Banana farmers in Malawi are on a path to recovery following a devastating impact from the banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), which decimated local banana varieties for over a decade. The disease, affecting up to 16 African countries, leads to significant yield losses and plant death. In Malawi, the virus jeopardized the livelihoods of nearly 200,000 farmers in 2016. Initiatives by the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization and the Malawi government are now aiding in the revival of the industry.
Efforts to combat the spread of BBTV include the adoption of BBTV-free varieties, despite their vulnerability to the disease. Special Agricultural Product and Kulima programs have guided farmers to replace infected plants and manage disease risks effectively. Strategies include planting new varieties at a distance from existing banana plantations and destroying any symptomatic plants.
However, the recovery is challenged by the influx of cheaper, lower-quality bananas from neighboring Tanzania and Mozambique, affecting local market prices. The quality of Malawi's bananas is superior, but the price differential poses a competitive challenge. Additional support from the Chinese government through the "School Banana Orchard Establishment" initiative aims to bolster banana cultivation across educational institutions in Malawi, further supporting the industry's recovery.
Source: VOA