Knowledge on cassava disease management: The case of cassava brown streak disease awareness in Northern Uganda

The cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) has spread rapidly in Northern Uganda since its emergence in Uganda in 2005. Field surveys conducted in 2010 and 2011 by Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Ngetta ZARDI) revealed high CBSD prevalence in the zone. CBSD epidemic has severely affected livelihood of smallholder farmers in the region. Lack of knowledge on disease recognition and management contributed significantly to rapid spread of CBSD in the zone. Addressing this aspect to increase and improve the knowledge base of cassava farmers was an important component in integrated disease management. Ngetta ZARDI through the Agricultural Technology Agribusiness and Advisory Services (ATAAS) project developed a multi-displinary effort to reduce the spread and impact of CBSD, partly through promotion of adoption of tolerant cassava varieties, and educating and training of smallholder farmers and other stakeholders. Participants were carefully selected from farmer groups, extension and political leadership. Training involved lectures and field visits for practical demonstration of CBSD symptoms. The training increased the number of people with knowledge on CBSD management up to farmer level. Overall, the training program significantly strengthened the human resource base employed against CBSD in the zone. Key words: Cassava brown streak disease, Northern Uganda.