<p></p><p>Cassava production in the south eastern regions of the country is not only on the increase, but is threatening to kill cashewnut production in the near future after farmers adopted a new more economic species known as ‘Kiroba’. Speaking during a tour organised by Care International, Tanzania, cassava farmers at Kilimahewa village in Lindi Rural said they would increase ‘Kiroba’ production after being sensitised by some agricultural stakeholders.</p> <p>“We thank Care Intenrational, Tanzania for supporting us with the new cassava seed known as ‘Kiroba’ which has high yields as compared to other species,” said Said Mnembela, a farmer in the village. He said many farmers in the village and nearby areas plant the seed described as good for increase income raising and for livelihood. He said, prior to the introduction of the new seed, he used to earn over 50,000/- for one acre of cassava, but now he rakes in 150,000/- for the same quantity. </p><p>Another farmer, Zainab Mwaya, said the cassava species has changed lives of many farmers in the area and the entire southern regions. “We all now understand that the crop can be processed and used in baking cakes, bread and the like, she said. She said more farmers have opted to cultivate cassava rather than cashew nut because the crop involves less costs. Cashewnut farming is too costly as compared to cassava, that is why most of us engage in the crop, she added. </p><p>For her part, the Programme Coordinator for Pathways and WE-RISE of CARE International in the Southern regions, Maureen Kwilasa, urged farmers to distribute the new seed to farmers in other areas. She said through the programmes, the firm facilitates the provision of skills to farmers on the use of improved seed varieties of sesame and cassava as well as technology behind modern agronomic practices that result in higher crop yields. </p><p>According to her, the move is aimed at ensuring the beneficiaries have food security - while being sensitive and conscious to climate change and environment preservation. “There is high demand for the seed in the area where we are working, therefore we urge you to distribute it to the farmers in other villages,” she said. However, she urged farmers to use the money accrued from sales for household development. “We also advocate for women to have similar voice in decision making of land use so that they uplift themselves economically,” she said. </p><p>In Tanzania, according to focus groups, men control cash crops, sale of food crops, and livestock. Women typically only control land if they are widowed; otherwise, they have a right to use their husband’s land only when he permits it. </p><p> </p><br><p></p>