The impact of cassava growing in Luapula valley, a historical study, 1900-1980
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Date
2016
Authors
Chama, Kaluba Jickson
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
This study focuses on the impact of cassava on the diet, food security and economy in the
Luapula Valley. It reveals that the colonial government did not hinder the cultivation of cassava
in the Luapula Valley. The study shows that from 1964 to 1980, cassava cultivation in the valley
received no government support. However, the people of the Luapula Valley from 1900 to 1980
depend on the cultivation of cassava as a source of food and income. Cassava was a crucial crop
in food sustenance of communities in areas prone to droughts and those in high rainfall zones.
Most studies done on Luapula have ignored the important role that cassava played in
ensuring food security and its contribution to the economy of the valley. Studies on the area have
concentrated on the fishing industry. However, this study underscores the significant role that
cassava played in ensuring food security and income generation among the people of Luapula
Valley.
This study shows that from 1900 to 1980, cassava ensured food security especially during
catastrophes such as droughts of 1980 and locust invasions of 1931 to 1935. From as early as
1906, cassava was vital in the local and export trade to the Congo mines and Copperbelt. Trade
in cassava enabled the people of theLupula Valley to access cash and other items of value. The
study has also demonstrated that there was employment for traders who bought and transported
cassava meal on behalf of recruiting companies in the valley. During the Second World War,
cassava was a key source of food for the mine workers on the Copperbelt.During the period 1964
to 1980, the post-colonial government discouraged the cultivation of cassava in favour of maize.
However, the crop continued to be vital in the valley. In the 1980s the government began to
recognise cassava as a reliable famine relief crop. The study concludes that cassava played a
significant role in ensuring food security and as a source of income for the people of the valley.
Description
Master of Arts in History
Keywords
Cassava.--Economic aspects--Zambia--Northern Province