Train-the-Trainer Program to Enhance Production Capacity of Cassava (TTC)
Project rationale
Cassava is an economically important crop for the countries in the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation region. Considerable trade in cassava and cassava products occurs between these countries. As it is usually grown on a small scale, many farming family’s livelihood depending upon this crop. The value of cassava exports for both Vietnam and Thailand in 2017 were roughly US$1 billion each.
An analysis found that several gaps still exist in the cassava value chain in the region as follows:
- Lack of knowledge of new cultivation methods
- Little investment in product-specific cassava cultivation and value-added product research
- Lack of knowledge of modern innovation/technical improvments
- Other issues such as unfavourable cultivation conditions (unpredictable weather and outbreak of pests and diseases)
To address these issues, this project aims to provide actors at all levels of the cassava supply chain with enhanced skills through practical hands-on training. Thailand has a proven track record in cassava-related technology development as well as proven capability for transferring this technology to neighboring countries. Over the last decade, BIOTEC has developed the basic research and technology for distribution via training course. Research has also focused on improving the cassava yield and the introduction of a wider range of applications for starch, resulting in enhanced value addition to the raw material.
Existing gaps in cassava value chain in Mekong region
Objectives
To train the trainers via knowledge and technology transfer from Thailand to neighboring countries (China, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam) in all steps of cassava value chain, including cultivation, processing and waste treatment
Outcomes
- Enhancing industry network to lend sustainable support of cassava technology hub to the region
- Strengthening the capacity of cassava value chain actors to increase production and reduce loss
Outputs
- Information hub established for supporting technology transfer
- Manuals and tool kits
- 120 trainers from CLVT countries and China (30 per batch from cassava cultivation, cassava products, biogas, and bioethanol)
- Project lesson learnt
Funding
462,700 USD – Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund (LMC)
Duration
3 years (8 December 2020 – 7 December 2023)
Number of participants
120 participants from 5 countries (China, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam and Thailand)
Project management
Training modules
- Training Module 1 – Cassava cultivation and disease control
- Training Module 2 – Cassava starch effective production processes and management
- Training Module 3 – Waste management and utilization (biogas)
- Training Module 4 – Cassava bioethanol production with enhanced technology
