§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of indigenous staple crops in Southern Africa; and what programmes there are for the re-introduction of such crops. [103082]
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§ Clare ShortMy Department has provided £12.5 million for research into indigenous staples (sorghum and millet) in Southern African countries over the last 10 years. We have supported the inclusion of sorghum and millet in seed packs distributed during the humanitarian crisis.
While sorghum and millet are more drought resistant than maize there is a problem of sustainability due to a general preference for maize. This affects the marketability of sorghum and millet and the extent to which they can become a part of a country's longer-term food strategy. We are following closely a joint CARE/FAO study in Zambia, which is assessing future market opportunities for sorghum and millet.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the development of root and tuber assessments in Southern Africa on(a) a national scale and (b) a regional scale; and if she will make a statement. [103083]
§ Clare ShortMy Department has provided £2.8 million for research into roots and tubers in Southern Africa countries in the last 10 years. We have not supported an assessment at the regional scale.
The potential of roots and tubers to produce in poor soils is well recognised. As part of our response to the humanitarian situation in Southern Africa, my Department is supporting a number of food recovery programmes, some of which include cassava and sweet potato multiplication components that are aimed at increasing their availability in drought prone areas.