A tale of an African farmer
Farmer Baba Alphonse, northern Benin
Sixty-year old farmer Alphonse Ogoule-Okpe of Ogoukpate Village, about 40 km from Porto Novo in northern Bénin, had all but abandoned cassava and maize farming.
Many years ago, insects (mealybug and cassava green mite) and diseases (such as blight) had attacked his cassava crops and “Baba” Alphonse and many like him in his village were hit hard because of the low yields and loss of a food and cash crop. The problem was compounded by the poor soil conditions in the fields.
During a visit to the small village by IITA scientists who distributed planting materials of improved IITA cassava varieties, Baba Alphonse said, “I would be happy if the problem with these insects and diseases will be over. Thanks to IITA, I can plant a new variety that is resistant to the problem pests.”
Unknown to farmer Alphonse, a few kilometers away from his farm was where the predator of the cassava green mite, T. aripo, was first released in Benin by IITA—way back in 1993. That—and his use of the new varieties from IITA would help ensure better cassava harvests for his family and the community.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Leave your response!