Mitigating Africa’s worst pest threat to food security by revolutionizing crop protection with a biological and sustainable weed control alternative.
This technology is a selective biological herbicide that farmers apply as a seed coating to boost their crop yields. This groundbreaking innovation is one of the first bioherbicides to be commercialized worldwide. It uses strains of a specific Kenyan fungus, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae, which have been selected for their ability to over-produce certain amino acids that kill Striga (witchweed) without harming maize. Normally, Fusarium oxysporum isn’t strong enough to protect crops from Striga. However, by choosing strains that over-produce specific amino acids, the fungus can effectively reduce Striga infestations and restore crop yields. This is the first technology to combine the benefits of amino acid inhibition with fungal pathogens.
This technology is pre-validated.
Adults 18 and over: Positive high
The poor: Positive high
Women: Positive medium
Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable
Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement
The striga bioherbicide technology targets Striga (witchweed), a parasitic weed that causes significant yield losses in staple crops such as maize and sorghum. With a positive impact on crop productivity and food security, it is easily applicable in dispersed farming communities, particularly benefiting smallholder farmers, women, and young people. This contributes to reducing poverty, hunger, and improving overall well-being.
As the technology is available in several countries, including Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Ghana, include the delivery cost to the project site and account for import clearance and duties if relevant.
Training is important because treating seeds requires knowledge and skills to be performed properly and safely. A team of trainers could provide training and support during project installation. Include the cost for training and post-training support for using the technology.
Communication support for the technology should be developed (flyers, videos, radio broadcasts, etc.).
For better optimization of this technology, it is recommended to associate it with complementary technologies such as improved seed varieties, integrated pest management strategies, and sustainable farming practices.
Retail prices to treat 2kg of maize seed (0.2 acre)
Yield increased
Country | Tested | Adopted |
---|---|---|
Cameroon | Tested | –Not adopted |
Ethiopia | Tested | –Not adopted |
Ghana | Tested | –Not adopted |
Kenya | Tested | Adopted |
Uganda | Tested | –Not adopted |
This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.
AEZ | Subtropic - warm | Subtropic - cool | Tropic - warm | Tropic - cool |
---|---|---|---|---|
Arid | – | – | ||
Semiarid | – | – | ||
Subhumid | – | – | ||
Humid | – | – | – | – |
Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.
Kichawi Kill is administered by:
Last updated on 30 August 2024