Farmers’ perceptions on improved cassava and its response to food security: evidence from Kamonyi District, Rwanda

Kamonyi district is located in the southern part of Rwanda, the area is drought prone, and consequently maize as first crop, experienced a total failure. Farmers tried to cope with the situation by use of indigenous cassava varieties. However, the same varieties were affected by Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD). To respond, the Government of Rwanda embarked on improved cassava, aimed at increasing crop productivity, and improves food security. The study evaluates farmers’ perceptions on improved cassava (Manihot esculenta) introduced as a solution to drought effects (food insecurity). In total 183 of farmers and key informants were interviewed, backed with focus group discussions. In spite of the issues of technology and inadequate financial services, farmers were satisfied by the response. The most desired outcome was its effectiveness to food security. However, their complaints were on cuttings distribution; some of them decided to produce indigenous varieties instead of improved cassava. Controversies also rose on subsidy, improved cassava as new program does not have an extra subsidy and discouraged its practice. In regard to attributes, short maturity and yielding capacity varieties were highly admired. However, farmers were discouraged by occurring disease (CBSD). The Cassava brown stoke disease (CBSD) devastated an important cassava plantation. Therefore, farmers suggested that, any program must be associated with a specific research so that to prevent rather to cure. The study also found that, social economic characteristic of farmers played a key role in program’s adaptability. A good example is an observed gender differentiation in farmers’ altitude towards improved cassava. When female farmers considered varieties with short maturity, male considered only varieties with high yield. In brief, the study found that farmers’ altitude on improved cassava was not considered during its implementation. However, farmers tried to adapt in their own way. Therefore, this study recommends that any program must include farmers’ views and experience so that to provide the practicable and implementable response