Contribution of SARRNET to food security in the SADC region

The Southern Africa Root Crops Research Netwrok (SARRNET), in collaboration with national research programmes in Southern Africa Development Community (SADC ) have made considerable impact in the SADC region in terms of promoting cassava (Manihot esculenta) and sweetpotato (Ipomea batatus) production and commercialization. Area under cassava and sweetpotato production has increased tremendously in some SADC countries since mid 1990s. This is attributable to research work on germplasm development where about 51 improved cassava and sweetpotato varieties have been released and made available to farmers through the accelerated plant material multiplication and distribution programmes that took place in at least 10 of the 14 SADC countries. SARRNET has also made great impacts in skill development and knowledge in root crops research for development in the SADC region through funding post graduate/graduate studies, short-term training courses, workshops and symposia. In its second phase which started in 1999, SARRNET shifted its strategy with more emphasis on market oriented research for development by promoting cassava and sweetpotato commercialization in the region. This has made these crops to play a significant role in the economic growth of the SADC countries. This paper presents the contribution of SARRNET on cassava and sweetpotato germplasm development, seed multiplication and distribution, cassava commercialisation, post harvest technologies, training, information and technology exchange.