delete

As cassava is a basic food crop in Africa, one would expect it to have received considerable research attention. In fact, research on cassava is relatively neglected compared to other crops. In view of this, the EEC has recently taken an initiative to improve the coordination of cassava research, in both Europe and Africa, by reducing overlap and making better use of existing resources. Such coordination could be achieved through an exchange network facilitating more scientific cooperation By improving communication between EEC and ACP researchers such a network could increase the exchange of scientific information and could help to identify research priorities. It could also facilitate discussions on research and development strategies designed to increase efficient cassava production so has to enhance the food security of those people who depend on this crop. Last year ORSTOM, the French development research agency, organized a seminar on the agronomic and biological aspects of cassava research. The socio-economic aspects of production and the technical aspects of processing are to be discussed at a subsequent seminar The first seminar, held in Brussels on May 14 and 15 1986, brought together 27 representatives of seven EEC countries, nine African countries and four international organizations. The proceedings, produced as part of the 'Science and Technology for Development' programme of the EEC's DG Xll, have just been published by ORSTOM. They include all of the presentations by the participants which provide an update on cassava research in the following countries: West Germany, United Kingdom, Denmark, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Senegal Togo, Nigeria, Cote d'lvoire, Congo, Uganda, Cameroon Burundi and Gabon; and in four research centres: ORSTOM, CIAT, ISTRC and IITA. In addition to laying the groundwork for the future 'cassava network', this seminar helped to identify the main themes that could contribute to better research coordination in this field. For further information, see Compte rendu du seminaire 'La recherche sur le manioc en Afrique' ORSTOM 213, rue La Fayette 75480 Paris Cedex 10, France[seminar proceedings] Compte rendu du seminaire 'La recherche sur le manioc en Afrique' ORSTOM 213, rue La Fayette 75480 Paris Cedex 10, Franc