The Staple Crops programme was created out of six ASARECA's former research networks, covering potatoes and sweet potatoes, cassava (root crops), maize and wheat, sorghum and millets, rice and bananas. This is currently the largest programme in terms of existing research portfolio and arguably one of the most important ones in terms of enhancing livelihood and food security of the rural poor in the ECA region.
The programme will aim at strengthening NARS capacity to respond to research needs and contribute to the achievement of the CAADP targets through close coordination, facilitation and networking of the different countries in Eastern and Central Africa (ECA). The programme aims at building platforms that will provide a forum for stakeholders to exchange and share information regarding regional priority issues on staple crops. A strategy (2007 - 2016) and Medium Term Plan (2008 - 2012) have been developed through a participatory process involving representatives of stakeholders from different organisations and the ten countries. Priority projects are being developed further with participation of the different stakeholders in the region. Implementation of at least two projects to commence in March 2008.

There will be dramatic changes in the global and regional agriculture and commodity markets driven by a combination of factors, e.g., urbanisation which will fuel unprecedented dietary preferences, climate change which will increase the frequency and severity of droughts and floods, escalating grain prices, rising costs of fossil fuels, increasing use of biofuels and prolonged economic growth of two of large countries - China and India whose demand for commodities from Africa and elsewhere is growing rapidly. Globally, agriculture is regaining prominence as a vehicle in poverty reduction and sustainable development.