The central and West African Virus Epidemiology for Root and Tuber Crops (WAVE) has launched a sensitisation campaign for cassava farmers in Kebbi State to curb the spread of a new cassava mosaic virus across Africa.
The programme was held on Tuesday at Tungar Noma community in Argungu Local Government Area.
The aim is to educate farmers on how the virus affects cassava plantations and threatens food security.
Addressing the farmers, the Country Director of WAVE, Prof. Ibrahim Umar, said the organisation, in collaboration with Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, had established six demonstration plots across the North-West and North-East regions.
He said the demonstration plots were designed to boost cassava productivity and improve disease management.
“We already have cassava mosaic disease in Nigeria, but there are about 11 other cassava diseases across Africa, especially in East Africa, that are gradually spreading westward,” Umar said.
“The most dangerous among them is the East African Cassava Mosaic Disease-Uganda variant. The disease is highly devastating because affected farmers may harvest nothing. It has already been reported in some West African countries, though not yet in Nigeria.”
Umar explained that the engagement was meant to involve farmers in the centre’s disease monitoring process, especially in reporting unusual symptoms observed on their farms.
“We have shared phone numbers and distributed flyers containing pictures of disease symptoms so that farmers can quickly report any suspicious signs for prompt response,” he said.
He warned that Nigeria, as the world’s largest cassava producer, could face catastrophic consequences if the virus enters the country.
Umar emphasised that early detection and rapid response are critical to preventing the spread of the virus.
He noted that the sensitisation campaign is already yielding results, as some farmers have started contacting the centre through the provided phone numbers whenever they notice unusual symptoms on their cassava plants.
