Results of Plant Protection Research 2018

Abstract

Agriculture is the backbone of the Ethiopian economy. The sector determines the growth of all other sectors and consequently the whole economy. It constitutes over 50% of the gross domestic product (GDP), accounts for over 85% of the labor force and earns over 90% of the foreign exchange. On average, crop production makes up 60% of the sector’s outputs. The sector is dominated by small-scale farmers who practice rain-fed mixed farming based on traditional technology. Land area under smallholding accounts for 95% of the total agricultural land, and the smallholder system is responsible for more than 90% of the total agricultural output. The productivity of crops is severely threatened by various factors in which pests (diseases, insect pests, weeds and migratory pests) are taking the lion share. Crop losses due to pests are a serious concern where in most cases small holder farmers have limitation both in technical know-how and financial resources to apply effective and sustainable pest control tactics and reduce crop damage. Apart from the yield loss, pests also affect the quality of agricultural products, where the concern of food safety, environmental pollution and market competence are becoming issues for various stakeholders in the product value chain that includes growers, traders, consumers and policy makers. Considering the current plant protection problems, the plant protection directorate has been re-structured in 2019. During the restructuring, national programs were identified, and research strategy developed. Accordingly, Plant Pathology, Agricultural Entomology, Weed Science, Quarantine and Pesticide research are the identified national programs under the directorate. Both basic and applied research has been conducted during the last three years to generate information and technology towards effective and sustainable pest management. Several information and technologies that can be used by the various beneficiaries have been generated. Apart from generation of technologies and information, the various national programs provide services associated with identification of diseases, insects and weeds. Moreover, quarantine and pesticide efficacy services are also provided by the directorate for the various national and international stakeholders. The information presented in this proceeding is aimed at availing information and technology generated in plant protection research directorate for use by the various users engaged in agricultural research and development.