Improving Farm Productivity and Rural Incomes through Biological Control of Insects (on Mango)
The purpose of this new initiative is to reduce rural poverty and strengthen food security through implementing a biological control of mango insects. The project is started in Burkina Faso with financial support from the African Development Bank, but its effectiveness will depend on the extent to which similar efforts are exerted at a regional level. The role of SAFGRAD within this initiative is
- to bring together and facilitate exchange of regional expertise and other resources for a successful implementation of the project in Burkina Faso , and
- To facilitate and coordinate regional efforts aimed at scaling out the initiative among neighbouring countries.
The mango mealy bug Rastrococcus invadens was accidentally introduced into West Africa where it is moving from country to country. It causes damage to mango production by reducing the quality and quantity of mango produced. The best way to put the brakes on this pest is through biological control, thus reducing the use of chemicals that are potentially harmful to people and the environment. A project was started in Burkina Faso in 2007 with financial support from the African Development Bank for the construction of an insectarium for biological control of the pest. The effectiveness of this project will depend on the extent to which similar efforts are exerted at a regional level. Indeed, these insects are unaware of political barriers and mango is produced in all West African countries, including those bordering Burkina Faso. SAFGRAD’s role within this initiative is to bring together and facilitate exchange of regional expertise and other resources for successful implementation of the project in Burkina Faso and to facilitate and coordinate regional efforts aimed at scaling out the initiative among neighboring countries.
Overall, the project seeks to reduce rural poverty and strengthen food security through implementing a biological control of mango insects, particularly the mealy bug. The specific objectives of the project are to: develop and/or strengthen regional strategy for mango pest control; and facilitate and coordinate implementation of regional efforts among neighboring countries.
During 2008, missions were undertaken to consult with PADL in Banfora and also INERA. Following the signing of the MOU between SAFGRAD and Burkina Faso through PADL/CLK a development project in charge of the activity, funds were received to properly commence the activities planned. The insectarium has been constructed. Research activities for the transfer of biological control of mango pest were planned and constitute the core activity for a MOU between SAFGRAD and IITA and INERA, respectively that were signed in 2008. The regional strategy has developed during a workshop held in December 2010 in Burkina Faso and attended by 8 neighboring countries.
