In western Kenya, cassava production is under siege from a range of pests and diseases, posing a threat to this vital food source. Cassava, a key staple after maize in Kenya's western and coastal regions, sustains over 500 million people across sub-Saharan Africa. However, recent findings offer a glimmer of hope for combating these agricultural challenges.
A study conducted by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Institute (KALRO) titled "Occurrence and Distribution of Major Cassava Pests and Diseases in Cultivated Cassava Varieties in Western Kenya," undertook field surveys in six major cassava-producing counties. The research aimed to assess the impact of Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) and Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), along with pests such as whiteflies and cassava green mites (CGM), on cassava crops.
The study revealed that while CMD remains prevalent, its impact has been mitigated by the adoption of improved cassava varieties like MM96/4271, which exhibit resistance to CMD and tolerance to CBSD. These varieties have been instrumental in safeguarding yields against these diseases. Moreover, the research underscored the urgent need for continued surveillance and management of pests like whiteflies and CGMs, whose populations are on the rise, partly due to climate change.
Efforts by KALRO to promote improved cassava varieties have seen positive uptake, with varieties adapted to local conditions showing lower disease rates and higher yields. The study advocates for strengthening seed delivery systems, enhancing marketing structures, and providing farmer training in good agricultural practices to further these gains.
The reemergence of pests like CGMs, despite previous control efforts, highlights the necessity for ongoing research and development of effective control strategies. This is critical for maintaining cassava as a climate-resilient crop vital for food security, especially under increasingly dry conditions.
The successful adoption of disease-resistant cassava varieties, developed through collaboration between IITA, KALRO, and Uganda's National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), marks a significant advancement in the battle against cassava pests and diseases in Kenya. These efforts are crucial for ensuring the crop's future as a reliable food source in the region and beyond, amidst the challenges posed by climate change.
Source: IITA