Cassava Genetic Diversity and Conservation in South-East Nigeria

Ezebuiro N.C^1*, Ekumankama O.O.², Ugboaja C.I.² and Ironkwe A.G.¹

¹National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.

²Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.

Accepted July 30, 2017

Investigation into farmers’ approaches to cassava genetic resources and conservation was carried out in three states of South-East Agro-Ecological Zone of Nigeria purposely selected. The genetic resources of cassava consist of local, introduced landraces, improved cultivars and related wild species. Genetic resources of Manihot genus is eroding in the face of expansion agriculture with hundreds of varieties being abandoned or lost over the years. Data were collected from the 480 respondents by the use of structured interview schedule. Results obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. There were more male respondents (61.5%) than females, with mean age of 26.0 years. Majority of the respondents were literate. About 76.0% planted improved cassava varieties, while 56.2% maintained favoured varieties. Other major indigenous practices for cassava conservation by the respondents were by storage of stakes under shade, which accounted for 44.8%. The Tobit Regression Estimate of the determinants of level of use of conservation practices showed that the Coefficient of education was positively correlated and significant at 5% level of probability. The coefficient of farm size was negatively correlated and highly significant at 1% level of probability. There is need for research and policy makers to lay more emphasis on conservation of cassava genetic resources to reduce genetic erosion that is taking great toll on the available resources; ensuring food security and availability of genetic resources.

Key words: Genetic Diversity, Conservation, Cassava, genetic resources, agro-ecological zone.

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