IITA IPM project 20: Programme
for the development and application of sustainable integrated pest management
technologies for cassava pests in sub-Saharan Africa
Duration: 3 years (2003 to 2006)
Purpose: To develop,
test and implement a biologically-based program for control of cassava green
mite, the African root and tuber scale, and cassava brown streak virus disease.
Background/description: The three-year programme represents a unique
multidisciplinary and multi-institutional effort to develop, test and adapt
sustainable cassava plant protection technologies. Strategic research thrusts
will cover the development, release and evaluation of pest/disease-resistant
cassava germplasm and natural enemies, CBSD epidemiology and identification,
and the search for natural antagonists of ARTS. In a phased approach, the
programme will implement existing technologies, while developing additional
technologies for the management of the major pests and diseases that continue
to plague cassava in Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme will continue to
implement classical biological control of CGM and enhance national capacity in
biological control. The specific objectives of the programme are the: a)
development, evaluation and distribution of pest/disease-resistant cassava germplasm;
b) release and monitoring of proven exotic natural enemies (predators and
pathogens) adapted to drier savannahs of central and southern Africa; c)
monitoring and forecasting spread of diseases and their vectors; d)
identification of ARTS antagonists and the development of strategies for the
implementation of vector control and ARTS antagonists; e) integration of
farmer-participatory evaluation of promising pest/disease control technologies
in strategically located Technology Transfer Centres (TTCs); f) human resource
development to undertake the deployment of the full spectrum of cassava integrated-pest-management
(IPM) technologies; and g) evaluation of the biological and socio-economic
impact of introduced IPM technologies in reducing pest/disease damage, and
increasing cassava productivity and farm income.
Agroecozone(s) and location(s): Humid Forest and
Humid Savannas in Benin, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya,
Malawi, Mozambique, Switzerland, Tanzania and Zambia.
Expected outputs: The most tangible output will be reduced pests
and diseases, increased cassava yields (by at least one third) bringing
enhanced food security, improved incomes (by a minimum USD 100 per ha of
production per crop cycle) and strengthened marginal ecosystems, beneficial to
neighbouring countries. The increased capacity for IPM acquired by national programmes
could be applied in tackling similar crop pest and disease problems in the
future. While many outputs will emerge in the current three-year phase of the
programme, it is also envisaged that some of the most promising results of the
programme will become apparent in the subsequent phase.
Partners: a) NARS in
Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Benin, Malawi, Zambia,
Kenya and Tanzania; b) IFAD Investment projects: Benin, Ghana, and Cameroon
root and tuber improvement programs; c) University of Basle Switzerland; d) University
of Massachusetts USA; e) Wageningen University Netherlands; f) University
of Amsterdam Netherlands; g) University of Toulouse France; h) University
of Yaound้ Cameroon; i) University of Douala Cameroon; j) University of
Dschang - Cameroon
Potential
impact and beneficiaries: New productive and pest/disease resistant varieties
increase production of R&T crops. Farmer income is increased through direct
sales and transformation of R&T crops. Rural poverty decreased and
livelihood of rural poor enhanced
Development investor (s): International Fund
for Agricultural Development
IITA contact
person(s)/principal investigator(s): Rachid Hanna R.Hanna@cgiar.org website http://www.iita.org