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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. , responsible for the research program, said: 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 usually thought that it is spread by an insect called the whitefly silver leaf, as well as by cuttings taken from 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 Elk – a key challenge in a region where population growth is booming
"Current Average Yield of Cassava (in West Africa) is 10 to 12 tons per hectare (4 to 4.8 tons per acre). "In Asia, they have yields of 22 tons per hectare."
'Attieke is our husband
The WAVE Project, however, hopes to go beyond laboratory and testing fields.
He also wants to leverage the influence of leaders and community leaders to raise CBSD awareness and promote better agricultural practices, such as confining and destroying crops in infested areas and prohibiting the transport of cassava cuttings.
"We kings and customary chiefs are the interface between the people and the government", said Amon Tanoe, the ceremonial monarch iel from the Grand Bassam Coastal Region to Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast is a major consumer of cassava – the starchy root is typically pulped and fermented. In Affery, a large cassava producing region located about 100 km east of the economic capital of Abidjan, Attieke manufacturers have expressed strong concern about the threat posed by CBSD [19659002] "Attieke is our husband," said Nathalie Monet Apo, head of the Attieke Producers' Association, pointing out how the cassava dish is closely linked to Ivorian life.
"If the disease manifests itself, it would be dramatic for our families"
"They must find a cure for this disease – it is thanks to the cultivation of cassava that I am able to educate my four children, "said Blandine Yapo Sopi, eyeing a mound of cassava harvested she hoped to bring 450,000 CFA francs (RM 3,257.86) – AFP
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