Demonstrating biological approaches for sustainable management of tomato leafminer in Kenya
Since 2014, the tomato leafminer has become the most serious threat to the sustainable productivity of tomato in Kenya, causing up to 80% yield loss. Almost 98% of farmers’ crop suffer from this pest and when using pesticides as a control method, only 27% of farmers report success. Building on CABI’s expertise in biological control and integrated pest management, in this project, CABI collaborated with Koppert, a global supplier of biological control products, to demonstrate to farmers, the benefits of biological control within an integrated approach.
Ecological intensification of smallholder farms in Kenya
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.