AIV-IPM: Enhancing the livelihood opportunities of smallholder African indigenous vegetable (AIV) producers through the development and implementation of IPM measures for arthropod and nematode Pests

The project is a collaborative effort by icipe, AVRDC, the University of Bonn and NARES partners from Kenya and Tanzania to develop and implement an eco-friendly management approach against major arthropod and nematode pests of three African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) – amaranth, leafy cowpea and African nightshades. Despite the increasing importance and demand for AIVs, the yield and quality of the crops remain far below their potential largely due to numerous abiotic and biotic constraints. Management strategies rely heavily on synthetic pesticides. Research activities in the project will therefore include understanding agro-ecology of major arthropod and nematode pests as well as their natural enemies; develop IPM technologies involving parasitoids, biopesticides, attractants, resistant varieties, cultural practices and soft pesticides. The project will also assess socio-economic attributes of AIV production and IPM techniques as well as build capacities of farmers and agricultural officers.

Additional research on this project is being conducted within the Social Science and Impact Assessment Unit

Donors:

  • BMZ/GIZ

Collaborators:

  • AVRDC – Tanzania & Taiwan
  • University of Bonn, Germany
  • Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
  • Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)
  • National Biological Control Program, Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security (MAFS), Tanzania,
  • Horticulture Research and Training Institute (Horti), Tanzania
  • Kenyatta University (KU), Kenya
  • Real IPM Ltd., Kenya
  • Biocontrol Research Laboratories (BCRL), Bangalore, India.