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…
CABI-led study reveals “considerable farmer knowledge” on different aspects of antibiotics risk
A CABI-led study published in the CABI Agriculture and Bioscience journal has revealed “considerable farmer knowledge” on different aspects of antibiotics risks – including antimicrobial resistance – associated with their use on livestock in Kenya. Scientists from CABI’s regional centre for Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, joined colleagues from the University…
EU-China joint action to increase the development and adoption of IPM tools
The persistent threat of invasive agricultural pests and their chronic re-emergence underlines the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tools and their implementation. Pest management typically relies largely on chemical pesticides, increasing the risks to humans and wildlife. Despite European Union and Chinese policies promoting the use of IPM, widespread…
Biocontrol of papaya mealybug in East Africa
Papaya mealybug invaded East Africa between 2015 to 2020. The pest causes 57%- 91% yield and ÂŁ2,224/ha household economic losses annually and severely impacts the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. As a means of control, nearly 51% of farmers manage the pest using pesticides which harm insect biodiversity in addition to…