Staple Crops Programme Strategy

The Staple Crops Programme is responsible for agricultural research for development on the following 9 commodities: banana, cassava, potato, sweet potato, maize, sorghum, millet, rice and wheat. These staple crops contribute to the socio-economic well-being of the people in the ECA region in several ways. The crops provide raw materials for the local industries (agro-processing); help alleviate poverty; contribute to improved nutrition; contribute to natural resource management; and provide employment. There is also some cross-border trade and to a limited extent, export of the commodities to markets outside the ECA region. Most of the staple crops rank high in food security and/or income generation - See more at: http://www.asareca.org/taxonomy/term/9#sthash.xaMbt4rb.dpuf