The Central and West African Virus Epidemiology for Root and Tuber Crops (WAVE) has intensified efforts to sensitise cassava farmers in Kebbi State on the emergence and spread of a new cassava mosaic virus threatening farms across parts of Africa.
The awareness campaign, held on Tuesday in Tungar Noma community in Argungu Local Government Area, focused on helping farmers understand how the disease affects cassava crops and the potential risk it poses to food security.
Speaking during the programme, the Country Director of WAVE, Prof. Ibrahim Umar, said the initiative was carried out in collaboration with Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, and includes the establishment of six demonstration farms across the North-West and North-East regions.
He explained that the demonstration sites are aimed at improving cassava production and strengthening farmers’ capacity to manage plant diseases more effectively.
According to him, while cassava mosaic disease already exists in Nigeria, several other strains affecting cassava in Africa—particularly in East Africa—are gradually moving westward.
He identified the East African Cassava Mosaic Disease-Uganda variant as the most severe, noting that infected farms could suffer total crop loss. He added that the disease has been detected in some West African countries, though it has not yet been recorded in Nigeria.
Umar said the engagement was also designed to involve farmers in early disease surveillance by encouraging them to report unusual symptoms observed in their fields.
He stated that contact details and information leaflets showing disease symptoms had been distributed to help farmers quickly raise alerts for timely intervention.
The WAVE director warned that since Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of cassava, an outbreak could have serious consequences for food production and livelihoods.
He stressed that early detection and rapid response remain crucial in preventing the spread of the virus.
Umar further noted that the awareness drive was already producing positive results, as some farmers had begun reaching out to the centre after noticing unusual changes in their cassava crops.