Banana cultivation in Africa

Description

Banana is important as a food, cash and climate-resilient crop in Africa. However, its productivity has declined tremendously to less than 10 t/ha compared with a potential 60–100 t/ha and plantation longevity has also severely reduced. This chapter examines the composition and distribution of banana cultivars, assesses banana production systems and focuses particularly on banana production in Uganda. The chapter addresses the challenges of banana production, including nutrient deficiencies, moisture stress and pests and diseases that affect them. It examines the ways in which banana varieties might be improved for management of pests and diseases and shows how marketing acts as a constraint to banana production in Uganda. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Cultivar composition and distribution 3 Production systems 4 Banana production in Uganda 5 Nutrient deficiencies 6 Moisture stress 7 Pests and diseases affecting bananas 8 Improving banana varieties for management of pests and diseases 9 Marketing as a constraint to banana production in Uganda 10 Future trends and conclusion 11 Where to look for further information 12 References