Ghana’s CSIR leads African efforts to combat invasive fall armyworm

GHANA –  Ghana’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has emerged as a leader in combating the destructive fall armyworm pest, a notorious pest known for its capacity to ravage maize crops.

The success was revealed as representatives from 16 African countries convened in Accra to evaluate progress made under the Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Co-operation Initiative (KAFACI).

Since its initial outbreak in Ghana in 2016 and 2017, the fall armyworm has posed a severe threat to food security across Africa.

In response to the crisis, Ghana’s CSIR, along with its 13 research institutes, mobilized rapidly to develop sustainable management practices for the pest.

KAFACI, a collaborative initiative supported by the Republic of Korea, provided crucial financial backing, enabling the swift implementation of these solutions.

Addressing the 2024 KAFACI annual progress monitoring meeting, CSIR Director-General Professor Paul Bosu stressed the importance of tackling the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) to safeguard food security in Ghana and across the continent.

Prof. Bosu highlighted the widespread distress caused by the pest and commended the integrated efforts to manage this agricultural crisis.

“The fall armyworm has wreaked havoc on food security across Africa, particularly jeopardizing maize production, a staple for many nations,” Prof. Bosu stated.

He highlighted CSIR’s commitment to innovative, sustainable solutions based on the principle of “taming nature with nature.”

According to him, this approach has led to environmentally friendly pest management techniques designed to not only address immediate agricultural needs but also build long-term resilience in food production.

Since the initial invasion, CSIR has leveraged its resources to mitigate the pest’s impacts, with KAFACI’s financial support proving pivotal in the development of these timely interventions.

The partnership has achieved considerable success in Ghana and other member countries, including Madagascar, Nigeria, and Zambia.

Prof. Bosu commended the dedication of these nations, acknowledging the infrastructure and support provided by their governments to advance research aimed at reducing the impacts of pest infestations.

In addition to the progress on pest management, the meeting highlighted the KAFACI Young Scientist Award, an initiative aimed at nurturing young researchers in agriculture.

This award provides emerging scientists with valuable exposure to advanced technologies in Korea, fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders across Africa.

Rev. Dr. Patrick Numo, Chief Director of Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, also addressed the assembly, reiterating the essential role of science and research in national development.

Dr. Numo emphasized the urgent need for climate-resilient agricultural strategies and praised CSIR’s efforts to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, which pose risks to human health and the environment.

“The persistence of the fall armyworm and the increasing frequency of pest outbreaks are reminders that sustainable solutions are vital,” Dr. Numo remarked, commending CSIR’s integrated pest management strategies aimed at supporting smallholder farmers with safer, eco-friendly practices.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the WorldHERE.