Introduction

This document presents an implementation plan of the Global Cassava Development Strategy (GCDS) that was officially endorsed at the Validation Forum held in Rome from 26 to 28 April 2000. It outlines the principal areas for action that have been identified as necessary to facilitate the implementation of the strategy and lists a number of activities to be performed at the global, regional and national levels.

The Implementation Plan draws on the principles outlined in the strategy document and takes into consideration the priorities established by representatives of the public and private sectors during the various consultation meetings held in Africa, Asia and, Latin America and the Caribbean. The Plan also reflects the discussions and conclusions reached by the participants in the GCDS Validation Forum.

It was agreed at the Forum that FAO, in its condition as an international organisation supported by a large number of member Governments, has a key facilitation role to play in the implementation of the Strategy. In the first place, FAO will publish the report of the Validation Forum using funds made available by IFAD. FAO will also be responsible for the maintenance, updating and enhancement of the GCDS Web Site, which is already accessible through the FAO’s Web Page. It was acknowledged, however, that commitments were also required from other organisations to assist in promoting and co-ordinating the implementation of the Strategy. Professional mind mapping template

Implementation areas

The GCDS should be seen as an approach to development rather than as a project in its own right. It is expected to influence the formulation, analysis, funding and implementation of policies, research programmes and projects aimed at developing the cassava sector, with the ultimate goal of promoting agricultural development for the benefit of the poor. Thus, the Implementation Plan provides a basic mechanism to facilitate the design of cassava development activities, spanning around three main areas, namely: (i) co-ordination; (ii) information and promotion; and (iii) linkages and integration.

(i) Co-ordination

Since the GCDS will be implemented at the global, regional and national levels, depending on the nature of the activities, co-ordination will be essential to ensure that the benefits of the strategy can be shared widely. Co-ordination, especially in relation to research activities and projects, should help reduce duplication, allow the results of previous experiences to be taken into consideration in the launching of new initiatives and promote co-operative research and development activities at all levels. Co-ordination will basically involve the following:

• making available all documentation related to the GDCS;

• a careful monitoring of cassava research and development efforts;

• co-ordination of efforts of regional networks to optimise cross-fertilisation and economics of scale;

• provision of advice for the implementation of the GDCS at the national and regional levels;

• Respond to outside demands for information on cassava.

A Co-ordination Group formed by representatives of the organisations that played an active role in the development and endorsement of the Strategy will facilitate the co-ordination of the Strategy. Members of the Co-ordination Group are:

• Marcio C. M. Porto, FAO – Chair

• NeBambi Lutaladio, FAO – Secretary

• Mpoko Bokanga, IITA

• Concepción Calpe, FAO

• Hernán Ceballos, CIAT

• Guy Henry, CIRAD

• Truman Phillips, dTp Studies

• Andrew Westby, NRI

• Douglas Wholey, IFAD

Other members may be co-opted, if required.

It is envisaged that the above Co-ordination Group will hold regular electronic meetings, with the objective of reviewing the progress made in the implementation of the GCDS and of identifying priorities and new opportunities for the development of cassava sector.

(ii) Information management and promotion of the strategy

Provision of information was identified as one of the most immediate potential contributions to the Strategy. Cassava-related information exists around the world, in ministries, research centres, universities, etc., which could be gathered and made widely available. It was agreed that FAO will act as the focal point for the supply of information on cassava and will administer the information from its headquarters in Rome and disseminate it through the Cassava Strategy Web Site (www.globalcassavastrategy.net). The site will be linked to other sites of possible interest to the cassava sector. Contributions are expected from all stakeholders in providing information and identifying useful links.

At the early stages of the development of the information network, the GCDS Web Site should give access to:

• A directory of cassava-related institutions and individuals;

• FAO basic statistics on cassava, through a link to FAOSTAT;

• External data bases on cassava, including on production and processing technologies currently available or under development, through links to relevant web-sites;

• Cassava-related projects (active and completed) and information concerning new cassava project proposals in the pipeline;

Market information and links to commercial organisations (news service). It is expected that the existing regional cassava networks will create their own regional web-sites and will make information available on regional cassava developments and issues. These sites will be linked to the FAO global cassava web-site.

(iii) Linkages and Integration

One basic feature of the GCDS is its integrated approach to development, involving producers, processors, traders and consumers. Integration among stakeholders also needs to be established and maintained as part of the implementation of the GCDS. This will be done at regional and global levels taking into consideration the existence of regional networks in Africa (for West/Central, Eastern and Southern Africa), in Asia and, in Latin America and the Caribbean. Support from the International Society for Tropical Root Crops (ISTRC), the existing regional networks and key national cassava programmes will be needed for the creation of Web Sites and dissemination/maintenance of information to be linked to the central GCDS Web Site. Major linkages expected are:

• At the regional networks level;

• Between major research and development suppliers;

• With macro stakeholders, especially with the private sector;

• With information sources, including market information

Implementation Activities

The undertaking of activities in the three areas identified above will need commitments from a range of institutions and groups of stakeholders. The presence of Catalysts and Champions to help and promote the implementation of activities related to Co-ordination, Information and Linkages/Integration is crucial for the successful implementation of the Strategy.

(i) Actions required at the global level

Finding champions:

• Formulation and implementation of strategies for the generation and transfer of production and processing technologies, taking into account the major constraints for cassava production, processing and commercialisation at the regional level and existing and potential opportunities;

• Increase the awareness of the international development agencies such as the World Bank, African, Asian and Latin American Development banks to the GCDS, and encourage them to support cassava development efforts;

• Effective use of continental differences in cassava development approaches and advances to help move the less developed continents more rapidly through exchange of visits and training;

• Monitoring of global markets and policy developments that might have serious implications, either positive or negative, for the cassava economies.

(ii) Actions required at the regional level

The following steps are recommended for the implementation of the GCDS at regional level:

• Finding regional champions (will these differ from the continental champions);

• Industry analysis at regional level indicating current status, strengths, weaknesses and issues for attention and action needed to resolve pressing constraints;

• Dissemination of relevant materials and information through workshops, exchange visits, bulletins, Internet;

• Development/strengthening/promotion of regional markets through the relevant organisations such as fora for research and development, finance, economic development, and agricultural development.

(iii) Actions required at the national level

Each country should formulate a medium-term plan based on cassava industry analysis to encompass:

• Finding and obtaining the commitment of national champions;

• Identifying priority market and product opportunities;

• Developing a strong research and development effort that includes financing and addresses the constraints faced by the cassava industry in the country;

• Establishing strong links with regional and global partners;

• Defining potential scope for assistance and collaboration

• Identifying what is needed to Build and strengthen existing domestic markets as a basis for industrial or export growth;

• Identifying what is needed to build a sustained dynamic domestic cassava industry that is linked to cash/grain crops in order to reduce export risks.

Each country should then implement the plan.

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