Experts Warn Kebbi Farmers Over Destructive East African Cassava Virus

Cassava farmers in Kebbi State have been warned to remain alert against the spread of the deadly East African Cassava Mosaic Disease–Uganda variant, a virus experts say could severely threaten food security and wipe out cassava harvests across Nigeria.

The warning was issued during a sensitisation campaign organised in Tungar Noma community, Argungu Local Government Area, by the Central and West African Virus Epidemiology for Root and Tuber Crops.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Ibrahim Muhammad, Country Director of the organisation, said the centre, in partnership with Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, had established six demonstration plots across the North-West and North-East to strengthen cassava disease control and improve production.

Muhammad explained that while cassava mosaic disease already exists in Nigeria, about 11 other dangerous cassava diseases found mainly in East Africa are gradually spreading westward.

He identified the East African Cassava Mosaic Disease–Uganda variant as the most dangerous, warning that infected farms could suffer total crop failure.

Experts noted that the disease has already been detected in some West African countries, although no confirmed cases have yet been reported in Nigeria.

Farmers were encouraged to participate in disease surveillance by reporting unusual symptoms quickly. Flyers containing images of infected cassava plants and emergency contact numbers were distributed to aid early detection and rapid intervention.

Muhammad warned that Nigeria’s position as the world’s largest cassava producer makes the threat particularly serious, stressing that early detection and swift response remain the best defence against the virus.