A Professor of Agricultural Entomology at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Prof Elechi Franca Asawalam, has advocated the use of organic materials in combating tiny insect pests, warning that excessive reliance on synthetic insecticides poses serious risks to crops, humans and the environment.
Prof Asawalam made the call while delivering the university’s 68th Inaugural Lecture titled, “Tiny Insect Pests and Huge Crop Losses: Dilemma of an Agricultural Entomologist.” She highlighted the devastating impact of insect pests on food production, describing their management as a long-standing challenge in agriculture.
According to the Professor, insect pests, though minute compared to the crops they attack, possess the capacity to cause total crop failure if not effectively managed. She noted that losses caused by insect pests occur at various stages including cultivation, harvesting, transportation, processing and storage.
Citing estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), she disclosed that the volume of food destroyed annually by insect pests could feed several hundred million people worldwide. She also referenced research indicating that global food supply could potentially triple in the absence of insect damage.
Prof Asawalam explained that insects belong to the phylum Arthropoda and are characterized by features such as exoskeletons and jointed appendages. She clarified that not all insects are pests, and not all pests are insects, stressing the need for scientific classification and targeted management strategies.
The entomologist lamented that chemical control using synthetic insecticides has dominated pest management in Nigeria for decades, despite the attendant problems of high mammalian toxicity, environmental persistence, health hazards and the development of insect resistance.
She pointed out that chemicals such as DDT have been banned in many developed countries due to their long-term environmental hazards, while methyl bromide was phased out globally under the Montreal Protocol for its ozone-depleting effects.
Prof Asawalam therefore advocated increased research into natural products derived from locally available plants as safer and more sustainable alternatives, urging the government to regulate the use of synthetic insecticides and leverage the expertise of professional bodies in pest management to safeguard food security.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, described the lecture as significant and timely, noting that it would be the last inaugural lecture he would witness as Vice-Chancellor.
He commended Prof Asawalam for her thorough research, stressing that insect pest control is a national concern, not solely the responsibility of entomologists. He encouraged the adoption of local insecticides and stronger regulatory frameworks.
Prof Iwe who also reflected on his administration’s achievements over the past five years, including strengthening the university’s culture, promoting research visibility and increasing the number of inaugural lectures, urged staff and students to sustain the institution’s growing reputation and work collectively for the university’s advancement.
The 68th Inaugural Lecture was formally declared closed by the Vice Chancellor with a renewed call for innovation, collaboration and sustainable agricultural practices to address the growing challenge of tiny insect pests.
In an interview, retired United Nations staff member, Dr Hyacinth Obiyor, expressed delight over the discovery, noting that it highlights how seemingly small issues can create major problems if left unchecked.
He pointed out that tiny insect pests have the potential to cost Nigeria and Africa millions of dollars in agricultural losses. According to him, discussing practical ways to eradicate these pests will significantly improve agricultural productivity and stressed that agriculture remains fundamental to human survival, regardless of race or tribe.
Dr Obiyor added that several recommendations have already been made to the government on effective strategies to reduce insect infestation to the barest minimum. He stressed that proper implementation of the discovery would enhance food production by eliminating crop-destroying pests.
Similarly, Hon Wisdom Ogbonna underscored the importance of agriculture to economic growth.
He stated that once the challenge posed by destructive insects is properly managed, the agricultural sector will witness remarkable improvement, while highlighting the need to embrace mechanized farming to boost productivity and efficiency.
