Written by Mercy Achieng

PlantVillage Hosts European Union Delegation at CETC IL in Kenya

In the relentless fight against the fall armyworm to enhance food security in Eastern Africa, PlantVillage recently hosted a delegation from the European Union-Funded FAW-IPM project in Kenya. 

Among the attendees were delegates from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TAR), and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). 

The delegation, which visited the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Current and Emerging Threats to Crops (CETC IL) IPM lab in Machakos County, was treated to an illuminating tour of the Parasitoid Rearing Lab. 

Led by PlantVillage’s pioneering scientists Frankline Areba and Brenda Cheptoo, they delved into various aspects, including production of parasitoids, the preparation of diet ingredients, infestation methods, quality control measures and release of parasitoids to maize fields. 

This visit follows the conclusion of the European Union-funded Integrated Pest Management strategy aimed at countering Fall Armyworm and improving food security in Eastern Africa (FAW-IPM) project, where PlantVillage showcased its significant contributions. The focus was on augmentative biological control, particularly through engaging youth to expand parasitoid production.

“Among PlantVillage's notable contributions is the successful implementation of augmentative releases of key parasitoids, Telenomus remus and Trichogramma chilonis, in Kenya. These efforts have led to a significant reduction in fall armyworm populations, directly benefiting farmers and resulting in improved maize yields,” noted Frankline Areba, the PlantVillage parasitoid project lead.

PlantVillage, through the generous support of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Current and Emerging Threats to Crops (CETC IL), has played a significant role in combatting the menace of fall armyworms. Over 140 million parasitoids have been produced, with more than 99 million already released into maize fields across Kenya. 

The success of the parasitoid project highlights PlantVillage's unwavering dedication to sustainable pest management practices and the fortification of food security in the region.

Ernest Bahunde from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board was delighted to learn about the parasitoid-rearing innovation, expressing his awe and happiness during the insightful session.

"Learning about the parasitoid-rearing innovation fills me with happiness and optimism. It's not just a remarkable achievement, but also a practical solution that can be implemented in Rwanda to effectively combat fall armyworm," he said.

Dr. Subramanian Sevgan, Principal Scientist at ICIPE, commended PlantVillage for its proactive involvement of youth in the battle against the fall armyworm. He expressed particular intrigue at the collaborative efforts between ICIPE and PlantVillage, which have emerged as groundbreaking initiatives. 

“This partnership brings hope to smallholder farmers grappling with the devastating effects of fall armyworms on maize crops.

“I am truly pleased with the success of PlantVillage, especially in the establishment of three parasitoid labs across Kenya. These facilities are greatly aiding in the mass production of parasitoids, contributing significantly to the fight against the fall armyworm,” Dr. Sevgan said.

In addition to the efforts in parasitoid production and pest management, PlantVillage is actively engaged in promoting maize seed sales to support smallholder farmers. The program has reached over 1,973 farmers across the Western, Eastern, Rift Valley, and Nyanza regions of Kenya. 

The initiative has resulted in the sale of over 8,252 maize seed packets, providing farmers with access to high-quality seeds to improve their crop yields and livelihoods.

 

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