by Jonathan Newby (Capacities Development for Agriculture Innovation System (CDAIS)) Throughout Southeast Asia, cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an increasingly important crop in terms of both rural livelihoods and regional economic development. Cassava production in most of Southeast Asia is a largely commercial activity to meet the rapidly growing regional demand for animal feed, starch products, and biofuel.
Given its agronomic robustness, cassava production is well suited to resource-poor farmers living in marginal upland areas, who often belong to ethnic minority groups. Its cultivation provides an important source of cash income for these upland households, contributing to their food security and livelihoods.
Despite its economic importance, the sustainability of the industry is under increasing pressure from a number of endogenous and exogenous factors, including soil erosion, declining soil fertility, emerging pests and diseases, and increasing labour costs.
Understanding global markets
The market outlook for cassava, and hence the prospects for smallholder producers, are strongly linked to supply and demand in global starch, grain, and energy markets. Therefore, while the global demand for final products remains strong, the prospect for cassava is highly variable due to connections with several global commodity markets, exposing farmers to market risk.
Foresight analysis can help both industry and smallholders understand the opportunities and risks associated with cassava production and processing. READ MORE