West African states in common struggle against root culture "Ebola"

ABIDJAN (AFP) – Researchers from half a dozen West African states have united to fight what an expert calls a plant "Ebola" root – a viral disease that could destroy the region's staple food and condemn millions

Their enemy: cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), a virus that strikes cassava, also known as cassava which in some countries of the region is consumed by 80% of the population.

"In Central Africa, she has eliminated between 90 and 100 percent of cassava production – she is now heading to West Africa," Justin said. Pita, head of the research program, told AFP

"This is a very big threat.This must be taken very seriously."

In Uganda, 3,000 people died hungry in the 1990s after the onset of the dreaded disease, particularly striking small farmers

"We can call it the Ebola of cassava". Pita said.

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 the Ivorian economic capital Abidjan, it brings together six countries from West Africa – Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Cote d 'Ivoire, Nigeria and Togo. – as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Much is already known about CBSD – it is generally believed that the virus is spread by an insect called silver leaf whitefly, as well as by cuttings taken from infected plants.

Africa's Specific Vulnerabilities to Disease

include an understanding of the susceptibility of local cassava strains to the virus and the identification of points in the cassava trade that may contribute to an epidemic localized CBSD swelling up in an epidemic.

Also look at initiatives to increase performance – a key challenge in a region with rapid population growth.

"The current average yield of cassava (in West Africa) is 10 to 12 tonnes per hectare, but it has the potential to reach 40 tonnes per hectare," said Odile Attanasso, Beninese Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

"In Asia, they have yields of 22 tons per hectare."

The WAVE Project hopes He also wants to harness the power of community leaders and leaders to raise awareness of CBSD and promote better farming practices, such as confining and destroying crops in infested areas and prohibiting the transport of animals. "We, kings and traditional chiefs, are the interface 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 and served in an accompanying dish attieke .

In Affery, a large cassava-producing region about 100 kilometers east of the economic capital Abidjan, "Attieke is our husband," said Nathalie Monet Apo, head of the farmers' association of attieke emphasizing how "If the disease manifests itself, it would be dramatic for our families and our community."

"They must find a cure for this disease – it's thanks to the culture of cassava that I am able to provide an education to my four children, "said Blandine Yapo Sopi, eyeing a mound of cassava harvested which, she hoped, would bring in 450,000 CFA francs