Ghana is spearheading a continent-wide effort to combat the destructive fall armyworm, a pest that has ravaged maize crops across Africa. The country is hosting a gathering of African nations to review progress made under the Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Co-operation Initiative (KAFACI).
The fall armyworm first wreaked havoc on Ghana’s maize fields in 2016 and 2017, prompting swift action from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). With KAFACI’s financial support, CSIR scientists have developed sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management solutions.
Professor Paul Bosu, Director-General of CSIR, emphasized the critical role of combating the fall armyworm in ensuring food security for Africa. The pest has significantly impacted maize production, a staple food for millions of Africans.
“We’re taking a nature-based approach to tackle this problem,” said Prof. Bosu. “By understanding the pest’s life cycle and behavior, we’ve developed strategies to disrupt its breeding and feeding patterns.”
Ghana’s success in managing the fall armyworm has not gone unnoticed. The country has shared its knowledge and expertise with other African nations, including Madagascar, Nigeria, and Zambia. The collaboration with the Republic of Korea’s Rural Development Administration (RDA) has been instrumental in advancing research and development in areas such as integrated pest management and crop resilience.
The KAFACI Young Scientist Award, which offers young African researchers the opportunity to learn from Korean experts, is another important aspect of the partnership.
Rev. Dr. Patrick Numo, Chief Director of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, highlighted the government’s commitment to investing in sustainable agriculture. He emphasized the need to develop strategies to address both pest outbreaks and the impacts of climate change.
By working together, African nations can build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future, ensuring food security for generations to come.
