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

Researchers from half a dozen West African states have joined forces to fight what one expert calls a root – plant "Ebola" – a viral disease that could destroy the staple food of the region and condemn millions of people to hunger. enemy: cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), a virus that strikes cassava, also called cassava, which in some countries of the region is consumed by up to 80% of the population.

The disease of root rot was discovered in Tanzania eight decades ago and is gradually moving westward.

"In epidemics in Central Africa, he eliminated 90 to 100% of cassava production – he now heads to West Africa," Justin Pita "

" In Uganda, 3,000 people died of starvation in the 1990s after the dreaded disease appeared, hitting small farmers. in particular

"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 plan will also examine initiatives to assist the current average yield of cassava (in West Africa) is 10 to 12 tons per hectare (from 4 to 4.8 tons per acre), but has the potential "In Asia, they have yields of 22 tons per hectare."

"Attieke is

The WAVE project hopes, however, to go beyond laboratory and test fields

Influence of community leaders and leaders to spread awareness of CBSD and promote better farming practices, such as confining and destroying crops in infested areas and prohibiting the transportation of cassava cuttings. 39, interface between the population and the government, "said Amon Tanoe, the ceremonial monarch of the coastal region of Grand-Bassam in Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast is a major consumer of cassava – the starchy root is typically pulped and fermented and served in an accompaniment dish called attieke

In Affery, a large cassava producing area about 100 km east of the economic capital Abidjan " Attieke is our husband, "said Nathalie Monet Apo, head of the Attieke Farmers' Association, pointing out that the cassava dish is closely linked to Ivorian life. 19659002] "If the disease manifests itself, it will be dramatic for our families and our community."

"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, peeking a mound of cassava harvested that she hoped to bring back to about $ 800.