The African Cassava Agronomy Initiative (ACAI) project scientists demonstrated the use of AKILIMO tools to cassava stakeholders during the Dar es salaam International Trade Fair famously known as “Sabasaba exhibition” in Dar es salaam Tanzania. The exhibition highlighted how farmers could increase cassava productivity using the AKILIMO tools.
Sabasaba, a Swahili word for “seven seven” is an annual national holiday occurring on 7 July and organized by the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE) to commemorate the founding of the Tanzanian political party TANU. The celebrations have become an important event for business in Eastern and Central Africa. Over 3,500 exhibitors showcase and sell their products for two weeks at the Mwalimu J.K.Nyerere Trade Fair Grounds, attracting around 700,000 tourists.
The ACAI team participated in the exhibitions to promote good agronomic practices to cassava stakeholders by using AKILIMO tools and disseminate the knowledge to more farmers to maximize their productivity in the cassava value chain. They showcased the tools in different formats, including printable guides, the AKILIMO app, interactive voice response (VIAMO 321), and interactive SMS response (ARIFU).
AKILIMO offers a suite of tools and materials for cassava growers, extension workers, and organizations that promote improved cassava cultivation practices. The tools provide agronomic advice on fertilizer recommendations, appropriate spacing, weed management and best planting practices.
During the event, ACAI Agronomist Abubakari Mzanda highlighted the importance of fertilizer application in increasing cassava yields to the visitors who visited the booth.
“Most of the farmers have not been using fertilizers in cassava production, therefore the productivity has substantially decreased. But through proper use of fertilizer, taking into account the right type of fertilizer, the right amount of fertilizer, the right time of application, and the right method of application, one would be in better position to improve cassava productivity,” explained Mzanda.
Many cassava growers face the challenge of poor motivation to cassava production. The ACAI team has been promoting cassava cultivation, encouraging farmers to grow cassava to increase their incomes and improve livelihoods.
The ACAI project is a five-year project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, implemented in five countries in Africa (DRC, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania), aiming to increase the availability of appropriate and affordable technologies to sustainably improve short and long-term agricultural productivity in cassava in the target countries.
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