Masisila, Festo, Kimata, Bernadetha, Lugurugu, Gerald, Menya, Rahim, Matondo, Dwasi, Kilingala, Zawadi, Bukelebe, Mashaka, Maruthi, Midatharahally ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8060-866X, Shee, Apurba ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1836-9637 and Mkamilo, Geoffrey (2025) The influence of pandemic viral diseases and drought on cassava production in Southeastern Tanzania. International Journal on Science and Technology (IJST). ISSN 2250-141X (Online) (In Press) (doi:10.70558/IJST)

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Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a key staple food and sanctuary crop, predominantly grown by women-headed households in the coastal belt and lake zones of Tanzania. However, its production and productivity is mostly affected by abiotic factors such as drought and biotic like Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) and Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD). The current study evaluated how pandemic viral infections and drought affected cassava productivity and production in Mtwara and Lindi. The study used a cross-sectional research design to collect primary data from 120 smallholder cassava producers. Descriptive statistics were used to analysis qualitative data while disease severity, incidence, whitefly population abundance and CBSD necrotic; information methods were used to assess the influence of diseases on cassava production and productivity. Results showed that the majority of cassava growers suffered insufficient rainfall (84%), late onset rainfall (65%), high temperature and pro-longed dry spells due to drought incidences (58%). Moreover, cassava growers reported that poor root quality (76%) and reduced cassava yield (88.5%) were two of the significant effects of CBSD and CMD on cassava output in the studied area. To enhance cassava production and reduce yield losses, the present study recommends the increased awareness campaigns on availability, accessibility and use of improved cassava varieties which are resistant and/or tolerant to drought, diseases and insect-pests in the study area. This must be accompanied by viable agronomic packages for prospective cassava cultivation in Tanzania at large.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	IJST is an open access, peer reviewed international journal. - MP
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Cassava, drought, Yield loss, Cassava brown and mosaic disease, Mtwara and Lindi
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QR Microbiology > QR355 Virology S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Centre for Sustainable Agriculture 4 One Health Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Centre for Sustainable Agriculture 4 One Health > Plant Disease & Vectors
Related URLs:	Publisher
Last Modified:	08 Apr 2025 11:04
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/50180

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