Emerging cassava disease: building on the expertise of women farmers in French Guiana

Science at work 25 February 2026
“Witches’ broom”, a recently identified disease, is now threatening cassava production across several continents. In French Guiana, cassava is a staple food for local communities. Faced with the epidemic that has been affecting the territory since 2023, CIRAD has been conducting research to better document the crisis and to support the development of effective control strategies. These photos highlight the women of the Bushinengue communities, who play a central role in cassava cultivation in French Guiana.
Carmen K. (right), a Bushinengue farmer, shows an agricultural adviser the abattis plot she cleared herself

Carmen K. (right), a Bushinengue farmer, shows an agricultural adviser the abattis plot she cleared herself

French Guiana devotes 7 700 hectares to the cultivation of tubers, primarily cassava. This represents nearly 20% of the utilised agricultural area. Annual production stands at approximately 35 000 tonnes. The sector plays a major role for the population of French Guiana, in terms of both food security and economic activity, sustaining incomes, employment and agricultural traditions.

Sagrientje V. with a cassava tuber harvested from her plot © M. Chen, CIRAD

Sagrientje V. with a cassava tuber harvested from her plot © M. Chen, CIRAD

In French Guiana, a slash-and-burn farming system, known as abattis, remains widespread. In some communities, especially among the Bushinengue, women play a pivotal role in managing these plots. They oversee the plantations and determine when and where crops are planted. Research on cassava diseases must therefore involve these key stakeholders, who pass on their know-how from generation to generation.

Mili P. describing one of the cassava varieties planted in her abattis to a researcher from CIRAD

Mili P. describing one of the cassava varieties planted in her abattis to a researcher from CIRAD

Witches’ broom disease, caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia theobromae (syn. Ceratobasidium theobromae), has decimated numerous cassava plantations in recent years. Against this backdrop, the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty has financed the DECODE project, coordinated by CIRAD. DECODE aims to identify the risk factors driving the spread of the disease and to develop sustainable solutions.

CIRAD scientists listening to Bianca J.

CIRAD scientists listening to Bianca J. © M. Chen, CIRAD

Cassava cultivation is a key activity for women, particularly within Bushinengue communities. While part of the harvest is used to feed the household, selling the surplus (as couac or flour) provides them with their own source of income, thus making them less dependent on their husband’s income or financial support. In this context, witches’ broom disease is not just a matter of food security, but also an economic issue.

Josiane V. in the middle of her abattis plot

Josiane V. in the middle of her abattis plot © M. Chen, CIRAD

In response to the disease, CIRAD’s scientists are working to develop agronomic solutions as well as tolerant cassava varieties adapted to the farming practices and consumption habits of these women. As cassava is primarily a subsistence crop, taste and texture preferences are critical factors in plant breeding programmes.

In French Guiana, the diversity of cassava varieties is still largely unknown. An initial collection of around 70 cuttings, each identified by farmers as a distinct variety, will shortly be analysed as part of another European project coordinated by CIRAD (ROTATES).

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