April 2018 - We are now heading to Cape Verde, off the western coast of the African continent. Over 500 000 people live in the 9 islands of the archipelago.
Over 20% of the active population is engaged in the agriculture sector and this figure can go up to more than 80% in rural areas. The country is facing a Fall Armyworm (FAW) infestation, a formidable pest that can spread quickly and that can destroy entire crops across the country’s islands.
The insect is now threatening local food security and the economy – it has quickly become a source of serious concern for the authorities.
The Cape Verde’s authorities teamed up with FAO to manage the pest without damaging farmers’ crops, which are essential to their survival. Greg Delaney reports.
