.

The engagement was held within the framework of Cote-d’Ivoire’s Emergency Food Production Programme under the African Development Bank’s African Emergency Food Production Facility (2PAU-CI-CI/AEFPF). TAAT’s technical expertise is required for installing Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponic (SAH) technology, implementing weed management practices, and mechanising cassava planting and harvesting.

Speaking at the end of the mission, Dr Abass hinted that fruitful discussions were held with the CNRA on the activities planned by the Cassava compact as part of TAAT Phase II deliverables, including capacity building on testing and selection of disease-free material, workshop on seed gap analysis, and capacity building on setting up innovation platforms.

“Practical implementation of the SAH technology in Bouake, including the availability of land, technicians, and local sources of peat as a substrate for SAH plantlets, are also in view,” he added.

Other areas of engagement in the country’s cassava sector beyond 2PAU-CI/AEFPF project included the installation of five additional SAH facilities, integration of post-harvest technologies, and support to CNRA for post-harvest studies. Others include variety suitability for flour, starch, attire, the nutritional value of end products (weaning food, bread, attire, etc.), product acceptability for consumers (white/yellow cassava bread), and waxing technology for cassava storage and export.

The mission to Cote-d’Ivoire marked a significant step towards enhancing the cassava sector’s resilience and productivity. TAAT aims to drive sustainable agricultural transformation across Africa through strategic partnerships and focused efforts.