Household Utilization of Manioc (Manihot Esculenta Crantz) in Northern Mozambique

Abstract

Mozambique is ranked ninth of top manioc (Manihot esculenta Crantz) producing countries in the world. Manioc roots are a staple to people living in the northern part of the country. Despite this, information on production, utilization, postharvest handling, and marketing is scarce. The purpose of this baseline study was to document selected information on manioc, from the production to marketing stage. To gather this information, 70 focus groups consisting of 1,724 participants purposely sampled from 10 districts were engaged in discussions using a questionnaire. The results show that manioc is the most important crop in terms of contribution to household food security and income in the region. Both men and women participate in the delivery of manioc production chain. Typically, 5 to 15 varieties identified by local language can be found on most farms in the study area. Manioc leaves and roots are the parts of the plant used as human food. Sun dried manioc roots are principally marketed within the locality of production by individual farmers. This baseline study suggests the need for location-targeted interventions as the farmers reported varied challenges along the manioc production chain.

Keywords:

• manioc leaves
• manioc utilization
• manioc root
• Manihot esculenta Crantz
• northern Mozambique

Notes

Logistical support offered by the Ministry of Agriculture-Mozambique through the Directors of Agriculture in the districts where the study was done is greatly appreciated.