Cassava is the third most important source of calories in the tropics, after rice and maize. It is crucial to the food security of millions people around the world. South America is the origin of cassava. Other names for cassava are Yuca, manioc, mandioca and tapioca. Africa, for example, produces more cassava than any other crops. Millions of people depend on cassava in Africa, Asia and Latin America. It is grown by poor farmers, many of them women, often on marginal land. Cassava production depends on a supply of quality stem cuttings. Cassava has long been an important and economical source of food. Apart from food, cassava is very versatile and its derivatives and starch are applicable in many types of products such as bio-fuels, confectionery, sweeteners, glues, plywood, textiles, paper, biodegradable products, monosodium glutamate, and drugs. Cassava chips and pellets are used in animal feed and alcohol production.