A team of experts from the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme recently embarked on a pivotal mission to advance agricultural transformation in the Central African Republic (CAR).

This mission brought together representatives from TAAT, the Institut Centrafricain de la Recherche Agronomique (ICRA), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the PADECAS program coordination team, the chief of mission of AfDB in CAR, and other key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, assess progress, and address challenges in Cassava production and seed system.

The mission team, comprising Dr Suh Christopher, the TAAT Country Engagement Officer in the Central Africa Region, Dr Abass Adebayo, the TAAT Cassava Compact leader, and his team, including Benjamin Munganga and Doline Matempa, conducted a series of high-level meetings and field visits- from 12 August 2024 to 17 August- that underscored the vital role of collaboration in achieving sustainable agricultural development.

The team met with the Director General of ICRA, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the PADECAS project coordination team. Discussions focused on capacity building, technical assistance, and aligning government objectives with TAAT’s mission.

With ICRA, plans were made to expand seed multiplication to 12 hectares using seven cassava varieties. Laboratory staff capacity-building initiatives on Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) technology were prioritized.

With the Ministry of Agriculture, the Minister expressed commitment to integrating TAAT’s goals into national agricultural policies, ensuring synergy with government priorities.

The AfDB country representative received the team during a courtesy visit to the Bank country office. TAAT outlined its objectives in CAR. The Bank committed to including TAAT in upcoming agricultural projects, particularly youth and women’s entrepreneurship.

During the field visits, the team conducted a detailed evaluation of the ICRA station in Boukoko, focusing on cassava seed multiplication fields, the progress of the Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) laboratory, and associated facilities. Five cassava varieties have been successfully multiplied over 2 hectares, with plans to scale up to 12 hectares in the next season.

Additionally, the laboratory construction is nearing completion, with only equipment installation and technicians’ training remaining.

The following action points were identified: Recruit final-year interns to assist with seed multiplication, field maintenance, and data collection for the expanded area. Collaborate with the Irrigation and Water Management Network (IWMN) to address irrigation needs. Obtain financial and technical reports from ICRA to support further funding requests for ongoing and planned activities.

The visit to the SMCAF factory highlighted its role in transforming cassava into derivative products, such as flour and cassava leaves, alongside agricultural activities involving other crops. Currently under modernization, the factory faces challenges, including the absence of product certification, an unskilled workforce, and logistical constraints.

To ensure the success of ongoing and future initiatives, TAAT and ICRA should work closely with ONASEM to certify SMCAF’s high-quality cassava flour.  Furthermore, ICRA will organize staff training programs on SAH technology, while TAAT will support resource mobilization and technical assistance. 

Strengthening the seed system will also be a priority, achieved by scaling multiplication fields and integrating additional varieties.  Finally, close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture will ensure project activities align with national priorities.

The mission highlighted significant progress in cassava seed multiplication and processing while identifying areas requiring urgent action, such as workforce development, certification, and resource mobilization.

Moving forward, the TAAT team will closely monitor the expansion of seed multiplication at ICRA Boukoko, expedite the operationalisation of the SAH laboratory, and foster collaboration with SMCAF and ONASEM to certify cassava products. Additionally, follow-ups with AfDB and the Ministry of Agriculture will ensure alignment on new and ongoing projects, driving sustained impact in the Central African Republic.