Overview
This project aimed to adapt and promote the wide-scale adoption of integrated pest management interventions in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Mangoes are an important fruit crop in sub-Saharan Africa as a source of nutritious food, employment, and opportunities for livelihood improvement. However, high infestation of insect pests, especially fruit flies (native and invasive), hamper mango productivity in the region.
A series of interventions such as baiting techniques, male annihilation, biopesticide application, orchard sanitation, and the use of augmentoria are being tested in different agro-ecological zones to increase their fit to specific locations.
With a specific focus on women and youth, the project team will also assess the socioeconomic impacts of integrated pest management options alongside enhancing human and institutional capacity of partners to use the technologies. Reaching up to 4,000 mango growers, including resource-poor men and women farmers, the project is focusing on improving food and nutrition security, providing income generation opportunities and improving livelihoods of horticultural farmers.
Project outcomes
- Adopting one or more integrated pest management technology(ies) by 500,000 mango farmers.
- Increasing access to lucrative international export markets for fresh fruits.
- Informing and training stakeholders and students on integrated pest management technologies
- Reducing application of synthetic chemical insecticides
- Establishing regional networks for the implementation of pest management technologies.
