Parasitic wasps play pivotal role in Kenyaâs papaya mealybug control
Papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) is a devastating papaya pest. It impacts many countries in East and West Africa. Infestations can result in significant economic losses, posing a threat to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. On average, the pest can cause anywhere from 53% to 100% crop losses, costing ÂŁ2,224 per hectare annually. Its impact on…
Bridging the gender digital divide in GhanaÂ
The gender digital divide is impacting women’s access and use of digital agricultural tools. In recent years, there has been significant growth in digital technologies aimed at farmers and farmer advisors. These technologies offer opportunities for growth and development by boosting the reach of agricultural knowledge, services, and support. However, as with face-to-face agricultural advisory…
Common Papaya Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide
Papaya, also commonly known as the papaw or pawpaw, is a large tropical fruit-producing plant originating from Central America. Market demand for tropical fruits has steadily grown, and consequently, the papaya has become an important agricultural export in many countries around the world. As of 2020, India was the largest producer of papaya, followed by…
Can Uganda’s agro-dealers become champions of sustainable pest control?
The global surge in pesticide use has helped to increase agricultural productivity. However, it has also raised alarms about the risks they pose to health and the environment. In many low- and middle-income countries, agro-input dealers (commonly called agro-dealers) play a central role in supplying farmers with inputs such as fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. They…
Empowering women farmers with digital tools in India
In India, 59 per cent of women work in agriculture. This workforce is vital to the country’s rural economy, with women performing many of the big farming jobs, such as planting, weeding, tending, and harvesting crops.
PlantwisePlus delivers plant health âtraining of trainersâ in South SudanÂ
South Sudanâs agricultural sector is vital to its economy and employs most of the population. The FAO estimates that up to 95% of South Sudan relies on agriculture for income. Diverse crops like cassava, maize, groundnut and sorghum characterize farming here. However, agriculture in this East African nation faces challenges. Climate change and global warming,…