BUGESERA – Local leaders in Bugesera district have unanimously agreed to promote cassava growing in the next season as a means of ensuring food security.

The leaders say cassava is the only crop that can resist harsh weather conditions experienced by the district.

At a meeting of local leaders on Wednesday, the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Affairs, Julius Rukundo said there is need to shift from the traditional crops such as beans and maize.

"People are planting beans and some other crops, which we cannot rely on for long. We need to have enough hectares of cassava planted in our district,” Rukundo said.

The leaders agreed to embark on massive sensitisation of residents to grow cassava. It was suggested that the cassava would be grown on over 20 hectares of land in every sector within the district.

According to the leaders, cassava flour can be stored and used during times of scarcity, a view shared by many area residents.

Julienne Musaniwabo, a resident of Nyamata, said ever since she shifted to cassava growing, she has had enough food.

"I used to grow maize, but it was difficult and I could lose my crop whenever the rain was limited. But, since I turned to cassava I don’t worry about the drought,” she said.

"Cassava is easier to grow. Other than weeding – there are no other inputs needed.”

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