Farmer uptake of cassava-whitefly management technologies and implications for future breeding and promotional efforts

Cassava stands as Uganda's second most vital staple food after bananas, playing a crucial economic role for smallholder farmers. However, whiteflies significantly reduce cassava yields, jeopardizing farmers' incomes and food security . Aside from direct damage, the cassava whitefly transmits cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) and cassava mosaic disease (CMD), leading to potential yield losses ranging from 70 % to 100 %. The control of whiteflies in cassava cultivation is complicated by the prevalence of varieties susceptible to these pests and the farmers' limited knowledge of effective insecticide use. A study employing both quantitative and qualitative survey methods was conducted to assess smallholder farmers' awareness and adoption of the whitefly-tolerant cassava variety, Mkumba, and the systemic insecticide imidacloprid . Findings reveal that 35.2 % of farmers grew Mkumba, while 31.9 % utilized chemical control. Furthermore, 34.7 % identified whiteflies on cassava, with 45.4 % associating sooty moulds on leaves with whitefly feeding. Awareness of these control technologies was evident among farmers. However, factors such as the farmer's age and sex influenced the adoption of Mkumba, with barriers including the limited availability and high costs of insecticides and certain undesirable traits of Mkumba hindering broader uptake. Addressing these challenges may enhance the adoption and demand for these technologies in cassava farming. • Cassava, Uganda's second most staple food , is severely affected by whiteflies, leading to significant yield losses. • Whiteflies spread cassava brown streak disease and cassava mosaic disease, risking 70% to 100% yield loss. • Controlling whiteflies is complicated due to prevalence of susceptible varieties and limited knowledge of insecticide use. • A study in Uganda examined farmers' awareness and adoption of Mkumba and systemic insecticide. • Barriers to adoption include Mkumba's undesirable traits, limited availability and high insecticide costs.