Cassava characterization and diverse use, the mirror for cassava landraces on-farm conservation in Uganda. An opportunity to genetic conservation and food security for rural communities

Conservation of cassava (Manihot esculentum) genetic resources is crucial given their critical role in Agricultural production. Cassava landraces have over the years been conserved in situ directly or indirectly. However, farmer traditional knowledge conservation practices have not been fully documented in order to fully support the breeding community. The aim of this study therefore, was to evaluate farmer traditional conservation and management practices of cassava landraces in the Lake Albert Agroecological zone in Hoima and Bullisa districts, Uganda in particular Kigorobya and Kihungya sub-counties. The sample comprised 110 farmers as respondents for the survey and questionnaires administered for the period March – June 2016.(15) Key informants’ interviews with 15 respondents and two focus group discussions were conducted. Results indicate that, farmers use above ground characters such as petiole color (21%), leaf color (20%) and branching habit (20%) and below ground cassava characters such as root taste (20%), root constriction (20%) and texture of root epidermis (20%) to select and distinguish between varieties. A total of 16 cassava varieties were reported to be grown by farmers and among these Nyakakwa (31%), Kazimwenge (30%), Nyalanda (10%) and Welobediyo (10%) were the most dominant. Stem multiplication by planting immediately after harvesting (62%), planting every season (18%) volunteer seedlings (2%), cutting back of stem and on-farm cassava retention (12%) were identified as traditional conservation practices of cassava varieties in Lake Albert Agro-ecological zone in Uganda. On farm conservation efforts of cassava landraces should be promoted through creation of awareness of criteria for characterization among smallholder farmers in order to inform genetic improvement.