An upcoming moderated discussion will explore post-harvest cassava technology and value addition for food security and income generation on the BiomassNet Dgroup.
The discussion is facilitated by Prof. Paul Amaza, an agricultural economist. He has experience with cassava value chain and collaborating with IITA on a number of cassava research for development projects. He has worked in West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa on cassava value chain development and related issues.
The primary driver of cassava’s short shelf life is the physiology of the root itself. If left unprocessed, cassava spoils in 24-48 hours after harvest due to post-harvest physiological deterioration (PPD). Because the cassava crop itself deteriorates so rapidly, it is vulnerable to various inefficiencies and poor practices along the value chain – for example, poor handling that damages the root and leads to quicker PPD.
The objectives of this discussion are to compile processing practices and strategies to reduce spoilage in cassava roots after harvest and enhance the shelf life of cassava.
The first round of the discussion will run from 20 October to 10 November 2016, when experts are invited to share experiences and/or pertinent publications on this issue. Of particular interest is research on post-harvest processing of cassava, or application of certain techniques with positive or negative outcomes.
Join the discussion by clicking here.