By Lebogang Mashala
Plant pests and diseases account for up to 40 percent of annual crop losses, totalling approximately $220 billion. This issue disproportionately affects farmers in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).
To address the threat of plant pests and diseases that jeopardise millions of farmers in Africa, the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR) is increasing investment in accessible diagnostic tools, enhancing surveillance programmes and promoting integrated pest management (IPM).
In honour of World Pest Day, observed on 6 June, the CGIAR – a global partnership dedicated to research on food security and sustainable agriculture – through its Sustainable Farming Programme (SFP), is implementing technologies to assist farmers in managing pests and diseases. This includes biocontrol methods for pests such as fall armyworm, mealybugs and pod borers.
World Pest Day aims to raise awareness about the significant impact of pests on human health, food security and the environment, as well as the vital role of research and development in combating these issues. Factors such as climate change, trade and intensified agriculture are driving the increase in pest outbreaks.
Global Survey Reveals Critical Needs in Pest Management
Dr. Lava Kumar, Head of the Germplasm Health Unit and Virology and Molecular Diagnostics at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), noted that efforts are underway to assess the impact of climate change on pests using tools such as Insect Life Cycle Modelling (ILCYM). Additionally, the SFP programme features a bio-risk management facility designed to strengthen regional capacity in West Africa to combat pests effectively.
The Sustainable Farming Programme (SFP) is building on the priorities identified during a needs assessment conducted across 26 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. This assessment aimed to identify knowledge and capacity gaps related to pest and disease surveillance and response strategies.
Kumar said the survey revealed significant research and capacity gaps among National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs), underscoring the need to equip these organisations to effectively address the growing threats posed by plant pests and diseases. “Many NPPOs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries in the Global South, lack the necessary capacity to conduct effective diagnostics, surveillance and extension work at the speed and scale required to manage crop disease and pest crises,” explained Kumar.
The survey identified banana/plantain, maize, potato and rice as the crops most in need of pest and disease surveillance efforts. Confirming these priority crops will help establish priorities for developing standardised diagnostic methods, sharing protocols across regions, and enhancing knowledge sharing to strengthen diagnostic capacity as part of a preparedness strategy for emerging pests, according to the SFP.
Building Capacity for Global Plant Health
The SFP believes young scientists could play a crucial role in the digital transformation necessary to improve data management standards over the coming years. To implement the pest diagnostics and surveillance roadmap, the SFP will use regional diagnostic hubs hosted by the CGIAR Germplasm Health Units worldwide.
This global survey, benefiting from the ongoing collaborations with CGIAR Germplasm Health Units, can be viewed as a foundational step toward establishing an urgently needed global plant health diagnostics and surveillance network to address the rising risks of future plant disease and pest outbreaks.
Research and capacity-building efforts by the SFP are focused on supporting plant health, promoting mycotoxin-free crops, enhancing integrated water management, implementing context-specific mechanisation, and facilitating climate adaptation and mitigation on farms, as well as integrating farm systems.
This initiative represents a significant advancement toward establishing a global plant health network, enabling farmers to detect, contain, and combat outbreaks before they cause severe damage to crops.
Barbra Muzata, CGIAR spokesperson, said the Sustainable Farming Programme (SFP) is dedicated to tackling key challenges in agri-food systems by promoting efficient production of nutritious foods, protecting the environment and creating equitable employment opportunities. “Launched through the integration of three initiatives – Excellence in Agronomy, Plant Health, and Mixed Farming Systems – FP leverages CGIAR’s extensive expertise to provide integrated farm management solutions that meet the needs of farmers and food systems,” said Muzata.
She added that the SFP’s goal is to sustainably increase farm production, productivity and profitability of nutritious food by 60% over the next 30 years. “The programme aims to reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint, counter climate change and other systemic shocks, reach five million farmers across two million hectares, and decrease farm-related greenhouse gas emissions by 15%.”
