Rwandan cassava seed inspection and certification capacity boosted by lamp technology donation

In a significant stride towards bolstering Rwanda’s cassava farming sector, IITA–CGIAR handed over two LAMP technology devices to the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) on 4 October. RICA’s receipt and use of these innovative devices represent improved capacity for cassava disease diagnostics as a crucial step in inspecting and certifying early-generation seed in Rwanda. Quality early-generation seed is a critical driver of the entire seed value chain in delivering clean seed to the farmers.

Cassava, a staple crop in Rwanda, has been increasingly affected by various diseases, posing a significant threat to food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The importance of cassava in Rwanda’s agricultural landscape cannot be overlooked. It contributes to the nation’s food supply and is vital to its economy, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, addressing the diseases affecting cassava is pivotal to ensuring good yields, a stable market, and the overall well-being of communities.

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