Counting on cassava in South Sudan

18 January 2013

After being introduced to a new, fast-growing variety of the crop by Farm Africa, cassava farmers in South Sudan have started to reap huge rewards. 

The success of the farmers is down to a lot of hard work in Farm Africa training sessions early last year. The training focussed on preparing land, managing cuttings, and the best techniques for planting and weeding.

Land preparation

The farmers also learned the skill of selecting the right piece of land. Cassava needs loamy soil that has been allowed to rest for at least two years, and the land can't be sloping as it needs to be water logged. It also can't be in the shade as this prevents growth.

Intercropping is also important for cassava – planting it in between other fast growing crops like okra or peanuts – as well as good spacing between plants, and regular weeding.

To give the farmers every chance of success, Farm Africa provided them with basic tools that we would take for granted in the UK, such as, axes, sickles, hoes, slashers and pangas. These have made all the difference in helping farmers to prepare their land quickly and easily so they are ready for the rains.

Dramatic results

The results have been dramatic, with cassava yields soaring. Some farmers managed to produce 32 tonnes per acre, which is a great achievement in a country where average yields are just 0.2 tonnes per acre.

This means farmers are now able to put more food on more plates for more of the year. Farmers taking part in the project have seen the average period where they and their families have little to eat cut in half to three months a year.

This life-changing success has not been lost on other farmers. Cuttings of the new cassava variety are now in high demand at local markets.

Read more about our cassava project