The Cassava Revolution

BY ELIZABETH KANINI MUTUKU

ADM:SCJ/011/2023

For years, Rongo’s farmers struggled with unpredictable rains that left traditional crops withered in the fields. Today, the landscape is changing. Farmers are embracing drought-resistant cassava varieties—a biological "insurance policy" against climate change.

“It’s like a blessing,” says Jane, a local farmer. “We can now harvest twice a year.”

These varieties, developed through advanced biotechnology in partnership with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) (formerly KARI), use 40% less water while yielding 30% more food. Beyond the harvest, the Rongo Cassava Cooperative is now turning these tubers into flour and chips, even securing a 2026 export deal with buyers in Uganda.

For years, Rongo’s farmers struggled with unpredictable rains and pests that left traditional crops withered. Today, the landscape is changing as the community embraces drought-resistant and disease-tolerant cassava varieties—a biological "insurance policy" against climate change.

The Shift to Climate-Smart Varieties

Farmers in Migori County are increasingly adopting improved cassava varieties such as Tajirika, Karembo, and Siri. These varieties, developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), are designed to mature early (within 8–12 months) and produce high yields of up to 26–28 tonnes per acre. Crucially, they are resistant to devastating diseases like Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), which previously could reduce yields to zero.

Innovation in Seed Technology

To ensure farmers have access to healthy crops, KALRO has deployed Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) technology to rapidly multiply clean, disease-free planting materials. This ensures that farmers like Jane, who now harvests twice a year, are starting with certified, high-quality seeds.

 The Challenge: Vulnerable Crops and Food Insecurity

Traditional crops in Rongo were highly susceptible to the erratic rainfall patterns of the mid-2020s. Furthermore, the spread of Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) threatened to wipe out entire harvests, leaving families without their primary food source and income.

The Solution: Biotechnology and Early-Maturing Varieties

In partnership with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), farmers adopted varieties like Tajirika and Karembo. These are bred using advanced biotechnology to improve water-use efficiency by 40%. Additionally, the establishment of "Seed Units" ensures that farmers receive clean, disease-free planting materials.

The Impact: Yield Growth and Economic Stability

As of 2026, cassava yields in Rongo have increased by 30%. The Rongo Cassava Cooperative has seen a 50% surge in membership, and farmers are now exporting value-added products like cassava flour and high-quality starch to neighboring countries, securing the region's economic future.