[Cassava] A testimony about Cassava from an african woman

["G.Mersadier" <g.mersadier@fidafrique.net>]

An email posted to IFAD... FYI

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From: Breams [mailto:breams@rogers.com]
Sent: 02 July 2007 20:38
Subject: Innovations in Cassava Processing and Transformation

2 July 2007

Dear Sir / Madam,

I'm someone totally committed to the use, promotion and innovation of 
cassava as an important food and a valuable tool to assist in the 
development of livelihoods, particularly in Africa and especially for women.

I have done a lot of work on processing cassava and transforming it into 
excellent products in collaboration with community based groups and 
womens associations in Africa. I have documented this experience with a 
book which you can see by visiting links 1 and 2. I have gone further 
and demonstrated the practical experience in a short video which is 
available at the third link.

I have tried to share my experience with some of the international 
experts particularily in the CGIAR network and have sent copies of my 
book to individuals in Italy and Kenya. I also shared information with a 
senior person in Latin America.

Up until now I haven't had any feedback - perhaps people don't have the 
time to go over the material, perhaps it contradicts their experience, 
perhaps I'm contacting the wrong people. I don't really know.

What I do know is that I have a great system and a track record of 
innovative use of cassava. I've grown it, processed it, baked it, 
trained hundreds of women and written a book with over 80 tested recipes.

Even now that I'm in Canada I buy the root and transform it into flour 
and continue testing for new recipes.

At the moment I'm starting to set up a small scale cassava project in 
northern Zambia in collaboration with an agricultural extension officer.

I would like to link my experience and knowledge into the world wide 
cassava network and possibly collaborate with them on this project that 
is currently being designed.

Who do you suggest can help me on this issue?

I was born and grew up in rural Africa and I believe the work I'm doing 
in cassava is something that directly benefits women and children. It's 
something we've needed for years in Africa. I've really worked hard to 
test and demonstrate the potential of cassava and I know that it can 
save lives and contribute to development. I need help so that the 
message can be more widely spread to the benefit of all. I'm looking 
forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely

Rhoda Namwalizi Lester

Links

1. http://www.lulu.com/breams

2. http://www.geocities.com/yyzkas1/

3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfdVfAD5iGw
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Brad & Rhoda Lester
Toronto ON
Canada
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