Compliance with Good Agricultural Practices in cassava seed production at Quality Declared Seed level in Tanzania

Abstract

Field-based production of Quality Declared Seed (QDS), depends on the quality of the seed source and compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). However, since QDS for cassava was launched in Tanzania in 2012, compliance levels with GAPs, which are crucial pillars for production of quality seed, remain largely unknown. This study assessed compliance level with Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) among cassava seed entrepreneurs (CSEs) producing Quality Declared Seed (QDS), focusing on ratooning practices, isolation distance, certification validity, and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) recognition. Data were collected through questionnaires, by interviewing 63 QDS producers, as well as through visual observations, and field measurements. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The overall average level of compliance across the four selected GAPs was 62.5%. Ratooning practices showed 74.6% compliance, isolation distance 77.8%, certification validity 78.6%, but CBSD recognition only 19%, with no significant association of GAP compliance with age, gender, or education level. The findings indicate that the majority of QDS producers adhere to key recommended GAPs, demonstrating a solid understanding of seed production guidelines. However, poor recognition of CBSD symptoms highlights a substantial gap that requires intervention to improve disease management within seed fields. Although this study was conducted in Tanzania, its findings offer valuable insights for improving cassava seed systems in other countries striving to modernize cassava productivity through the use of certified quality seed.