The Central and West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) Programme of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, in collaboration with BioRisk-CORAF and the Abia State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), has organized a one-day Farmers’ Field Day Training on Cassava Virus Management to strengthen food security and protect cassava production in Abia State.
Country Director, WAVE
The training, held at the ADP premises in Umuahia, brought together farmers, extension agents, researchers, and other agricultural stakeholders to enhance their understanding of cassava viral diseases and improve their capacity for disease identification, prevention, and management.
Speaking during the event, the Country Director of the WAVE Programme, Dr. Chukwuemeka Nkere, said the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and other cassava viral diseases in West Africa.
According to him, WAVE collaborates with research institutions, governments, regulatory agencies, extension workers, and farming communities to strengthen disease surveillance, encourage early detection, and promote best practices in cassava production.
Dr. Nkere explained that although Cassava Brown Streak Disease is currently restricted to East Africa, it poses a serious threat to cassava production across the continent due to its devastating effects on yield and root quality.
He noted that the training was designed to create awareness among farmers and stakeholders while equipping them with practical knowledge and skills for identifying symptoms of cassava viral diseases and implementing effective management strategies.
The WAVE Country Director further disclosed that the programme continues to carry out nationwide monitoring and surveillance for cassava viral diseases alongside advocacy campaigns, awareness programmes, and training workshops for farmers, extension agents, National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs), and other stakeholders.
He commended the Abia State Agricultural Development Programme for its commitment to grassroots agricultural extension services, describing the partnership as vital to the success of disease prevention and management interventions.
Declaring the training open, the Programme Manager of Abia ADP, Mr. Okoro Nleanya, described cassava as one of Africa’s most important food security crops and a major source of livelihood for millions of smallholder farmers.
Mr. Nleanya stated that the training focused on practical approaches to disease prevention and management, including early planting, the use of improved disease-resistant varieties, clean planting materials, and digital extension technologies.
He appreciated the WAVE Programme for partnering with Abia ADP to bring the intervention closer to local farmers and also commended Governor Alex Otti for supporting agricultural extension services and farmer empowerment initiatives in the state.
The ADP Programme Manager urged participants to actively engage during the training and share the knowledge gained with other farmers in their communities to ensure healthier cassava farms and increased productivity across the state.
Some participating farmers, including Mrs. Helen Iheanacho and Mr. Chibuike David, described the training as timely and impactful, noting that it provided them with practical measures for identifying cassava diseases, preventing outbreaks, and improving cassava production in their communities.
