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.
Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness (CASA) programme
CASA aims to drive global investment for inclusive climate-resilient agri-food systems that increase smallholder incomes.
Rearing natural enemies to control crop pests in Pakistan
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 and protecting human health and the environment. This project aims to establish 50 Natural Enemies Field Reservoirs (NEFRs) to tackle crop pests directly and train over 31,500 farmers and extension staff on implementing IPM technologies in Sindh province.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 and protecting human health and the environment. This project aims to establish 50 Natural Enemies Field Reservoirs (NEFRs) to tackle crop pests directly and train over 31,500 farmers and extension staff on implementing IPM technologies in Sindh province.
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.