In Tanzania, banana production plays a pivotal role in the economy, particularly within the agribusiness subsector, which is anticipated to expand by 10 percent by 2030. Bananas are integral to local diets and culture, utilized for both culinary purposes and wine brewing, and are cultivated throughout the year. However, the sector faces a significant threat from the banana bunchy top disease (BBTD), first identified in 2020 in the Kigoma region. This disease, caused by the banana bunchy top virus (BBTV, genus Babuvirus), affects 11 key banana-growing regions and is transmitted via vegetative propagation and the banana aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa), potentially leading to a complete cessation of production within two years.
To combat BBTD, the FAO, with support from USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and in cooperation with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, has initiated training for technical officers on BBTV identification, diagnosis, and containment.
This training aims to bolster the capacity of national plant protection organizations and extension officers in managing the disease. Participants learned to collect samples, use digital tools for real-time surveillance, and implement eradication measures for infected plants. The initiative has enhanced awareness and preparedness among technical officers, with plans to extend this knowledge to field officers, farmers, and stakeholders, aiming for a comprehensive response to BBTD in Tanzania.
Source: reliefweb.int