Disease and Pest Management of Legumes and Cereals in Africa
Advancing Sustainable Practices for Crop Health and Food Security
Experts and key stakeholders from Kenya, Niger, Mali, India, Uganda, and Malawi gathered in Lilongwe, Malawi, from 1-7 December 2024, to tackle the growing challenges posed by pests and diseases on staple crops, particularly legumes and cereals.
Organized by ICRISAT under the One CGIAR Plant Health Initiative, the International Workshop on Disease and Pest Management aimed to advance sustainable agriculture in Africa by sharing research findings and experiences in crop health management.
The workshop underscored the urgent need for integrated pest management (IPM) practices to combat challenges exacerbated by climate change.
Legumes and cereals are central to Africa’s food security, serving as key sources of protein, nutrients, and income for millions. However, these vital crops are highly susceptible to pests and diseases, including fall armyworms, aphids, rusts, and viruses.
Dr Sam Njoroge, ICRISAT Country Representative in Malawi, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing these challenges:
“In the face of increasingly erratic weather patterns and pest outbreaks, it is crucial for scientists, farmers, and policymakers to collaborate and share knowledge. By working together, we can develop and scale effective pest management practices that safeguard crop health and improve food security for millions of Africans,” said Dr Njoroge.
The workshop focused on the development of sustainable IPM strategies, which combine biological, cultural, and chemical methods to control pests and diseases while minimizing environmental impact. These strategies aim to maintain healthy crops and reduce reliance on harmful chemical pesticides, which can harm ecosystems and human health.
The Importance of Early Detection
ICRISAT entomologist Dr Jagdish Jaba stressed that effective pest management relies on understanding pest population dynamics. He pointed out that early detection systems, combined with timely interventions, play a crucial role in minimizing crop losses.
Farmers' active involvement was highlighted as fundamental to effective pest management, as they are often the first to detect outbreaks and play a key role in monitoring and controlling pests.
Equipping farmers with the necessary tools, training in pest identification, and the use of biocontrol agents is vital. Equally important is encouraging sustainable practices such as crop rotation and intercropping to enhance their ability to manage pests effectively over the long term.
Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture
Climate-smart agriculture was another key focus of the multi-stakeholder workshop, addressing how climate change influences pest behavior and distribution. Integrating climate data into pest management can help farmers anticipate outbreaks and adapt their practices.
Research on pest-resistant crop varieties, driven by collaborations between African and Asian institutions, also showed promising advancements in resilient legumes and cereals.
Dr Mangi Lal Jat, Acting Deputy Director General-Research & Global Research Program Director-Resilient Farm and Food Systems at ICRISAT, reaffirmed the institute's commitment to supporting smallholder farmers:
“At ICRISAT, we are committed to providing science-driven solutions to pest and disease management. This workshop strengthens our collective ability to scale solutions that enhance crop health and resilience for smallholder farmers across Africa and beyond,” said Dr Jat.
The workshop concluded with optimism, marking a notable milestone under the One CGIAR Plant Health Initiative.
This work aligns with SDGs 2, 13 & 17.
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