Four ambitions to support the roots and tubers sector between now and 2033

Cassava, sweet potato, yam, taro, and so on... tropical roots and tubers play a major role in food security for people in tropical areas such as Africa, Asia-Oceania and Latin America.

In a context of rapid population growth and increasing dependence on imported cereals, CIRAD is keen to use its expertise to support the development of these crops and their markets.

Its ten-year roadmap sets out four priority lines of research:

1. Foster root and tuber varietal diversity
2. Make roots and tubers more productive, through agroecology
3. Contribute to root and tuber market development
4. Build skills and back support policies.

These ambitions for a sustainable roots and tubers sector have been shared with CIRAD's partners at various events, including the RTB Breeding project launch. Partners are encouraged to find out more by contacting roots@cirad.fr.

There are 37 researchers at CIRAD working on the roots and tubers value chain, in four research units covering five disciplines, from genetics to science of processes.

CIRAD's roots and tubers experience has already been put to good use within the framework of major projects such as RTBfoods, working in five African countries (Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Uganda), thanks to support from the Gates Foundation; and, more recently, the RTB Breeding project launched recently, which follows on from RTBfoods.

Read the roadmap summary

RTBfoods project website