Five farmers in Kano State have been recognized as the best in a hands-on competition that aimed to foster innovation in pest management against tomato diseases.
The initiative, led by HortiNigeria, is a multifaceted effort to combat the devastating Tuta absoluta pest, also known as the Tomato Leaf Miner or “Ebola.”
This tiny but destructive moth can wipe out entire tomato fields in days, threatening the livelihoods of farmers in Northern Nigeria.
The lack of effective pest management knowledge often leads to significant crop losses and the overuse of harmful pesticides, which poses health risks and inflates market prices.
The Challenge of Tuta absoluta
Tuta absoluta has a four-stage life cycle: adult, egg, larva, and pupa. The adult and larval stages are the most destructive, creating “mines” that damage the leaves, stems, and sepals of tomato plants.
The pest multiplies rapidly, completing its life cycle in just four to six days, causing extensive economic losses.
Innovative techniques and solutions
Twenty-five Community Field Trainers volunteered for the competition, testing innovative pest management strategies directly on their farms. While some faced challenges and withdrew, many went above and beyond, experimenting with techniques such as:
Drip irrigation systems to maintain a consistent water supply during droughts, molasses sprays as a natural deterrent, sticky traps to monitor and capture adult moths, wells and water harvesting to secure irrigation during dry spells.
These innovations not only helped control Tuta absoluta but also improved overall farm resilience and productivity.
Winners share experiences
The five winning farmers shared their experiences and the knowledge they gained from the competition.
Abubakar Magaji from Kudan LGA said, “I never knew I could control this pest without harming my crops. By using sticky traps and molasses sprays, I saved my tomato farm and learned a lot from other farmers.”
Alhaji Hussaini Umar of Dawakin Kudu LGA, Kano State, explained that he installed a drip system on his tomato farm, an uncommon practice in his community.
“It helped a lot, as there was heat stress in Kano that affected many contestants, but my tomatoes withstood it better thanks to drip irrigation, mulching, neem oil application, and Tutasan traps,” he said.
Ayuba Haruna from Ikara, Kaduna State, noted, “During the exchange visits, I saw how my peers handled the pest. I adapted drip irrigation and molasses sprays, and my yield improved for the first time in years.”
Mary Yakubu, the only female winner from Gidan Duna, Ikara LGA, emphasized the role of women in agriculture.
She said, “The fight against Tuta absoluta is not just for men. As the only woman who emerged victorious, I believe that with dedication and the right practices, women like me can lead and succeed in agriculture.”
Yusuf Magaji from Gidan Tanko, who dug a well to secure water during the dry season and applied the new pest control methods, said, “My farm is healthier, and I can now sell tomatoes safely to the market.”
The campaign created rich opportunities for peer-to-peer learning through special sessions, including mega field days and exchange visits. These interactions allowed farmers to share experiences, exchange practical insights, and adopt proven techniques.
The program director of HortiNigeria stated that the farmers’ experiences demonstrate the effectiveness of information exchange and practical experimentation in resolving agricultural challenges
The top five fields were selected based on their resilience, creativity, and innovation. Their success proves that with knowledge, dedication, and collaboration, even smallholder farmers can combat serious agricultural challenges and protect their livelihoods.
Moving forward
While the fight against Tuta absoluta continues, the campaign has laid a foundation for sustainable pest management. By focusing on education, experimentation, and community-driven solutions, HortiNigeria’s approach demonstrates that combating pests is not just about chemicals but about empowering farmers to thrive.