Papaya is one of Kenya’s most important fruit crops.

Papaya farmers in Kenya are seeing a revival in their harvests, thanks to a tiny parasitic wasp known as Acerophagus papayae

This natural predator is proving to be a game-changer in controlling the papaya mealybug - a destructive pest that has caused widespread damage since it was first detected in the country in 2016.

Papaya is one of Kenya’s most important fruit crops, ranking fourth nationally, and is a vital source of both income and nutrition for rural families. However, the papaya mealybug infestation devastated leaves, stems, and fruits, forcing many farmers to abandon their orchards due to severe crop losses.

In response, scientists from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) adopted a biological control approach inspired by successful efforts in Ghana. According to  Selpha Miller, an invasive species expert at CABI, “We learned how to produce and distribute the wasps while they are still in their ‘mummy’ stage. That allowed us to produce more and reach about 995 farms so far.”

The wasps are bred in laboratories on potato sprouts. Once matured, the “mummies” are attached to small cards, which are then placed beneath papaya leaves. Upon hatching, the wasps begin to parasitise and reduce the mealybug population without any need for chemical pesticides.

Farmers have welcomed the intervention. One farmer shared, “We were struggling to control the pest because nothing worked at that time... When I heard about biological control using natural enemies, I was excited. It’s good news for us farmers.”

Mary, another farmer who grows papaya alongside citrus and bananas, added, “The mealybugs destroyed about half of what I was supposed to harvest... Since using this biological control, I’m now saving a lot. Buyers come to my farm to buy fruits directly.”

Miller noted, “Unlike pesticides that give instant results, this method takes about six months for the wasps to build up and control the pest population.”

The initiative, supported by organisations like KALRO, KEPHIS, and various county governments, is also expanding into neighbouring countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Burundi.

This eco-friendly solution is helping Kenyan farmers regain control of their papaya fields, reduce costs, and restore livelihoods naturally and sustainably.

The Propcom+ approach is helping to build a more food-secure future.

As part of efforts to tackle hunger and improve farming resilience, the UK Aid-funded Propcom+ project is strengthening its support for climate-smart and nutrition-rich agriculture in Nigeria

The announcement was made during the Nutritious Food Fair held in Kano, commemorating World Food Day 2025.

Adiya Ode, Country Representative and Political Director for Propcom+, explained that the project is focused on bringing long-term transformation to Nigeria’s farming sector, especially in regions affected by climate change and conflict.“We are driving transformation through market-driven and climate-smart solutions that empower smallholder farmers while promoting sustainability,” she said.

A key focus of Propcom+ is encouraging farmers to grow nutrient-rich crops such as Vitamin A maize, Iron Pearl Millet, Cowpea, Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato, and Groundnuts. These crops are not only resilient to climate pressures, but also essential in providing vital nutrients that help address hidden hunger - a condition caused by micronutrient deficiencies.

Dr. Ode also pointed out that partnerships with the Kano State Government and HarvestPlus have made a significant difference. From quality seeds to local markets, the entire farming value chain is being strengthened to ensure farmers earn better incomes and consumers gain access to affordable, healthy food.

Yusuf Dollah Fuad, Country Manager for HarvestPlus, said, “Most rural communities consume what they produce on their farms. By cultivating nutrient-enriched staple crops, farmers can directly provide essential vitamins and micronutrients to their families.”

This shift highlights a growing recognition of the link between agriculture and nutrition, showing that farming can be both profitable and health-focused. It also underlines the need to empower rural farmers with the right seeds, knowledge, and support.

The Propcom+ approach is helping to build a more food-secure future, where farmers are not only feeding their families but also helping tackle malnutrition across the country.

With continued support and focus on climate-resilient farming, Nigeria is taking bold steps to secure its food systems and uplift rural communities.

Katsina State is prioritising agriculture and rural development.

Katsina State is preparing to roll out a major agricultural initiative as part of a broader development agenda, with the launch of a dedicated radio station for farmers taking centre stage

This key project was unveiled during the official visit of Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday.

The new radio station, tailored specifically for farmers, is aimed at providing vital agricultural information and real-time support to help improve productivity and decision-making on the farm.

Ahmed Bakori, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock, speaking on the development said, “The radio platform will allow farmers to communicate freely and receive expert guidance, complementing the services of extension workers and the Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA).”

The initiative is part of the state’s wider efforts to modernise agriculture by enhancing access to farming inputs, equipment, and specialised training. The radio station will serve as a reliable channel for advice on pest control, crop management, livestock care, market access, and government farming programmes especially for smallholder farmers in rural areas who rely heavily on radio for information.

This move reflects Katsina’s strong focus on improving agricultural extension services and ensuring farmers receive up-to-date, localised support without the need to travel or wait for in-person visits.

In addition to the agricultural initiative, the Vice President will also commission a range of infrastructure projects during his visit. This includes a newly completed 3.3-kilometre road within Katsina metropolis, linking the Central Mosque to the WTC roundabout, built at a cost of US1.9bn. Alhaji Sani Magaji-Ingawa, Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transportation, confirmed the project’s completion ahead of the visit.

Also on the agenda is the formal opening of the 9th Expanded National MSMEs Clinic. Aisha Aminu, Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency (KASEDA), revealed that this initiative highlights the government’s ongoing push to support small businesses and promote economic inclusion.

With these developments, Katsina State is clearly prioritising agriculture and rural development, providing farmers with tools, training, and a voice to drive sustainable growth in the sector.

In a bid to strengthen food security and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

In a bid to strengthen food security and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has entered into a strategic partnership with Arzikin Noma, a leading agro-allied company in Nigeria

The collaboration is seen as a vital step towards transforming agriculture into a more resilient and sustainable sector across the country.

The partnership, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to bring together government, private investors, and development partners to address core agricultural challenges. It places smallholder farmers at the heart of Nigeria’s long-term food security plans.

Michael Adeshola, Group Managing Director of Arzikin Noma, confirmed that the first phase of the project will focus on farmland development in Ora, before expanding to 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory. “The initiative is a key step toward achieving food sovereignty in the country and eradicating hunger,” he said.

Arzikin Noma operates in several crop value chains, including maize, millet, sorghum, soya, sesame, cowpea, and rice. The firm currently partners with over 500,000 farmers across states such as Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Gombe, Katsina, Oyo, and Kwara.

According to Adeshola, the company supports these farmers by offering access to agricultural finance, expert knowledge, and climate-smart techniques. “The company ensures guaranteed markets for quality crops that meet both local and export standards,” he added.

The firm has also built strong ties with major buyers including Nestlé, Cadbury, Olam Hybrid, and the World Food Programme, all of whom rely on locally sourced raw materials. The partnership reflects a commitment to home-grown solutions for food production.

Adeshola stressed the importance of empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups through agricultural opportunities. He also commended the Nigerian government’s efforts to involve the younger generation in farming, calling it a “key development for the nation.”

Under NALDA’s leadership, plans are underway to unlock 10 million hectares of farmland within the next 10 years. Adeshola pointed out that agriculture employs around 65% of Nigerians, and stressed the need to treat food security as an emergency if the country hopes to achieve lasting food independence.