These tiny pests attack the roots of crops causing significant damage to food production.

Monioluwa Omolara Olaniyi, professor and a Nematology expert at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has highlighted the growing threat plant-parasitic nematodes pose to Nigeria's agricultural sector

These tiny pests, which attack the roots of crops, are causing significant damage to food production and the livelihoods of farmers, though their impact is often underestimated.

Speaking during NOUN’s 36th inaugural lecture in Abuja, Olaniyi explained that nematodes, often hidden beneath the soil, damage crops by stunting their growth and reducing yields. Their presence also weakens plants, making them more susceptible to other diseases. The damage caused by nematodes is often confused with nutrient deficiencies or drought stress, leaving many farmers unaware of the real cause behind their declining harvests.

Olaniyi pointed out that staple crops like vegetables, cereals, legumes, and tubers are particularly vulnerable to nematode infestations. These pests not only diminish crop yields but also threaten Nigeria's overall food security. She also warned that climate change, intensive monocropping, and poor farming practices further exacerbate the problem by providing an ideal environment for nematode populations to flourish.

Drawing on decades of research, Olaniyi presented sustainable solutions for managing nematode infestations. She advocated for proper diagnosis, the use of clean planting materials, and eco-friendly pest control methods that reduce the reliance on harmful pesticides. These approaches not only help maintain environmental health but also contribute to creating more resilient and sustainable food systems, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Olufemi Peters, Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, praised Olaniyi’s groundbreaking research, recognising its importance in bridging scientific knowledge with practical field applications. He noted that nematology offers valuable solutions to both farmers and policymakers as Nigeria works towards achieving food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

Olaniyi, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor at NOUN, expressed her ongoing commitment to advancing research in nematology. She also emphasised the importance of mentoring young scientists and integrating traditional knowledge with modern science to strengthen Nigeria's agricultural resilience.

anzania's agricultural revolution: a blueprint for Africa.

Tanzania is quickly becoming a standout example of how African nations can transform their agricultural systems to achieve long-term food security and economic resilience

Speaking at the 2024 World Food Prize Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Iowa, President Samia Suluhu Hassan proudly announced that Tanzania has reached an exceptional 128 percent level of food self-sufficiency. This means the country now produces more than enough food to feed its population and is in a position to export the surplus to neighbouring nations.

The achievement has drawn praise from leading figures in global development. Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, credited Tanzania for igniting momentum across the continent toward a new era of agricultural transformation. He pointed to key events like the 2023 Dakar 2 Food Summit, which attracted more than US$72bn in investments, as a catalyst for Africa’s food revolution.

Tanzania’s success isn’t just about producing more—it’s also about diversifying agriculture and building inclusive rural economies. One notable example is the rise of cashew nut processing and exports, a sector that had been largely controlled by Asian markets. Tanzania is now asserting itself as a major player in this industry.

Crucial to this transformation has been rural infrastructure development, particularly bringing electricity to nearly all village communities. This access to power has enabled farmers to adopt modern tools and techniques, boosting productivity across the board.

A major driver of Tanzania’s agricultural evolution is the “Creating Jobs for Youth and Women” initiative, supported by the African Development Bank. This programme equips young people with training and access to land, encouraging them to pursue careers in agriculture. So far, more than 11,000 individuals have benefited, and the model is gaining attention from other countries looking to tap into their youthful populations.

The broader vision, highlighted during the Borlaug Dialogue, is for Africa to shift from food insecurity to becoming a net food exporter. With its vast arable land and growing number of young innovators, the continent has the potential to help feed the world—provided there’s sustained investment in technology, infrastructure, and capacity building.

Tanzania’s journey illustrates what’s possible when political will, strategic investment, and local empowerment come together in agriculture. Its progress sets a powerful example for other nations seeking not just to survive, but to lead in the global food economy.

New potato varieties for Kenyan farmers.

Kenyan potato farmers are getting a major boost in their long-standing fight against a destructive pest—the potato cyst nematode (PCN)

This microscopic pest attacks potato roots and can destroy up to 80% of a harvest, often going unnoticed until it’s too late. Its tiny cysts can survive in the soil for decades, making it an incredibly tough threat to eliminate. As described by Dr Danny Coyne of IITA, it’s a “silent killer” that’s often only discovered once yields have already dropped.

To help tackle this problem, two new potato varieties—Malaika and Glen—have been introduced in Kenya after more than a decade of research and collaboration. The breeding effort brought together local and international partners, including IITA, icipe, the James Hutton Institute in Scotland, CIP, KEPHIS, and private players like Greenvale. These new varieties are specifically bred to resist PCN while also meeting local farming needs like fast cooking, short dormancy, and the ability to regrow quickly for multiple planting seasons.

Malaika and Glen were officially listed in Kenya’s National Variety List by KEPHIS in July 2025, after performing well in national trials and passing the standards required by processors. Commercial growers have already started multiplying the seed through stem cuttings, with the first rollout to farmers expected as early as September 2025.

The impact could be transformative. Potatoes are Kenya’s second most important staple after maize, supporting an estimated 2.5mn people and contributing about US$500mn annually to the economy. PCN, along with another major pest known as Soft Rot Pectobacteriaceae (SRP), is responsible for crop losses worth over US$636mn across East Africa each year.

John Jones, professor of the James Hutton Institute noted that the success of these new varieties reflects years of scientific work and international teamwork. “The importance of the collaboration with Kenyan research partners and regulators cannot be overstated,” he said. These varieties, originally developed for the UK, have been adapted to meet the climate and agronomic needs of Kenyan farmers.

With these PCN-resistant varieties, farmers can expect better yields, stronger plants, and a safer investment in their harvests. This development not only offers a practical solution to a major agricultural challenge, but also represents a leap forward in sustainable farming across East Africa.

Agri-Tech Tools for Enugu Farmers.

The Enugu State Government In Nigeria has launched a major agricultural support programme by distributing 40,000 bags of fertiliser and other critical farm inputs to registered farmers across the state

At the official flag-off, Peter Mbah, Governor confirmed that over 60,000 registered farmers would benefit from this phase of the free agricultural input distribution. The package includes fertilisers, pesticides, and cassava stems aimed at boosting productivity, ensuring food security, and reducing rural poverty.

Mbah described this effort as a step forward in transforming agriculture into a profitable and sustainable venture. He recalled that during the 2024 farming season, the state provided 12,000 bags of fertiliser along with power tillers, improved seedlings, cassava stems, and herbicides at no cost. According to him, that support led to strong harvests and helped lower food prices across Enugu.

“It is, therefore, a great pleasure for me to officially launch the distribution of over 40,000 free bags of fertiliser and essential farm inputs,” he said.

Mbah acknowledged farmers as the cornerstone of economic growth, said, “Our farmers are the strength of our communities — they cultivate the land and sustain us. Without their efforts, there can be no food, no development, and no progress.”

He also revealed that Farm Estates covering 200 hectares each are being established in all 260 political wards. These will feature modern irrigation systems, warehouses, tractor bays, and consistent power supply.

So far, 102 tractors have been delivered, with 98 more expected, and 800 additional units will be assembled locally at a new tractor assembly facility in Enugu. To support agricultural education and innovation, the Enugu State Polytechnic in Iwollo is being upgraded into a full-fledged University of Agriculture. Agro-Industrial Processing Zones and Agricultural Transformation Centres are also being rolled out across all senatorial zones.

Patrick Ubru,Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, praised the governor for restoring neglected state-owned agricultural projects and launching new initiatives, including the Enugu State Livestock Productivity Centre, a 3,000-hectare Cocoa Development Initiative, and a 2,000-unit greenhouse programme. He also highlighted the development of cashew export warehouses and the state’s funding of crop insurance for climate resilience.

Farmers and local leaders echoed their appreciation. Romanus Eze, AFAN Chairman, said, “The governor has not just provided us with agricultural inputs, he has brought modern mechanisation right to our doorstep.” Similarly, Ibenaku Onoh, Chairman of Enugu North LGA, applauded the inclusive and result-driven approach of the administration.