Browsing by Author "Andama, Morgan"
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Item Causes of losses and the economic loss estimates at post-harvest handling points along the beef value chain in Uganda(Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 2019) Kyayesimira, Juliet; Wangalwa, Rapheal; Kagoro Rugunda, Grace; Lejju, Julius Bunny; Matofari, Joseph W.; Andama, MorganUganda’s beef industry has been growing slowly and requires sustained monitoring of actors at post-harvest handling points in order to decrease public health risks and losses. This study documented causes of losses and estimated economic values at post-harvest handling points along the beef value chain. It was carried out at slaughter houses, transporters and butcher shops in the districts of Western, Central and Eastern Uganda. A cross sectional study was conducted among meat handlers who were interviewed to find out the losses incurred in the value chain. Microbial load from carcass swabs were collected and evaluated using standard microbiological methods to determine microbial contamination of beef. The causes of losses varied at different handling points. The actors at slaughter houses indicated the major losses were due to low beef demand (15.3%), insecurity (13.4%) and poor weight estimation methods (11.03%). Losses at the butchery included, beef waste (22.4%), drip loss (19.7%) and beef spoilage (18.4%). Microbial analysis showed the highest microbial prevalence at the butchery (70-100%) followed by slaughter (50-80%) and lastly transport (30-50%). Microbial contamination on carcass leads to spoilage and hence market loss because exportation does not admit contaminated foods. Actors reported beef waste and drip loss as the major causes of losses at the butchery. To reduce losses, public health care education for meat handlers and adherence to strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) are a key.Item Compliance to River bank Regulation Guidelines and its Impact on the Quality of River Enyau in Arua Municipality, Uganda(International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch, 2019) Oloya, Geofrey; Andama, MorganThis study documented the human activities carried out in the protected zones of river Enyau (within 30 m of river’s bank) and their influence on the quality of the river. Human activities in the protected bank of river Enyau and the quality of the river were ascertained during a field survey in March-May, 2019.The diversity of macrozoobenthic invertebrates per site and water pollution levels were determined using Shannon-Weiner (Hʹ) and Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) indices respectively. Fourteen different human activities dominated by housing units (27%) were observed in river Enyau protected zones under study in Arua Municipality. Ozu-Ediofe zone corresponding directly to Arua urban center recorded the highest occurrence of the human activities (65.3%) which greatly reduced the macrozoobenthic invertebrate diversity (Hʹ=1.2) and caused pollution of river Enyau (BMWP=26.0) along that zone. The downstream zones, Onduparaka (Hʹ =2.24, BMWP=68.6) and Onduparaka-Ozu (Hʹ=1.57, BMWP=46.9) sites were both moderately polluted. On the other hand, the upstream zones i.e. Ediofe-Pajulu Bridge (Hʹ=2.52, BMWP=132.9) and Ragem Technical Institute (Hʹ=2.48, BMWP=96.2) were unpolluted and slightly polluted respectively. Hence, the implementation of the existing river bank management guidelines should be strengthened in Arua Municipality to ensure good quality of river Enyau and its sustainability.Item Effect of supply chain planning of liquid nitrogen and frozen semen on the quality of animal breeding public services in the selected cattle corridor districts of Uganda(International Journal of Agricultural Policy and Research, 2020) Lagu, Charles; Kugonza, Sylvester; Nagitta, Oluka Pross; Andama, MorganThe study aimed to explain the effect of supply chain planning of liquid nitrogen and frozen semen on the quality of animal breeding public services in the selected cattle corridor districts (Mbarara, Mubende, Luwero and Soroti) of Uganda. The research filled the gap of supply chain planning in ensuring proficient and viable supply of animal breeding inputs from supply chain points of view compared to the traditional core science orientation which tend to focus on the biological processes of reproductive technologies. The study adopted cross-sectional survey design embracing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was captured using structured questionnaires, review of records, focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) for farmers, staff of the National Animal Genetic Resources and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB), artificial insemination (AI) technicians, and Field Extension workers. The study points to gender disparity as a key concern at household levels when it comes to land and animal ownership. The study established that there was positive relationship between planning (χ2=4.270; p=0.039; χ2critical=3.841) and animal breeding services in selected cattle corridor districts of Uganda. The study recommends that genetic centres to put in place systems for coordinated and integrated planning to facilitate outreach for AI services in Uganda.Item Effectiveness of Traditional Processing Techniques in Reducing Cyanide Levels in Selected Cassava Varieties in Zombo District, Uganda(International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology, 2017) Andama, Morgan; Oloya, BensonThe root tubers of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) contain varying amounts of cyanogenic glucosides which liberate toxic hydrogen cyanide with the resultant effect of poisoning especially the highly cyanogenic cultivars. These include some of the local and improved cassava varieties grown in Zombo district, Uganda among others. Therefore, this study explored the effectiveness of some traditional processing techniques used singly and in combination to reduce cyanide levels in highly toxic root tubers of selected local (Nyar-anderiano, Nyar-papoga, Nyar-udota, Nyar-pamitu, Bisimwenge, Nyar-matia) and improved (NASE 3, NASE 9, NASE 14, NASE 19, TME 14 and TME 204) cassava varieties grown in Zombo District, Uganda. The processed and the fresh cassava tubers were analysed for Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) by the standard titration method. The results indicated that heap fermentation followed by sun-drying reduced the cyanide levels in all the selected improved varieties to WHO safe levels for consumption (below 10mg/kg) in the dried chips. Mixed processing methods combining soaking, fermentation and sun-drying reduced the cyanide concentrations in the local varieties (Nyar-udota, Nyaranderiano) and improved variety (NASE 19) to World Health Organisation (WHO) safe levels. None of the processing techniques used singly reduced the HCN levels in the root tubers of the selected cassava varieties to safe levels. Hence mixed strategies combining several traditional cassava processing techniques should be adopted to detoxify the selected cassava varieties of cyanogens. The local cassava varieties (Bisimwenge, Nya-matia, Nya-pamitu, Nya-papoga) would require modifications of the combined traditional processing techniques or other more complex processes to detoxify them of HCN before human consumption.Item Ethno-varieties and distribution of jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) in Uganda: implications for trade, food security and germplasm conservation(East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, 2019) Nakintu, J.; Olet, A. E.; Andama, Morgan; Lejju, B. J.Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. is a fruit tree crop largely grown in tropical regions for its edible fruits. Though listed among underutilized crops, the demand for jackfruit in Uganda has increased. Amidst the increase in demand, the crop faces strong selective pressure and yet there is no documentation of the varieties and distribution of the crop in the country. This study therefore aimed at determining the varieties and distribution of jackfruit in Uganda using folk knowledge to provide a baseline for its production, booming market and conservation. A cross-sectional survey involving 349 participants comprising of 205 jackfruit traders and 144 jackfruit farmers from three political regions and three agro-ecological zones was conducted. Data were collected through face to face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire and direct observations. Classification of jackfruit varieties, geographical location of the source of jackfruits for traders and the time of harvest of the fruit by the farmers were investigated. Occurrence of varieties per household was determined through on-farm visits. Data analysis techniques involved descriptive, chi-square and Cramer’s V measure of association analyses. Traders mainly obtained jackfruit from Central (46.0%) and Eastern (37.6%) political regions, Lake Victoria Crescent and Mbale Farmlands (41.1%) and Southern and Eastern Lake Kyoga Basin (30.0%) agro-ecological zones. Jackfruit varieties were classified basing on fruit texture and pulp colour, revealing four ethno-varieties, soft (Serebera), firm yellow (Kanaanansi), firm red (Namusaayi) and firm white (Namata). Namata and Serebera registered the lowest occurrences in political regions and agro-ecological zones. Farmers harvested jackfruit throughout the year with a peak season in December and January. Folk knowledge provided baseline information for jackfruit variety categorization. Selection pressure exerted on Serebera and Namata demands for germplasm conservation. Since jackfruit thrives in a wide range of climatic conditions, its cultivation should be encouraged to ensure food security and sustain the increasing demand.Item Exploring the genetic diversity of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) grown in Uganda based on SSR markers(Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 2020) Nakintu, Justine; Albrecht, Christian; Muller, Christina M.; Kagoro-Rugunda, Grace; Andama, Morgan; Olet, Eunice A.; Lejju, Julius B.; Gemeinholzer, BirgitArtocarpus heterophyllus Lam. is an economically important tree crop that is widely cultivated inUganda for its fruit. Despite its economic importance, little is known about the genetic diversity of jackfruit in the country. This puts the crop’s genetic resource at risk as farmers selectively grow varieties based on market demand. The study analyzed the genetic diversity of A. heterophyllus trees from 12 districts belonging to three agro-ecological zones and three political regions of Uganda. Ten SSR loci were used to assess the genetic relationship among 200 trees, 197 from Uganda and 3 out-group individuals. All SSR loci were polymorphic with an average of 10.9 alleles per locus. STRUCTURE analysis proposed two genetic clusters: Cluster 1 was composed of samples from Eastern and neighboring Central districts, and Cluster 2 which constituted outgroups and samples from Western and neighboring Central districts. Results of STRUCTURE analysis were confirmed by PCoA. Mbarara District exhibited the highest genetic diversity (He = 0.79, I = 1.71), while Kamuli (He = 0.61, I = 1.08 and Pallisa (He = 0.59, I = 1.12) displayed the lowest genetic diversity despite high abundances of jackfruit trees. Molecular variation was higher within populations than among populations. Moderate and significant genetic differentiation was registered among geographical zones, while varietal differences displayed little insignificant genetic differentiation. Soft and white pulped varieties, considered inferior on the market, harbored private alleles which may be genetically valuable resources. Therefore, sustainable utilization and conservation efforts of the jackfruit genetic resource should consider preserving inferior varieties for future crop improvement.Item Forecasting Inputs Demands on the Quality of Animal Breeding Public Services in Uganda: A Supply Chain Perspective(Journal of Agriculture Food and Development, 2020) Lagu, Charles; Kugonza, Sylvester; Nagitta, Oluka Pross; Andama, MorganThe study focused on supply chain forecasts for inputs on the quality of animal breeding public services in selected cattle corridor districts (Mbarara, Mubende, Luwero and Soroti) of Uganda. The key question was, what effect key breeding inputs (liquid nitrogen and frozen semen) had on quality of animal breeding services. The research adopted cross-sectional survey design embracing quantitative approaches. Data was captured using review of records from the Genetic Centre, Artificial Insemination (AI) technicians, and Field Extension workers. The work included forecasting and trend analysis for liquid nitrogen and frozen semen production and costs for the period 2019-2023 at the current level of inputs and manpower at the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank. The study established that 77.3% of the produced liquid nitrogen will be utilized by the year 2023. In the same vein, 62.6% of the frozen semen produced will be utilized by the year 2023. The study predicted the costs related to production, maintenance and repairs for liquid nitrogen plants and projected semen production, maintenance of the bulls, and veterinary costs. Other forecasted costs were for semen importation per annum for breeds and genetic diversity in the country. The study guides NAGRC&DB and other players in the animal resources value chain to undertake forecasts and trend analysis for better planning, budgeting, strategy and delivery of quality animal breeding services in selected cattle corridor districts of Uganda. The topic of operational efficiencies for the circulation and usage of key breeding inputs dependent on farming system and agro-ecology should be explored in Uganda.Item Heavy Metal Pollution in the Main Rivers of Rwenzori Region, Kasese District South-Western Uganda(2020) Mukisa, Wilber; Yatuha, Jane; Andama, Morgan; Kasangaki, AventinoCurrent study established heavy metal pollution of rivers Mubuku, Rwimi and Nyamwamba in Kasese district, Western Uganda. Their integrity is important because communities depend on them for water resources. No recent information is known on rivers' quality status yet traverse a densely populated area with agricultural activities and a history of copper/cobalt mining as heavy metals pose high health risks. The study was conducted from October 2019 to December 2019 and quantified levels of Cu, Zn, Pb and Co in water and fish to estimate the rivers quality. Water samples were randomly collected in sterilised bottle while fish samples were collected using non selective net method, dissected and dried to a constant mass. The total heavy metal load was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that, apart from Lead, the levels of Cu, Zn and Co in the waters were all within WHO limits except Co at one site on R. Nyamwamba with 0.233±0.009mg/L above the limit 0.05mg/L for drinking water. The overall mean for Pb was 0.030±0.006mg/L and 0.047±0.003mg/L at R. Nyamwamba, 0.053±0.003mg/L at R. Mubuku and 0.067±0.003mg/L at R. Rwimi, all above the WHO limit of 0.01mg/L. In fish tissues, Cu was within WHO limit; however, Pb and Zn were above limits (Pb, 2.0ppm; Zn, 100ppm) for fish. The average concentration for Pb was 29.05±4.85ppm, 69.23±9.25ppm and 32.33±5.93ppm at R. Nyamwamba, Rwimi and Mubuku respectively and for Zn, 115.05±8.12ppm, 117.47±8.65ppm and 118.69±8.79ppm at R. Nyamwamba, Rwimi and Mubuku respectively. Similarly, for all the three rivers, physico-chemical parameters; pH, temperature, electro-conductivity and dissolved oxygen were within the WHO limits but turbidity, 12.02±0.39NTU was above the limit of 5.0NTU. Therefore, there is need for management intervention to control further contamination of rivers with heavy metals and controlled use of water bodies as washing baysItem Jigger Flea (Tunga penetrans) Infestations and Use of Soil-Cow Dung-Ash Mixture as a Flea Control Method in Eastern Uganda(International Journal of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, 2018) Amatre, Gerald; Lejju, Julius B.; Andama, MorganDespite several interventions, jigger flea infestations continue to be reported in the Busoga sub-region in Eastern Uganda. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that expose the indigenous people to jigger flea infestations and evaluate the effectiveness of any indigenous materials used in flea control by the affected communities. Flea compositions in residences were described, factors associated with flea infestation and indigenous materials used in flea control were evaluated. Field surveys were conducted in the affected communities after obtaining preliminary information on jigger infestation from the offices of the District Health Inspectors to identify the affected villages and households.Informed consent was then sought from the local authorities and household heads to conduct the study. Focus group discussions were conducted with key district informants, namely, the District Health Inspectors, District Entomologists and representatives from the District Health Office. A GPS coordinate was taken at central point at every household enrolled. Fleas were trapped inside residences using Kilonzo traps. A Kilonzo Trap comprised a shallow pan, about three centimetres deep, filled to the brim with water. The edges of the pan were smeared with Vaseline to prevent fleas from crawling out. Traps were placed in the evening and checked every morning the following day. The trapped fleas were collected in labelled vials filled with 70% aqueous ethanol and taken to the laboratory for identification. Socioeconomic and environmental data were collected. The results indicate that the commonest flea trapped in the residences was the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) (50%), followed by Jigger flea (Tunga penetrans) (46%) and rat flea (Xenopsylla Cheopis) (4%), respectively. The average size of residences was seven squire metres with a mean of six occupants. The residences were generally untidy; with loose dusty floors and the brick walls were not plastered. The majority of the jigger affected households were headed by peasants (86.7%) and artisans (13.3%). The household heads mainly stopped at primary school level (80%) and few at secondary school level (20%). The jigger affected households were mainly headed by peasants of low socioeconomic status. The affected community members use soil-cow dung-ash mixture to smear floors of residences as the only measure to control fleas. This method was found to be ineffective in controlling the insects. The study recommends that home improvement campaigns be continued in the affected communities to improve sanitation and hygiene in residences as one of the interventions to combat flea infestations. Other cheap, available and effective means should be identified to curb jigger flea infestations.Item Physico-Chemical Quality of Selected Drinking Water Sources in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda(Journal of Water resource and protection, 2017) Lukubye, Ben; Andama, MorganThe study assessed the physico-chemical quality of selected drinking water sources (springs, boreholes, shallow wells and rainfall) in Mbarara municipality with respect to World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guidelines and other guidelines in light of the increased anthropogenic activities in the municipality. A total of 70 water samples were collected from purposively selected boreholes, springs, wells and rainwater in Nyamitanga, Kamukuzi and Kakoba divisions of Mbarara municipality with various human activities. The samples were analysed for physico-chemical parameters: Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Total hardness using American Public Health Association (APHA) standard methods. The mean temperature and pH ranged between 18.07˚C - 23.45˚C and 5.74 - 7.54, respectively. The mean DO values were found to be between 4.84 and 12.86 mg/l; whereas mean BOD was within the range of 1.83 - 7.71 mg/l. The mean TDS and EC of the water samples ranged, between 33.40 - 569.20 mg/l and 29.30 - 1139.90 μS/cm respectively. Furthermore, the lowest and highest mean total hardness were 70.00 and 264.00 mg/l, respectively.Item Phytochemical Composition of Aqueous Crude Extracts of Selected Pesticidal Plants used against Brassica Vegetable Pests(International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 2020) Lamara, Racheal; Andama, Morgan; Olet, Eunice A.The phytochemistry of five plants (Phytolacca dodecandra, Azadirachta indica, Capsicum frutescens, Allium cepa and Tagetes minuta) was determined to evaluate their potential as sources of alternative pesticides against Brassica vegetable pests. Crude aqueous plant extracts were prepared, on which quantitative and qualitative analysis were performed using standard methods. Tannins and alkaloids were found in all plants examined with their highest quantities obtained in T. minuta at 0.4494 mgml-1and 0.1560 mgml-1 respectively. Steroids were highest in C. frutescens and A. indica at 2.2791 mgml-1 each. Saponins were more inP. dodecandra(31.06%) and flavonoids were highest in C. frutescens(26.13%). It was evident that C. frutescens, A. indica and T. minuta had higher quantities of phytochemicals. This may be responsible for them being more effective pesticides against Brassica vegetable pests than Allium cepa and P. dodecandra which had lower quantities or absence of some phytochemicals.Item Potential of Fermentation in Detoxifying Toxic Cassava Root Tubers(Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2012) Andama, Morgan; Lejju, Julius B.Quantitative determination of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) content in a toxic local cassava variety “Rutuga” with an initial total HCN of 16.65%, free HCN of 9.19% and bound HCN (cyanoglycosides) of 7.46% in the fresh peeled root tubers was done to assess the effectiveness of aquatic and terrestrial (heap) fermentation in detoxifying cassava root tubers for obtaining dried product used in making flour. This was indirectly done by getting the difference in HCN content that remained after processing the root tubers using some traditional processing techniques. The findings indicated that aquatic fermentation in water from river Rwizi for days only removed 1.23% of total HCN, 0.05% of free HCN and 2.68% of Cyanoglycosides (bound HCN) while terrestrial (heap) fermentation for 4 days removed 50.33% of total HCN, 20.84% of free HCN and 86.66% of Cyanoglycosides (bound HCN). Therefore, terrestrial (heap) fermentation has a higher potential in removing total HCN, free HCN and cyanoglycosides (bound HCN) than aquatic fermentation, especially in water from river Rwizi.Item Potential of Soaking and Sun-Drying in Detoxifying Toxic Cassava Root Tubers(International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology, 2017) Andama, Morgan; Lejju, Julius B.; Oloya, BensonRoot tubers of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) have cyanogenic glucosides which liberate hydrogen cyanide (HCN) on hydrolysis in quantities that can be toxic to humans. As a result, several techniques have been used to detoxify the tubers including among others, soaking, sun-drying and fermentation which has been found to be the most effective. However, fermentation is associated with the growth of potentially mycotoxigenic moulds (fungi) which compromise the quality of the processed product hence suggesting the use of alternative mould free processing techniques like soaking and sun-drying. Therefore, this study investigated the potential of soaking and sun-drying in detoxifying root tubers of a toxic cassava variety, “Rutuga”, (interpreted as “strangler”) of cyanogens (total HCN, free HCN and bound HCN) in South Western Uganda. The cyanogens were determined by a standard titration method. The results indicated that soaking peeled cassava root tubers in cold distilled water for 4 days removed about 78% of bound HCN while sun-drying of peeled cassava chips for 5 days removed about 74% of free HCN. However, both methods are less effective in removing total HCN (soaking, 47%; sun-drying, 43%) due to the ineffectiveness of soaking and sun-drying in removing free HCN (21%) and bound HCN (3%) respectively. Hence a mixed approach employing both methods would be more appropriate in detoxifying cassava of total HCN.Item Prevalence of Jigger Flea (Tunga Penetrans) Infestation amongst Age Groups, Male and Female Persons in Jinja District, Eastern Uganda(International Journal of Science and Research, 2018) Amatre, Gerald; Lejju, Julius Bunny; Andama, MorganJigger flea infestations are endemic in several rural communities in Uganda. The Eastern part of the country reports outbreaks of jigger infestations. This case study was carried out to identify the most vulnerable sex and age groups to jigger infestation so that appropriate control measures can be recommended. Members of the affected communities in Jinja district were requested to report households that had current cases of jigger infestation. The name, sex and age of the household heads and infected persons were recorded. Details of the persons were then removed from the lists for ethical reasons. A total of 429 persons were reported to be infested with jiggers in nine parishes of five sub-counties in the district. There was a significant difference in jigger infestation in different age groups (p=8E-152, χ2 = 712.79) and between males and females (p=2.88E-8, χ2=30.78). The most infested age group (n, %) was below 15years (269, 62.7%), followed by the elderly people, above 55 years (48, 11.2%) and the least infested age group was 16-25 years (8, 1.9%). Males in each age category were at least twice more infested with jiggers than females. The study recommends that more attention be focused on children, elderly persons and males in jigger control than on females and persons in other age groups.Item Suitability of Drinking Water Sources from Nyaruzinga Wetland for Domestic Use in Bushenyi Municipality, Uganda(Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 2017) Muhangane, Lauben; Nkurunungi, John B.; Yatuha, Jane; Andama, MorganThis study determined the physico-chemical and bacterial quality of raw (borehole,springs, wells) and tap water sources from Nyaruzinga wetland for domestic use in Bushenyi Municipality. Forty samples of raw water were randomly collected from Kacuncu, Kyeitembe and Kikuba tributaries of the wetland and 40 samples of tap water generated from the same wetland were randomly drawn from Ishaka, Nyakabirizi and Central divisions of the Municipality. The samples were analyzed for apparent colour (AC), turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total hardness, pH, total iron, residual alum, free residual chlorine and faecal coliforms using standard methods and their values compared with standard local UNBS (2008) and international WHO (2011) drinking water quality guidelines. The results showed that the mean pH of the protected spring below Kikuba Hill (5.21); the AC (Pt/Co) of the borehole below Bweranyangi Junior School (17.28) and the surface well below Nyandozo Primary School (157.58) both situated in Kacuncu as well as the free residual chlorine (mg/L) in tap water at Kanyamabona Trading Centre, Ishaka division (0.192) were below the standard values of WHO (pH, 6.0 - 8.0; free residual chlorine, 0.2 - 0.5) and UNBS (AC, <15). The electrical conductivityItem Variation of Cyanogenic Potential of Selected Cassava Varieties with Age in Zombo District, Uganda(International Refereed Journal of Arts, Science & Commerce, 2018) Oloya, Benson; Adaku, Christopher; Andama, MorganCassava is a major staple food in the developing world, providing a basic diet for around 500 million people. In Uganda, it is currently one of the most important food crops and ranks second to bananas in terms of area occupied, total production and per capita consumption. However, cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides such as linamarin and Lotaustralin, which are toxic. Consumption of such toxins in sufficient quantities can cause acute cyanide poisoning and death in humans and animals. Thus, cassava is a possible health risk to the consumers. Awareness about the trend of cyanogenic glycosides content in cassava as it matures is paramount in minimizing the health risks associated with cassava consumption. As such, the most common local cultivars; Bisimwenge, Nyar-anderiano, Nyar-udota, in Zombo district and two improved cultivars: NASE 9 and TME 14, were investigated for variation in their cyanogenic content with age. The concentrations of cyanogens were determined using standard titration method. The results showed that cyanogeniccontent was highest at the ages of 8-10 months and generally decreased after the tenth month. It is therefore safer to harvest cassava after at least ten months when the levels of the hydrogen cyanide have reduced and stabilized.