PlantwisePlus plant doctors now in every district of Malawi helping farmers increase livelihoods and food security
In a significant stride for increased livelihoods and food security, Malawi has achieved a remarkable milestone: a network of trained plant doctors now operates in every district across the country. This achievement is the result of a sustained partnership between CABI’s PlantwisePlus programme and the Malawian Ministry of Agriculture, culminating…
Study reveals ‘huge variability’ in estimates of cost efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural extension
CABI scientists have led new research which reveals a ‘huge variability’ in estimates of the cost efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural extension communication channels such as radio, video, and text messages. The study, published as a CABI Working Paper, focussed on studies from low-and-middle income countries to draw lessons for…
Plant clinic materials endorsed in Nepal for greater plant health and food security
The Government of Nepal has adopted training materials derived from the CABI-led global PlantwisePlus programme which seeks to help smallholder farmers sustainably manage plant health threats, increase their incomes and food security. Major crop pests and diseases affecting Nepal’s rice, maize, wheat, millet, mangoes, citrus and bananas, include borers, thrips,…
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…
Ghanian women’s rights as farmers and extension service clients more recognised by men and women, study shows
Many more men and women are now recognising women’s rights as individual farmers and agricultural extension service clients in Ghana – rather than as secondary household members, according to new research published by CABI. Following interventions by the CABI-led global PlantwisePlus programme, both men and women in the eight districts/municipalities…
CABI-led study shows benefits of chatgroups to human health can be replicated in plant health
A CABI-led study has revealed that there is evidence of the benefits of chatgroups to human health which can also be replicated in plant health. The research analysed the opportunities and pitfalls of using chatgroups for plant health systems and examined the conditions for strengthening chatroom functions. It also considered…