Technology transfer in cassava cultivation – the case of Reniva Project

Abstract

This case study, of applied nature with a qualitative-descriptive approach, aims to show the importance of technology transfer (TT) projects in agriculture, especially the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation’s (EMPRAPA) project called Reniva – a network for the multiplication and transfer of propagating materials of genetic and phytosanitary quality. Cassava is a carbohydrate-rich tuber of great economic and social importance in our country and around the world. Its productive chain is one of the most important in family farming, employs more than 1 million people, and moves around R$ 10 billion a year in Brazil. However, it suffers many losses due to pests and low productivity. The Reniva Project contributes to the development and improvement of cassava cultivation through genetic improvement, selection of more productive and resistant varieties, technology transfer between Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) entities and farmers, process innovation, and know-how transfer to use these new technologies, resulting in more qualified manpower, adoption of new practices, availability of genetically resistant seedlings, “maniva-seed”, with higher productivity and adapted to different locations. Much is being done, but it’s necessary to verify the results and ensure the continuity of the project after the first cycle.

Keywords
Family farming; biofactory; productive chain; Manihot esculenta Crantz