Muhogo Bora means “Better cassava” in Swahili

We provide support to develop and expand cassava seed systems in Tanzania with targeted outreach to the Western Zone, Central and Southern Highlands regions.

Women, youth and rural farmers have increased participation in and knowledge of cassava markets

More women, youth and rural farmers from geographically-underserved regions participate and benefit as cassava seed entrepreneurs (CSEs)

Best agronomic practices and digital knowledge assets reach more women, youth and rural farmers to increase efficiency in seed multiplication and root production

Our reach

12

districts

120

communities

200

seed entrepreneurs over three years

Why focus on women farmers?

  • There are weak linkages within the cassava value chain, which is highly gendered
  • Women were mainly involved in cassava harvesting, processing, and farm gate sales
  • Men played a prominent role in the control of resources, marketing, and income
  • Women were not well integrated in high-value urban and cross-border marketing nodes
  • Policy could target female resource ownership and high-value node participation
Women sit next to piles of cassava

Latest news

Group draws on poster during a workshop

News

“We call for recognition of gender-based violence in agrifood systems”
Many obstacles prevent women from participating as seed entrepreneurs in the commercialized formal seed system delivery models, despite the fact that they are essential to informal seed exchanges, crop diversity maintenance, production...
  • Department of Global Development
  • Global Development
Group poses at workshop

News

The Muhogo Bora is a three-year project executed by Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences , and implemented by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)...
  • Department of Global Development
  • Global Development
Woman stands in field

News

The United Nations General Assembly declared every October 15, as the International Day of Rural Women. This day is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of millions of women living in remote, rural places towards rural...
  • Department of Global Development
  • Agriculture
  • Global Development
A hand touches cassava stacked in basket

News

An anonymous gift of $2.65 million to support Cornell and partner research in Tanzania will improve distribution of new and more resistant varieties of cassava while empowering women and marginalized groups in the East African nation . Cassava...
  • Department of Global Development
  • School of Integrative Plant Science
  • Plant Breeding and Genetics Section