How agro-dealer training in Uganda is reducing pesticide risks and making farming safer
Agro-dealers can play a critical role in sharing knowledge about pesticide safety and biopesticides. Misusing chemical pesticides harms farmers, consumers, animals and the environment. However, safe handling of pesticides and the use of nature-based alternatives help to reduce these risks. Nevertheless, many farmers lack access to relevant information. It has been estimated that less than…
Meet Florence Malemba, the virtual plant doctor reaching more farmers through video
Even from afar, it’s easy to spot Florence Malemba. She’s wearing a white lab coat labelled “Plant Doctor”, and a banner hangs behind where she’s organizing her equipment, ready to assist her farmer-patients of the day. Florence is setting up her plant clinic in Njoro, an agricultural town southwest of Nakuru City, Kenya.
Pakistan launches agri-journalist forum to promote sustainable farming
Pakistan’s media has taken a significant step towards raising awareness on pesticide risks and sustainable farming with the launch of the country’s first Agri-journalist forum. It came alongside a series of media interventions and awareness raising activities led by CABI’s PlantwisePlus programme. The forum aims to strengthen the flow of knowledge on sustainable farming and…
Safer pesticide use: Voluntary standard for agro-dealers launched in China
On December 26, 2024, Sichuan Province launched a significant initiative: the “Establishment Specification for IPM Promotion Pesticide Stores.” Written in collaboration with local partners and PlantwisePlus, including CABI’s Dr Min Wan, this new voluntary standard aims to reform agro-shop operations in China. Starting January 1, 2025, it promotes safer pesticide use aligned with Integrated Pest…
Empowering agro-dealers: A toolkit for safer and sustainable farming in Uganda
PlantwisePlus has reached a milestone in relations with the government of Uganda. On 14 November, the programme handed over a training toolkit for a module on lower-risk plant protection products to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). A team collaboratively developed the resource to help train Uganda’s agro-dealers. It forms part of…
Bolivia’s plant clinics help train the next generation of agricultural advisors
Este blog también está disponible en español. Farmers in Bolivia face significant challenges, including diverse climate conditions, limited access to water, and crop pests and diseases. These issues are further compounded by rural labour shortages as young people migrate to urban areas, leaving fewer hands to sustain traditional farming practices. Access to agricultural advice and…
Las clínicas de plantas de Bolivia ayudan a formar la próxima generación de asesores agrícolas
Los agricultores de Bolivia frecuentemente deben enfrentar los retos impuestos por las condiciones climáticas adversas, el acceso limitado al agua y el ataque de plagas y enfermedades en sus cultivos. Estos problemas se ven agravados por la escasez de mano de obra rural, ya que los jóvenes emigran a las zonas urbanas, dejando menos manos…
Chilli black thrips outbreak: supporting Indian farmers to protect crops sustainably
Outbreaks of Thrips parvispinus, commonly known as chilli black thrips or Southeast Asian thrips, are causing challenges for smallholder farmers in India. These tiny, dark-coloured invasive pests are responsible for considerable economic losses, particularly for growers who rely on chilli crops as a primary source of income. Chilli black thrips are notorious for their aggressive…
CABI calls for gender equality for rural women in Pakistan
Every year, Rural Women’s Day is celebrated on 15 October. It recognizes the valuable contributions that women living in rural communities make to agriculture, food security and rural development. In Pakistan, this is important. According to Relief Web, Pakistan’s total female population is over 101 million. However, around 64 million women – more than half…
Celebrating success: Zambian smallholders combat cassava brown streak disease
Cassava is a critical crop to Zambia’s economy and food security. According to a 2019 paper, cassava (Manihot esculenta) is one of the most important root staple crops in Zambia. An estimated 30% of Zambians – over four million people – consume cassava as part of their daily diet. Indeed, this crop is so important…