Have You Read the Nation Today? The Future of Food Security Lies in Cassava!"

If you haven’t grabbed a copy of the Nation newspaper today, you’re missing out on a crucial conversation about food security in Kenya! The Nation Newspaper has been a staunch advocate of cassava, a crop that has quickly become the champion of arid and semi-arid regions (ASALs) like Laikipia County. As our climate continues to shift, and with droughts becoming more frequent, the Nation is right on target by spotlighting cassava—a crop that holds the potential to revolutionize food security in Kenya and beyond.

Cassava: The Underrated Super Crop

Cassava is not just another crop; it’s a game-changer. Known for its resilience to drought and ability to thrive in poor soils, cassava is perfectly suited to ASAL regions where other crops often fail. But it doesn’t stop at providing food—cassava is a lifeline for many communities. It offers a solution to hunger, creates employment, and even boosts local economies through value addition.

Why Cassava is Crucial for Food Security

Cassava’s role in food security cannot be overstated. As a staple food in many Kenyan households, cassava is a carbohydrate source, ensuring families have access to nutritious meals even in the driest of seasons. Its drought-resistant nature allows it to be grown where other crops cannot, making it a key player in combating hunger in ASALs.

Counties like Migori, Kilifi, and Kitui already embrace cassava, and it’s time for others to follow suit. These regions have recognized that cassava can be the backbone of food security, especially in unpredictable weather patterns.

Cassava: More Than Just a Food Crop

What makes cassava even more impressive is its potential for value addition, which creates employment and economic opportunities. The cassava value chain—from farming to processing and marketing—opens doors for countless people to earn a living. Here are some of the ways cassava is transforming lives:

• Cassava Flour: A gluten-free alternative to wheat flour used for baking and cooking.
• Animal Feed: Cassava peels and waste can be processed into nutritious feed for livestock, creating a secondary income stream for farmers.
• Biofuels: Cassava produces bioethanol, offering a renewable energy source for communities.
• Starch Production: Cassava starch is a key ingredient in the textile, paper, and food industries.
• Cassava Chips and Snacks: An emerging market for cassava-based snacks creates new business opportunities for rural communities.

These innovations in cassava processing are opening up avenues for job creation, especially in rural areas. Small-scale farmers can now explore new markets and diversify their income, helping to reduce poverty in vulnerable regions.

Who’s Supporting Cassava in Africa?

Kenya isn’t alone in the cassava revolution. Across Africa, several organizations are working tirelessly to promote cassava farming:

• Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO): This organization provides research and support to farmers to boost cassava yields.
• The African Cassava Agronomy Initiative (ACAI): Works across Africa to improve cassava farming techniques and increase productivity.
• International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA): Supports cassava research and development, particularly disease-resistant varieties.
• Technoserve Kenya: Links cassava farmers to markets, ensuring they get the best product price.

These efforts, combined with the advocacy from outlets like the Nation, ensure cassava becomes a cornerstone of Kenya’s food security strategy.

A Call to Action: Embrace Cassava!

As we continue to face the challenges of climate change, it’s clear that we need to rethink how we approach food security. Cassava offers a solution that is not only sustainable but also profitable. Farmers, policy-makers, and consumers must embrace this super crop and unlock its potential.

Let’s join hands with counties like Laikipia, Migori, Kitui, and organizations like KALRO and ACAI to make cassava the future crop. Whether you’re a farmer looking for a climate-resilient crop or a consumer interested in supporting local agriculture, cassava is the answer. So, have you read the Nation today? If not, it’s time to start paying attention—because cassava is Kenya's future food security!