Cassava is an important food staple in much of sub-Saharan Africa, in part because of its resistance to drought. Cassava mosaic virus disease (CMD) occurs in all the major cassavagrowing areas. However, the incidence of the disease has increased dramatically in recent years in many parts of Uganda, and most recently in Kenya and Tanzania, causing severe food shortages and necessitating emergency relief. This publication summarizes the recent history of CMD in Uganda, western Kenya and north-western Tanzania. It describes the main features of the pandemic and the various approaches to its control. It discusses the lessons learned from these control programmes and also assesses the threat to other parts of Kenya and Tanzania and elsewhere in sub- Saharan Africa.

Cassava is a major tropical tuber crop found throughout the tropics (India, Oceania, Africa and Latin America). Hitherto, there has been no single text covering all aspects of cassava biology, production and utilization. This book fills that gap, representing the first comprehensive research level overview of this main staple crop. Chapters are written by leading experts in this field from all continents. The book is suitable for those working and researching in cassava, in both developed and developing countries, as well as advanced students.

Intended as both an instructional and a reference tool, the volume covers the production and postharvest treatment of cassava. The first part describes production constraints including pests , diseases, weeds, soils agronomic factors, and socioeconomic considerations. In part two, plant morphology, plant physiology and plant breeding are related to yields and diseases resistance. Part three covers postharvest treatment and part four describes cassava research. A bibliography of recommended reading is included.