Roots and Tubers Division
Our Vision
To become a Centre of Excellence for innovative and quality agricultural research on roots and tubers for development. We aim at developing and disseminating end-user preferred technologies for higher and sustainable production.
Regional Center of Excellence
The division hosts the CORAF’s Roots and Tubers Regional Center of Excellence at the Institute.
Commodity Focus
Roots and tubers are exceptionally important crops for food security and income generation.
Cassava
Cocoyam
Taro
Sweetpotato
Yam
Research Outputs & Impact
The division has released 50 improved crop varieties as at November 2018, highly preferred by end-users and tolerant to major biotic and abiotic stresses.
18
Cassava Varieties
18
Sweetpotato Varieties
7
Yam Varieties
4
Taro Varieties
3
Cocoyam Varieties
* Varied domestic uses and industrial applications.
Publications
Numerous refereed journal articles in reputable journals and technical reports to development partners and agencies.
Technology Delivery
Effective communication of research results and delivery of appropriate technologies to clients globally.
Areas of Specialization
Our division focuses on the holistic improvement and dissemination of technologies for sustainable agricultural development.
Comprising scientists, technologists, and technical staff supporting our 4 Major Units.
Development, release and dissemination of high yielding end-user preferred roots and tuber crop varieties tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Production of quality-declared planting materials.
Capacity development of stakeholders or actors along roots and tubers value chain.
Enhanced balance between gender in R & T research, technology development, and dissemination.
Effective monitoring and evaluation system in R & T research and delivery.
Effective communication of research results and delivery of technologies to clients.
Project proposal development and submission for research fund.
Development of strategic partnership with corporate and research agencies.
Technical Units & Programmes
The R & T Division is organized into four specialized technical units, each dedicated to a specific commodity improvement.
Cassava Improvement Programme
Cocoyam Improvement Programme
(Colocasia esculenta and Xanthosoma sagittifolium)