In South-east Asia, many of the poorest farmers live in areas with limited
potential for crop production. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an
important crop on these soils, because it is easy to grow, requires few
external inputs and its roots and leaves can be used as human or animal
feed. Cassava is also planted as an industrial crop for the production of
animal feed and starch where market conditions are developed. The wide
variety of end uses makes it a popular crop and an effective vehicle for
improving the livelihood of poor upland farmers
