Cassava Trait Preferences of Men and Women Farmers in Nigeria: Implications for Breeding
This paper aims to inform breeding priority setting by examining trait and varietal preferences of men and women farmers
Abstract
Nigeria is the world’s largest cassava producer, hosting a diverse array of cassava farmers and processors. Cassava breeding programs prioritize “common denominator” traits in setting breeding agendas, to impact the largest possible number of people through improved varieties. This approach has been successful, but cassava adoption rates are less than expected, with room for improvement by integrating traits in demand by farmers and processors. This paper aims to inform breeding priority setting, by examining trait and varietal preferences of men and women cassava farmer/processors. Men and women in 8 communities in Southwest and Southeast Nigeria were consulted using mixed methods.
This work is part of the “Next Generation Cassava Breeding Project” which is supported by the UK Department for International Development, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Citation
Teeken, B., Olaosebikan, O., Haleegoah, J. et al. Cassava Trait Preferences of Men and Women Farmers in Nigeria: Implications for Breeding Economic Botany (2018) 72: 263. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-018-9421-7