The Proof is in the (New) Cassava!

MOZAMBIQUE – Along with maize, rice, and beans, cassava is a staple food in Mozambique, especially in the central and northern regions. Because the population relies on these essential foods, their availability and reliability are crucial to food security there.

Because the population relies on these essential foods, their availability and reliability are crucial to food security there. World Renew supports farmers in Mozambique with agricultural training and input options.

Since February 2017, World Renew and our local partner, the Diocese of Niassa of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, have been engaged in a food security program where experimental plots give farmers the opportunity to observe first hand both conventional and new cassava varieties and make an informed decision on what is best for them.

Graça Chembezi is a 34-year-old wife and mother of four from Cobue Sede community. She is also a farmer who relies on what she grows to feed her family. Here is what she has to say about her cassava crops and World Renew and the Diocese of Niassa’s support of her farming:

“For several years we have struggled with the conventional cassava variety. Our crops were easily infected with pests and diseases resulting in low productivity and product quality. When the Diocese of Niassa first introduced us to a new variety of cassava, we didn’t notice much difference. But, as it grew alongside the other cassava variety, we noticed that the new variety was growing much faster, had green leaves which were edible throughout the season, and was much healthier, with almost no pest or diseases. Seeing two separate plots with different cassava varieties helped my family and I to see clearly what is the best.”

Graça plans to use the new cassava variety and intercrop it with legumes, increasing her family’s food production and security. World Renew and the Diocese of Niassa will continue promoting sustainable development so that people like Graça can be food-secure and thrive.