Advances in cassava breeding in Uganda

Abstract

Cassava breeding work in Uganda started as far back as 1920 and to date attention has been problem
oriented focusing mainly on disease and pest resistance, tuber quality and yield. The approach to cassava
breeding has evolved from breeder led, through a multidisciplinary approach to a more farmer participatory
approach in order to address farmer needs more effectively. Collaboration and networking have featured
prominently in cassava breeding activities. Between 1990-2000, 12 cassava varieties were released. Future
plans lor cassava improvement activities include targeting specific end uses in order to transform cassava
into a broad based commercial commodity.