Striga infestation causes up to 60% cereal crop losses in Northern Ghana – FONAR
Striga, commonly known as witchweed, can cause up to 60 per cent losses in cereal crops in Northern Ghana, with severe infestations capable of wiping out entire farms. The post Striga infestation causes up to 60% cereal crop losses in Northern Ghana – FONAR appeared first on Ghana Business News .
Striga, also known as witchweed, can inflict up to 60% crop losses in cereal crops across Northern Ghana, with the weed capable of entirely destroying farms, according to the Executive Director of Forum for Natural Regeneration (FONAR), Mr Sumaila Seidu Saaka. The parasitic weed poses a significant threat to the region's food production, particularly affecting sorghum, millet, maize, and upland rice – the main crops impacted.
Striga's devastation occurs underground before the weed emerges, often leading to 100% crop loss in affected fields. Speaking at a Striga Control Awareness Campaign in Damol-Tindongo, Nabdam District, Mr Saaka highlighted the severity of the issue, stating that farmers could be entirely wiped out by Striga infestation.
The campaign, funded by the Awaken Trees Association of Austria, aimed to educate farmers on strategies to curb the spread of Striga. This initiative is part of the Trans-Sahara Project, which promotes Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus-based approaches to agroforestry management in Ghana and other African countries to build resilience against climate change.
Striga is a root plant parasite that attaches to the roots of host crops, siphoning off water, nutrients, and photosynthates, weakening plants and reducing yields. A single mature Striga plant can produce between 50,000 and 100,000 seeds, making it particularly challenging to control once established. These seeds can remain dormant in the soil for 20 to 30 years, waiting for favorable conditions to germinate.
Mr Saaka emphasized that Striga is prevalent throughout all 15 districts of the region and has emerged as a major obstacle for farmers, especially in areas where cereal crops are cultivated continuously without adequate rotation or intercropping. To combat the Striga problem, he urged farmers to adopt integrated measures, such as crop rotation, intercropping, improved soil fertility management, and other sustainable practices.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of Striga infestation with declining soil fertility, food insecurity, resource pressure, and climate change, Mr Saaka stressed that the campaign was designed to empower farmers to take practical steps at the community level to control the weed and prevent its spread.
FONAR is collaborating with the Department of Agriculture to build capacity among agricultural extension agents so they can continue providing technical advice and educating farmers on Striga control post-campaign. Mr Saaka stressed the importance of reaching more farmers to collectively assist them in reducing poverty and alleviating the struggles faced by farming communities.
A participant farmer, Mr Kurubil Bugbil, expressed appreciation for the FONAR's education, noting that Striga has consistently destroyed their crops over the years. He hoped the knowledge would help farmers reduce Striga infestation, boost cereal yields, and enhance food security in the region. Another participant, Mr Tii Wulug, also indicated that he would share the acquired knowledge with his fellow farmers to help in the fight against Striga.
Written by urgent.news from Ghana Business News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
