CABI experts recently held a training session in Lusaka, Zambia, empowering 20 youth farmers to seize business opportunities related to biological control of the devastating fall armyworm (FAW).
CABI together with the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) and the University of Zambia (UNZA) is implementing a project, funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), to advocate village-based biological control of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Zambia.
The training participants, hailing from four districts of Siavonga, Chirundu, Chongwe, and Mumbwa, were equipped with essential skills and insights into establishing businesses in the production, distribution and sale of biological control solutions to FAW, marking a significant step towards promoting sustainable agribusiness ventures among the youth.
Building viable business ventures in sustainable pest control solutions
Deogratius Magero, Youth Engagement Manager for CABI Africa, said the primary goal of the five-day training session was to equip youth with vital skills and insights to enable them to establish and grow businesses in biological control while supporting farmers’ adoption of sustainable biological pest control practices.
He emphasized that the training was designed to address the need for sustainable pest control solutions while empowering participants to develop viable agribusiness ventures. This approach aims to tackle unemployment in rural Africa and enhance food security.
“The comprehensive program covered a range of topics, including business opportunities in agricultural production of biological control products, service provision to farmers such as spraying of the biocontrol solutions, value-chain opportunities, financial literacy in business and the relevant business models.”
Mr Magero explained, “By focusing on these areas, we provided a holistic understanding of how to create and manage successful agribusiness ventures in biological control of fall armyworm.”
He added that the training introduced participants to innovative methods and perspectives essential for establishing sustainable agribusinesses.
This not only showcased the potential for youth to drive positive change in the agricultural sector but also provided practical solutions to real-world challenges such as unemployment, the need for job creation in rural communities and alternatives to overuse of chemical pesticides.
The youth will be further trained on the technical skills of farm-level production, collection and spraying of the biological control solution using the baculovirus Fawligen and the entomopathogen Metarizhium rileyi in September 2024.
Youth advancing food security and economic growth
Chipo Garawaziba, a youth farmer from Siavonga, said, “We have learned how to control fall armyworm in our fields using safe methods, and we’ll teach others to do the same.”
Hassan Njobvu, a youth farmer echoed this sentiment, adding, “The training emphasized sustainable practices and business skills, equipping youth with the tools for success in modern agriculture and highlighting their crucial role in advancing food security and economic growth.”
Advocating for village-based biological control of fall armyworm in Zambia
Léna Durocher-Granger, Project Scientist, Entomologist, based at CABI’s centre in Lusaka, Zambia, is leading the project ‘Village-based biological control of fall armyworm in Zambia.’
At the certificate awarding session, she said: “During this training, you [the youths] have been given tools to plan and manage your agribusinesses. Now, you have the responsibility to bring back that knowledge to your communities and apply it to help fellow farmers to control FAW in a safer and more economical way.”
In recent years, fall armyworm has emerged as one of the most destructive invasive species in Zambia, affecting at least 98% of smallholder farmers each cropping cycle and causing significant yield losses.
Consequently, these farmers heavily rely on chemical pesticides to combat the pest. However, the extensive use of chemical pesticides has adverse effects on food quality, the environment, the health of farming communities, and food safety, and can also lead to insecticide resistance.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, which include non-chemical practices like biopesticides, offer an alternative approach to managing fall armyworm while reducing chemical pesticide use. Despite their potential, biopesticides are rarely utilized due to high costs and limited availability.
The training concluded with a certificate awarding session, which was attended by Dr Noah Phiri, CABI’s Regional Representative, Southern Africa alongside Dr Paul Kachapulula of the University of Zambia.
CABI and its partners are dedicated to enhancing food security and safety for Zambian smallholder farmers by promoting nature-based solutions.
Additional information
Main image: Deogratius Magero, Youth Engagement Manager for CABI Africa and Léna Durocher-Granger, Project Scientist, Entomologist, pose with the youth after the business training (Credit: Muyabango Liywalii).
Project page
‘Village-based biological control of fall armyworm in Zambia.’
Relevant stories
‘Project advocates village-based biological control of fall armyworm in Zambia.’
‘Importance of women and youth in African agriculture highlighted at 6th Africa Agri Expo 2023.’
‘Africa’s youth unemployment challenge needs a revolution in order to sustain global development.’
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