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ABIDJAN : Researchers from half a dozen West African states fought against what an expert calls a root plant "Ebola" – a viral disease that could destroy the region's staple diet and condemn millions of people
Their enemy: Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), a virus that strikes cassava, also called cassava, which in some countries of the region is consumed by 80% of the population
. The rotting disease was discovered in Tanzania eight decades ago and is gradually shifting to the west.
"In households in Central Africa, it eliminated 90 to 100% of cassava production. , in charge of the research program, declared: AFP .
"This is a very big threat that must be taken very seriously."
In Uganda, 3,000 people died of starvation in the region. 1990s after the dreaded disease appeared, hitting small farmers especially Ular.
"You can call it Ebola from cassava," said Pita.
The West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) project, a multi-million dollar program funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to protect the region from ongoing danger.
Based in Bingerville, on the outskirts of Abidjan, the Ivorian economic capital, brings together six countries from West Africa – Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria and Togo – as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo
We already know a lot about CBSD – the virus is generally thought that it is spread by an insect called the field whitefly, as well as by cuttings taken on infected plants.
But there are still gaps in knowledge about the specific vulnerabilities of West Africa to the disease. cassava strains to the virus, and identifying points in the cassava trade that can help a localized outbreak of CBSD swell up in an epidemic.
The program will also examine initiatives for h High yield of elephants – a key challenge in a region where population growth is booming
"The current average yield of cassava (in West Africa) is 10 to 12 tonnes per hectare, but it could reach 40 tonnes per hectare. "said Odile Attanasso, Benin's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
" In Asia, they have yields of 22 tons per hectare. "
& quot; Attieke is our husband & # 39;
The WAVE project hopes to go beyond laboratory and test fields , however.
He also wants to leverage the influence of community leaders and leaders to raise CBSD awareness and promote better farming practices, such as confining and destroying crops in infested areas and prohibiting the transport of cuttings
The chiefs are the interfaces between the people and the government, "said Amon Tanoe, the ceremonial monarch of the coastal region of Grand-Bassam in Cote d'Ivoire.
Ivory Coast is a major consumer of cassava – the starchy root is typically pulped and fermented in Affery, a large cassava-producing region about 100 km east of the economic capital of the United States. 39, Abidjan, Attieke manufacturers said they were deeply worried about the threat of CBSD
. our husband, "said Nathalie Monet Apo, head of the Attieke Farmers' Association, pointing out that the cassava dish is closely linked to Ivorian life
" If the disease manifests itself, it would be dramatic for our family. "They have to find a cure for this disease – it's thanks to the cassava crop that I'm able to educate my four children," said Blandine Yapo Sopi, eyeing a mound of cassava harvested. that she hoped to bring 450,000 CFA francs. – AFP
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