Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness (CASA) programme

Malawi Agribusiness Investment Meeting
CASA aims to drive global investment for inclusive climate-resilient agri-food systems that increase smallholder incomes.
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Rearing natural enemies to control crop pests in Pakistan

Parasitized mealybug by Aenasius bambawalei
Protecting crops from pests and diseases in Pakistan is still reliant on unsustainable pesticide practices. Between 1980 and 2004 the use of pesticide increased by over 6,600 percent, despite yields remaining stagnant over the same period. Since 2004, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods have proved successful for reducing pesticide use…
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CABI scientists track wheat aphids and their natural enemies for better pest management in Pakistan

Aphids damaging wheat spikes
For the first time, CABI scientists have studied the distribution and population dynamics of wheat aphids and their natural enemies in Pakistan through seasons and periods of time. This research could be useful to develop better pest management methods and safer, healthier crops in wheat production.
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Evaluation of fungal pathogens for biocontrol of cat’s claw creeper

Fungal Spots on Cat's Claw
Cat’s claw creeper is a vigorous vine native to tropical Central America and northern South America. Introduced into Australia for ornamental purposes, this troublesome liana escaped cultivation and is now regarded as a significant environmental weed.
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Ecological intensification of smallholder farms in Kenya

The project working group
There is limited knowledge on the agronomic potential of biodiversity-based ecosystem services such as natural pest control and pollination in smallholder systems. To sustainably intensify production, there is an urgent need to develop safe, sustainable and affordable methods to reduce pest burdens whilst increasing yields.
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Integrating advanced Earth Observation and environmental information for sustainable pest and disease management

Locust - project target species
Forecasting and monitoring insect pests and disease outbreaks is vital for protecting China’s economically important agricultural sector. By combining information gathered from Earth Observation and environmental data, CABI and partners will design innovative data products and communications tools to help decision makers sustainably manage wheat yellow rust and migratory locusts.…
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