Harnessing nature’s microbes: sustainable agricultural solutions for sub-Saharan Africa
Agriculture is a vital sector in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It contributes an average of 25% to the gross domestic product and provides sustenance for nearly 80% of the rural population. However, the region remains the most food insecure globally. Increasing agricultural productivity is the primary objective for SSA, but this…
Inaugural Africa Plant Health Systems Forum highlights strength of partnerships for greater sustainable food security
The inaugural African Plant Health Systems Forum has highlighted the strength of partnerships and knowledge-driven solutions towards greater sustainable food security for a growing African population expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050. CABI, organised and launched the event, which brings together representatives from CABI’s African Member Countries, including government,…
Registration of biopesticides in Pakistan
Agriculture is extremely important to Pakistan’s economy and people. It is the largest sector, employing over 40% of the workforce and contributing approximately 24% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). However, the increase in demand for food is being challenged by low agricultural productivity due to losses caused by…
CABI BioProtection Portal launched in Malaysia to help local growers reduce reliance on chemical pesticides
The CABI BioProtection Portal has been launched at the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture & Agrotourism Show (MAHA) to help growers reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and produce safer and healthier food free from pests such as the diamondback moth, fall armyworm, stemborers and leaf-feeders of rice. The resource, which is helping…
Generative AI for Agriculture Advisory
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) technology offers enormous potential by addressing information asymmetries and rapidly advancing research. In the agriculture sector, it can localize digital advisory messages and increase the accessibility of such messages to reduce the digital divide compared to traditional, non-AI communication methods. Using natural language processing (NLP) and…
Wheat Blast: Earth observation and climate forecasts for risk management
Wheat Blast (Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum or ‘MOT’) is a plant disease of global concern, threatening crop production and biosecurity. Known to favour humid, warmer climates, the disease is a severe problem in Bangladesh and South America. However, the consequences of climate change pose the risk of the disease infecting other…