Coffee plantations could be at risk
Climate change is to blame for the outbreak of a pest in Uganda that attacks cereals and grazing pasture, the country’s agricultural minister says.
The African army worm – different from the fall army worm which devastated farms across east and southern African five years ago – has been reported in at least 14 administrative districts across Uganda.
It can be tackled with a common pesticide called Cypermethrin, says Agriculture Minister Frank Tuwembaze, but he warns that cows and other livestock should not graze on treated zones for one week.
African army worms multiply rapidly, and may present a threat to Uganda’s coffee sector, but also food security for some families and districts.
Coffee is one of the country’s most valuable exports, and the industry has been steadily recovering in recent years, increasing in export volumes and quality.
-BBC
