Across East Africa, researchers have come together to deliver an African-led solution to a deeply local problem – cassava brown streak disease (CBSD). The result is KingaKUU, cassava developed to withstand CBSD, a devastating disease that can result in up to 100% loss of usable roots in severe cases.
Development of KingaKUU was made possible through the coordinated efforts of a regional, multidisciplinary team from East Africa, led by researchers in national agricultural research organizations, with support from scientists at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. This partnership underscores KingaKUU’s foundation in rigorous science, developed for African farmers, by African institutions.
KingaKUU has been produced to protect cassava against CBSD and CMD, boost yields, and empower smallholder farmers. By aligning with national priorities for food security and economic growth, this pioneering variety is expected to shape a sustainable future for cassava cultivation in East Africa.
One of VIRCA project’s groundbreaking achievements is the development of CBSD-resistant cassava, also known as KingaKUU, which has been rigorously evaluated over more than six years in field trials across Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. KingaKUU serves as the foundation for introducing CBSD resistance into farmer-preferred cassava varieties through breeding. The varieties will be easily accessible through an efficient cassava seed production and distribution system, anchored by Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs, community-based producers of certified cassava seed.
KingaKUU has been evaluated and received approvals in Kenya by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). National Performance Trials (NPTs) have been completed, a routine requirement for all new crop varieties and an essential step in demonstrating value for cultivation and use prior to registration and release to farmers.
The National Performance Trial Committee has recommended KingaKUU for registration and release, pending commercial approvals from NEMA and the NBA.
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