CABI has published a working paper assessing the legacy of Plantwise programmes in six countries: Nepal, Pakistan, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Jamaica. The paper, entitled Plantwise Sustainability: Two Years on, finds that the sustainability of a Plantwise programme hinges heavily on the country in question. This means that while it is difficult to engineer or… The post CABI shares important new evidence on the legacy of Plantwise appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

Global food consumption is predicted to increase by 51% by 2050. This is a profound challenge for our agrifood systems, which will only be made harder by the increased pressures of climate change on food security. In addition, agriculture is not just impacted by climate change; it is also a significant source of the greenhouse… The post How climate smart agriculture can lead to ‘triple wins’ for farmers threatened by climate change appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

The mealy plum aphid, or reed aphid, is a sap-sucking plant pest that is commercially important for fruit tree farmers. It is present across the globe and can cause significant damage in large numbers. Introduction Aphids are small, soft-bodied, sap-sucking bugs in the family Aphididae which cause extensive damage to plants when in large numbers.… The post Mealy Plum Aphid: An Overview appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

Cocoyam species are a staple crop in Ghana that hold significant importance for food security, particularly in times of famine and natural disasters. Despite being known for their hardy nature, cocoyams are vulnerable to a range of pests and diseases which can threaten their production. Cocoyam production also faces additional challenges which affect crop yields… The post Pests and diseases: cocoyam production in Ghana appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

CABI, as part of its work under the global PlantwisePlus programme, has joined forces with a range of partners to deliver a consumer food safety workshop ahead of a survey to assess food safety practices in Bangladesh. CABI joined colleagues, from the Department of Agriculture and Extension (DAE), Plant Quarantine Wing (PQW), Bangladesh Food Safety… The post Workshop helps prepare survey to assess food safety practices in Bangladesh appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

Pesticide misuse and overuse threaten food safety. However, crop pests and diseases are a major threat to productivity and quality. As a result, when outbreaks occur, farmers often rely on pesticides. Horticultural produce, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, are among the commodities most commonly produced and consumed locally. Pests and diseases significantly constrain productivity and… The post Mitigating pesticide risks for safer produce in Kenya: challenges and recommendations appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

Scale insects are a diverse group of small, sap-sucking insects with flat or domed shells. Their lack of mobility and protective shell make them difficult to manage. This explains why many scale species are commercial agricultural pests. Scales pierce plant tissue with their mouthparts to feed on the sap weakening the plant. Any excess fluid… The post Control of scale insects in fruit trees appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

How can better food systems protect food security? We talk to CABI’s food safety scientist, Sydney Phiri, in a Q&A Scientist Sydney Phiri joined CABI in 2022 to focus on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues and food safety. He has a well-established career and has worked on a range of food safety and hygiene issues,… The post How does better food processing support food security? appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are the outline to achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. The 17 goals aim to address challenges relating to poverty, inequality, climate change, the environment, and peace and justice. A number of these global goals are central to CABI’s PlantwisePlus programme. Today 836 million people live in… The post PlantwisePlus and the Sustainable Development Goals appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more

The PRISE project has carried out a successful radio and SMS campaign targeting maize, tomato and bean smallholder farmers in Malawi. In collaboration with Farm Radio Trust (FRT) the campaign was developed in late 2020 to disseminate the PRISE pest alert forecasts to rural farmers in Mchinji and Balaka districts and promote the uptake of… The post Successful PRISE-FRT radio campaign promotes IPM to farmers in Malawi appeared first on PlantwisePlus Blog ..read more