Sustainable Cassava: A Case Study of Global Sustainability

Cassava (Manihot esculenta), a staple crop is very vital in ensuring food security in tropical countries. Cassava cultivation has its own agricultural and environmental impacts like destruction of habitat and degradation of soil if its cultivation, production, and recovery are not managed well. Therefore, agricultural and environmental implications may arise and need to be taken care of before recommending cassava farming as the “best agricultural practice”. What is proposed is systematic and scientific research on practices employed in cassava cultivation and its impact on recovery efficiency, quality, profitability, conservation of natural resources, sustenance of natural habitats and biodiversity, bio-systems, and ecosystems, apart from other agricultural and environmental fallouts. This study will help map and further our knowledge about the multi-functionality and sustainability of cassava farming practices. This chapter discusses the good farming practices that are responsible for producing cassava with better yield as well as the impact of cassava farming on agriculture and the environment at large. The discussion will also shed light on the factors influencing production efficiency and the reasons for production inefficiency. It will also dwell upon some policy recommendations to improve cassava cultivation, production, and recovery scenarios.