Cassava farmers in Kebbi State have been urged to remain vigilant against the spread of a destructive cassava mosaic virus capable of wiping out harvests and posing a serious threat to food security in Nigeria.
The warning was issued during a sensitisation campaign organised by the Central and West African Virus Epidemiology for Root and Tuber Crops in Tungar Noma community, Argungu Local Government Area, on Tuesday.
The outreach was designed to educate farmers on cassava diseases, with particular focus on the emerging East African Cassava Mosaic Disease–Uganda variant, which experts describe as one of the most devastating cassava pathogens on the continent.
Speaking during the programme, Country Director of the centre, Ibrahim Muhammad, said the organisation, in partnership with Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, had established six demonstration plots across the North-West and North-East to strengthen cassava production and improve disease surveillance.
According to him, while cassava mosaic disease is already present in Nigeria, several other dangerous cassava diseases found mainly in East Africa are gradually spreading westward.
“We already have cassava mosaic disease in Nigeria, but there are about 11 other cassava diseases across Africa, especially in East Africa, which are gradually spreading westward,” he said.
He identified the East African Cassava Mosaic Disease–Uganda variant as particularly severe, noting that infected farmers could lose their entire harvest.
“The disease is highly devastating because affected farmers may harvest nothing from their farms. It has already been reported in some West African countries, though not yet in Nigeria,” he added.
Ibrahim Muhammad explained that the campaign also aims to involve farmers in early warning systems by encouraging prompt reporting of unusual symptoms on cassava plants.
He said flyers showing images of infected cassava crops, along with contact numbers, had been distributed to farmers to support early detection and rapid response.
“Nigeria remains the largest producer of cassava in the world. If this disease enters the country, the consequences could be catastrophic,” he warned.
He stressed that early detection and swift intervention remain critical to preventing a widespread outbreak.
Muhammad further disclosed that the campaign was already yielding results, as farmers had begun reporting suspicious symptoms on their farms for expert assessment.
