Sustainable solutions: TARI and ICIPE equip farmers with advanced pest control

TANGA: In a significant step toward strengthening fruit production in Tanzania, the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) through its researchers in collaboration with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICEP), has trained 165 agricultural extension officers and leading farmers on sustainable pest control.

The four-day training held in the Kilimanjaro and Tanga regions focused on Integrated Pest Management ( IPM) for major fruit crops including avocados, mangoes and oranges fruits.

The initiative is part of a three-year project, The Fruit Tree Agro-Ecological-Based on IPM project, which runs until 2026.

Speaking during the training, the project leader from TARI Dr Abdullah Mkinga emphasized that the training is critical for the future of Tanzania’s fruit production.

“ By adopting integrated pest management they can significantly effectively combat pests, improve their crop quality and increase their harvests,” He explained during the opening session in Hai District..

He also said the adoption of these strategies farmers will avoid costly chemical pesticides which pose risks to human health and the environment.

The project focuses on avocados in Hai and Siha districts of Kilimanjaro, and on mangoes and oranges in Muheza District, Tanga.

The training introduced participants to cutting-edge IPM technologies, including pest monitoring, use of natural enemies like parasitoids, biopesticides and orchard sanitation techniques.

Farmers were also trained on using Augmentorium, an innovation that helps control pests without harming the ecosystem.

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On his part Dr. Shepard Ndlela a team leader from ICIPE highlighted the broader impact of the project as the game changer for Tanzania’s fruits industry, opening doors for export .

“Through IPM farmers can reduce their dependence on chemical treatments while maintaining high productivity and producing fruits of a quality that meets local and international markets standard”, He said.

Farmers who participated in the training expressed their gratitude for the invaluable knowledge gained, saying that the training opened their eyes to the threats posed by pests.

“The experts showed us that certain ants protect oranges from more dangerous pests, which is something we never knew,” Fatima Mohammed from Tanga shared.

Muheza District Executive Director Dr. Juma Mhina hailed  the timing of the project, noting that the district’s economy is heavily dependent on fruit farming.

“This approach is particularly timely for Muheza district where economy relies on orange production as it offers a solution to the pest problems that have hurt our orange industry for years. It promises not only to increase farmers’ income but also boost local government revenue,” He stressed.

On his part , Hai District Commissioner, Lazaro Twange, echoed similar sentiments, praising TARI for its proactive role in advancing agricultural practices.

As the country continues to position itself as a key player in the agricultural export market, this project represents a pivotal moment for both local farmers and the national economy.

This initiative, funded by the German Development Agency (GIZ), underscores the importance of research-driven agriculture in enhancing productivity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for farmers across Tanzania.