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RESEARCH ECHOES
A New Biscuit Made From Cassava
Research into cassava processing at the Institut tchadien de recherche agronomique pour le développement
(ITRAD) has recently developed a cassava biscuit called bismanio. Since cassava is known for its low nutritional
value, the cassava flour was enriched with roasted groundnut paste.
For every 100 g of bismanio there are 424 calories, 11 g of protein, 3.2 g of vitamin A, 1 mg of iron, and 23 mg
of calcium. Further research is being done to further enrich the biscuit, substituting shea butter for margarine.
ITRAD is carrying out this cassava processing research in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical
Agriculture (IITA).
Contact: M'Bayhoudel Koumaro
ITRAD, BP 44, N'Djamena, Chad
Fax: +235 52 51 19
Sugar Cane and Maize Attacked by Moths
For three years (1996-1998) Spodoptera exempta, a moth that feeds on Graminaceae and Cyperaceae leaves, has been
attacking sugar cane plantations belonging to the Société agricole de raffinage industriel du sucre
(SARIS-Congo) and maize fields owned by the Société de transport et de commercialisation des produits
africains (STCPA-Mayoumina) in the Congo,. Both companies are located in Loudima, in the Niari valley.
In November, caterpillars (several hundred/m2.) belonging to this species of lepidoptera devour crops, causing
considerable damage. Both companies have carried out a very successful control campaign. The damage was devastating
in 1996, but there was much less in 1997, and very little in 1998. These companies also carried out studies to
improve knowledge of the insect and environment conditions during invasions. The results may be obtained from the
Loudima Centre de recherches agronomiques (CRAL).
Contact: Grégoire Bani
CRAL, BP 28, Loudima, Congo
Fax: +242 91 08 34
Cape Verde Bets on Water from Mist
Cape Verde is facing a severe water shortage, yet households, agriculture, and industry need more water every year.
However, ongoing studies show that capturing water from mist could provide an unlimited source of water, particularly
in high altitude areas above 500 m.
This research, carried out by the Instituto National de Investigação e Desenvolvímento Agrário
(INIDA), has made it possible to set up a piece of apparatus at Monte Tchota (1000 m above sea level) on Santiago
island. The apparatus is made up of a galvanized iron pipe, six 0.5 m2 gauze panels (similar to mosquito netting),
and a small shelter. As much as 160 l of water per m2 is captured each month.
The metal structure can last over 10 years, whilst netting lasts 5 years. A structure of 28 m2 costs 599000 CFA
francs.
Contact: Carlos Monteiro
INIDA, BP 84, Praia, Cape Verde
Fax: +238 7111 33
E-mail: inidad@mail.cvtelecom.cv
Senegal. Preparation of Leafy Vegetable
Although large amounts of leafy vegetables are consumed (daily average consumption of 23 g per capita) in Senegal,
there have been very few studies on their nutritional, economic, and social impact. Although rich in vitamins,
minerals, proteins, and fibre, these plants (wild or cultivated) are an important part of people's diet particularly
between cropping seasons. They have medicinal properties and provide a source of income.
With the support of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), the Institut sénégalais
de recherches agricoles (ISRA) recently conducted surveys that identified 38 edible species, of which 12 are cultivated
and 26 grow wild (15 annuals and 11 woody species). Hibiscus sabdariffa (sorrel) or "bisaap" is the leafy
vegetable most commonly eaten, followed by Moringa oleifera (moringa), Cassia tora (cassia-tree), Leptadenia hastata,
and species of Amaranthus (amaranth).
The crops are grown in rainfed systems, on floodplains, and sometimes on small irrigated surface areas (less than
300 m2). When irrigated, amaranth, cowpea, and bisaap can yield up to 13 t/ha. Some farmers earn 30 000 CFA francs
a month from these crops, which represents 50-85% of the family budget.
Eating leafy vegetables should be encouraged
Different Types of Preparation
The various ethnic groups in Senegal prepare leafy vegetables in different ways. The " sereer " prefer
Ficus gnaphalocarpa, Leptadenia hastata, Ficus thonningii, and Euphorbia balsamifera, while the "soose "
(Mandingos), " soninke ", "pulaar" and "joola" prefer Amaranthus spp. Philoxerus
vermicularis is eaten by the joola and the sereer in particular. Cowpea leaves are eaten by the pulaar, the soninke,
and the soose. The joola eat cassava and sweet potato leaves. However, all ethnic groups use sorrel, moringa, the
cassia-tree, and Leptadenia hastata.
In food preparation, leafy vegetables have different uses. Amongst the joola, the soose, and the pulaar, leaves
are cooked in palm-oil to make a stew unlike the wolof and sereer who add groundnut paste.
Medicinal Properties
These plants are also used in traditional pharmacopoeia for their therapeutic properties. Moringa leaves are good
for anemia, diabetes, high blood pressure (as are cassava leaves), conjunctivitis, etc. Sesame, baobab, jute, cassia-tree,
sorrel, and cowpea leaves cure constipation. Blanched bisaap leaves are used as a malarial prophylactic.
ISRA intends to carry out further studies on leafy vegetable including: cropping practices, breeding, biochemical
analysis, socioeconomic impact, conservation techniques, and integrated crop protection.
Contact: Meïssa Diouf
ISRA, BP 3120, Dakar, Senegal
Fax: +221 835 06 10
E-mail: cdhisra@sonatel.senet.net
Agronomy and Forests. IRAF Reorganizes its Documentation
The Institut de recherches agronomiques et forestières (IRAF Documentation Center) in Gabon, established
in 1976, has 6000 publications and subscribes to 50 periodicals. However, it is badly organized.
In order to solve this problem, staff are being recruited and a new policy is being implemented. This should improve
the organizational and dissemination to meet the needs of researchers and other users, particularly by computerizing
the bibliographical database and providing Internet access,
An inventory of the publications, a list of new purchases, abstracts, documentary files, and catalogues are available
for users.
Contact: Jean-Daniel Mbéga
IRAF, BP 2246, Libreville, Gabon
Fax: +241 73 08 59
Mauritania. Controlling Bovine Pleuro-pneumonia
After having disappeared for several years, infectious bovine pleuro-pneumonia reappeared in Mauritania at the
end of 1995. This frightening disease broke out in many wilayas when Touareg cattle were introduced into the country.
A project to improve on the diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance of infectious bovine pleuro-pneumonia was
implemented by the Centre national d'élevage et de recherches vétérinaires (CNERV), with FAO
support, to eradicate the disease. The objective of the project is to set up an early detection and diagnosis unit
in the country.
Controlling Disease Transmission Across Borders
In 1998, as a result of the project, an operational research team was established, technical staff were trained
in bacteriological and serological diagnostic methods, and immunization campaigns were improved. A subregional
workshop was also organized to train people on early-warning systems and rapid responses against bovine pleuro-pneumonia
and other infectious diseases that can be transmitted across borders.
In December 1997, in preparation for the end of the project, scheduled for 1998, a request was submitted to FAO
for a revised budget for a second phase. A program was drawn up to implement the recommendations made at the subregional
workshop. These included detection of all centers of disease outbreak on national territory, improving the diagnostic
and vaccine titration unit, preparation of an emergency plan to facilitate diagnosis in the case of a clinical
suspect. Through this program, CNERV could also be part of the national animal disease surveillance network and
collaborate with the subregional epidemiological and surveillance networks.
Contact: Niama O. Merzoug
PPCB, BP 167, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Fax: +222 2 528 03
E-mail: cnrv10@calvpro.fr
Neem, an Effective Insecticide
In Benin, research to improve and recycle animal and plant by products carried out at the Songhaï Center show
that neem can be used to manufacture animal feed products, to conserve agricultural produce, and for agriculture.
Recent work has revealed neem's beneficial properties.
Neem lotion, a mixture of ground neem seeds and water, is an effective organic insecticide (like the herb tea made
from neem leaves) for insect pests of pigeon peas, groundnut, maize, millet, and market garden produce, in particular.
This inexpensive non-toxic lotion is easy to prepare and use (with a brush or a bunch of leaves).
Neem powder protects stored grain from insects. A dose of 10 g/kg of seed gives about 6 months' protection as long
as the seeds (of cereals and legumes) have not been infected before storage. Once they have been rinsed with hot
water, the seeds are fit to eat.
The Songhaï Center intends to encourage rural communities to use these new products and to manufacture concentrated
byproducts to feed fish and chickens.
Extracted from the Aigle de Songhaï (third quarter 1998).
Contact: Eliot K. Wilson
Centre Songhaï, BP 597, Porto-Novo, Benin
Fax: +229 22 20 50
E-mail: songhaï.benin@intnet.bj
Research and development actors are within reach of solving many environmental problems.
West Africa. Forestry Development in Dry Areas
The development of natural forests in dry areas in West Africa is being hampered by the lack of appropriate technology
and the poor knowledge of the ecology, societies and economies. In November 1998, an international seminar was
held in Ouagadougou to find solutions and recommend research and development activities.
Participants began by noting the fact that there was no unity between objectives for different development projects
and research protocols and methods. They stressed that the laws, regulations and evaluation tools for fodder and
woody resources were inappropriate. In conclusion, they commented on the failure to transfer research results to
rural communities.
Natural forests, which must be developped, are a considerable source of wealth.
Given this situation, it was recommended that a new approach be used to develop all the natural forests in a country.
This includes negotiation and mediation of land use, master plans for supply systems, strategies for domestic energy
use, rural markets for firewood, and simplified technical plans. The areas identified for research include improving
existing tools (by lowering costs, for example) in order to implement development projects and establishing national
and regional databases.
An Anthropological and Sociological Approach
Discussions then showed that the systems and species are little known, that biological and genetic diversity is
not taken into account, and that data has not been gathered properly. In order to improve knowledge of forest ecology,
it is important to characterize the forests, model the dynamics of the different ecosystems, simplify the system
development methods, and study vegetative propagation and sexual reproduction processes. It was also proposed that
new methods be designed to inventory and monitor ecosystems, and various forestry development activities carried
out.
Finally, the lack of knowledge of forest societies and their economies has meant that their interests, needs, and
security have not been taken into account. The economic benefits of sylvopastoral development are not sufficiently
clear. Sylvopastoral developments have not been adapted by the populations themselves because of the combination
of all these factors. Knowledge will improve if an anthropological and sociological approach is adopted (explanation
of values, uses, etc.), and by discussing the various participatory approaches before they are applied in the field,
by implementing a project on the monetary value of standing trees, and by considering the needs of beneficiary
populations.
Contact: Isabelle Tiendrébéogo
CNRST, 03 BP 7047 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
Fax: + 226 31 50 03
West Africa Conquering Trypanosomiasis
The objective of the collaborative research program to control trypanosomiasis at the International Trypanotolerance
Centre (ITC) is to develop and advise farmers on appropriate and integrated technology for improved animal health
and production. The program, which covers Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Sierra Leone began by identifying
the pathological problems that limit milk and meat production as well as the animals' ability to work.
The program is looking into the genetic improvement of "NDaama" cattle, sheep and goats, the disease
impact on productivity, and the effects of parasite control. It also covers tsetse fly control, the nutrition of
NDama and zebu, techniques for diagnosing infections, and production systems. The productivity of NDaama cattle
and small trypanotolerant ruminants was evaluated in tsetse-infested areas.
Trypanosomiasis control improves animal production.
Cattle growth rate is slow in the rainy season and negative in the dry season. Age at first calving is high and
calving intervals are approximately two years. When cows suffer from trypanosomiasis, calf birth weight is much
lower and calf mortality is twice as high. Calf daily weight gain is also considerably reduced. However, an economic
assessment should consider compensatory growth in the case of natural recovery and improved nutrition.
Maintaining Immunity
In small ruminants, trypanosomiasis causes anemia and slows weight gain, although only at certain times of year.
The reproductive performance of goats and kid mortality are affected. However, kid birth weight and growth rate
are not influenced by the trypanosomiasis status of the dam.
A tsetse control campaign was carried out because trypanosomiasis also has a detrimental effect on trypanotolerant
NDaama. Treating cattle with insecticide is inadequate. Traps impregnated with insecticide "targets"
also have to be set. The results in terms of cattle health and productivity still have to be confirmed.
In addition, results show that gastro-intestinal infections and malnutrition interact with trypanosomiasis and
are also responsible for poor health and low productivity. A dietary allowance of 9-12 g/kg of liveweight, equivalent
to 7% of body weight in terms of energy expenditure helps maintain the immunity of NDaama cattle.
The control of ticks in NDaama and gastro-intestinal parasites amongst small ruminants has positive economic benefits,
particularly when there are major outbreaks.
These research results have been made available to the National Agricultural Research Systems involved in the program.
Contact: R. C. Mattioli, D. Mehlitz
ITC, P.M.B. 14, Banjul, Gambia
Fax: +220 46 2924
Cameroon. Tomato Leaf Spot
In Cameroon, over the past few years, Septoria lycopersia, a fungal disease, has broken out in the market gardens
around Yaoundé. This disease causes leaf spot and so much damage that some market gardeners abandon their
gardens.
The disease is characterized by the appearance of spots on the leaves which are dark brown and dry with a hard
center surrounded by a yellow halo. These spots spread quickly and cover the leaves entirely. Leaves then shrivel
up. The harvested fruit are of very poor quality and are not very attractive, which makes them unsuitable for sale.
When the lesions are examined under the microscope, small black spots (pycnides) can be seen at the center of the
lesions: this is the fungus. The long and stringy structures (conidia) of the fungus, Septoria bycopersici, are
visible under the microscope.
There is an urgent need to give priority to disease control to improve tomato production.
Effectiveness of Fungicides
This fungus is borne by seed from the high plateaux (west) and the south-west regions towards the semi-humid regions
where tomato production is being intensified.
The tomato is of major economic importance to the country where it is widely marketed and eaten in the cities.
Several effective fungicides, authorized by the phytosanitary regulations, such as methyl thiophanate, can be used
to control leaf spot.
Contact: Appolinaire Tagne
IRAD, BP 2067, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Fax: +237 22 33 62
The Research Program in Côte d'Ivoire
A workshop organized by the Centre national de recherche agronomique (CNRA) was held in Abidjan, in November 1998.
The objective was to finalize research programs to be carried out over the next three years, to identify program
sites, and to put together research teams. Participants included research and development officials and actors.
The twenty-two programs selected correspond to the agricultural development objectives. They are classified into
five main sectors: perennials, annuals, animal production, production systems, and the processing and conservation
of agricultural produce. These research programs are spread between the thirteen CNRA stations, taking into account
the agronomic, pedological, and climatic characteristics of the regions in Côte d'Ivoire.
Appeal for Cooperation
Before this workshop, an international scientific committee evaluated researchers and selected the most competent.
Research teams for each program were put together according to the specializations required. It turned out that
ninety-nine researchers were still needed to complete the teams. An appeal will be made for national and international
cooperation to fill this gap.
Contact: Sié Koffi
CNRA, 01 BP 1740 Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
Fax: +225 45 33 05
E-mail: cnrabke@africaonline.co.ci
CORAF LIFE
CORAF-WARDA. Promoting a Single Rice Network
When it comes to rice research, CORAF uses a network and the West African Rice Development Association (WARDA)
uses work groups. Both institutions decided to join forces in August 1998 and create a single rice research network.
Four months later, a meeting was held in Cotonou under the auspices of the Institut national de recherches agricoles
du Bénin (INRAB) which laid down the foundations for the network.
This meeting reviewed all organizational and operational issues relating to the network. An interim management
committee was established. WARDA will host the secretariat of this network in Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire.
The interim management committee was appointed to prepare an initial draft of the statutes for the network, taking
into account the CORAF Strategic Plan which is being drawn up; prepare an action plan for the network, and organize
a founding general assembly. WARDA and CORAF are responsible for finding the means to supporte the approved activities.
Contact: Marcel Nwalozie
CORAF, BP 8237, Dakar-Yoff, Senegal
Fax: +221 825 55 69
E-mail: nwalozie@sonatel.senet.net
Coraf Action. Assessment and Future Prospects
On the initiative of CORAF, the first workshop of national coordinators for the regional newsletter Coraf Action
was held in Dakar from 15 to 19 February 1999. The aim of the workshop was to assess the publication, improve on
the way information is obtained, and to provide its coordinators with basic techniques for information-gathering
and writing newsletter articles. It brought together coordinators from 15 countries. Recommendations were proposed
by the coordinators to improve on the working methods used by CORAF and its research institutes.
Coraf Action has been published regularly since it first appeared two years ago, in October 1996, and 70 000 copies
have been distributed. Seven thousand copies of each edition are published (5000 in French and 2000 in English)
and sent out to 46 African and 45 non-African countries. On the whole, feedback from readers has been very positive.
There have been exchanges between readers and authors. Some authors have benefited from the publication of their
articles. Articles are regularly reprinted in national and international publications. Figures on the impact of
Coraf Action have been published.
Financial and Material Support
The workshop organized exchanges of experience in order to improve sources of information (national communication
networks). This gave the coordinators from the nine countries that participated in launching Coraf Action the opportunity
to present their successes and difficulties. The problems raised included the lack of motivation or mobility of
correspondents responsible for collecting information, the absence of a budget to cover running costs, and poor
links between coordinators and between coordinators and the Coraf Action editorial staff. Administrative difficulties
were also pointed out, and coordinators felt that their superiors failed to take into account their contribution
to the newsletter. Lessons learnt from the presentations led each participant to draw up a plan of action adapted
to the situation in their country.
Coordinators propose that CORAF should hold annual workshops in each country on a rotational basis, organize missions
for the editor-in-chief to support and activate national networks and encourage the managers of research institutes
to provide facilities and support the activities of national coordinators. CORAF should contribute to the running
costs and purchase of equipment for the networks. It should incorporate Coraf Action activities into the strategic
plan for agricultural research in west and central Africa that is being prepared.
Information and communicationare indispensable for improved agricultural and development research.
Coordinators asked research institutes for help to coordinate network activities and to make the necessary provision
in their annual budget for funding and equipment not provided by CORAF.
Getting To Know the Coordinators
The coordinators are committed to strengthening inter-network links and producing annual activity reports for the
managers of their institutes. They propose carrying out activities to raise awareness and making direct contact
with authors as part of a more active campaign to gather articles. To achieve this, authors are invited to get
to know coordinators and from this edition onwards, their photos and contact addresses will appear on the last
page of Coraf Action.
In addition, on learning about the creation of a subregional information system, coordinators expressed their satisfaction
and strongly recommended that CORAF and the national agricultural research systems establish the system as soon
as possible. In the meantime, they are considering how they could contribute to this project.
Contact: Armand Faye
CORAF, BP 8237, Dakar-Yoff, Senegal
Fax: +221 825 55 69
E-mail: caction@sonatel.senet.net
Guinea. National Coordination for Livestock Research
In Guinea, there is no coordination mechanism between the main livestock research and development structures ó
the Institut de recherche agronomique de Guinée (IRAG), the Direction nationale de l'élevage (DNE),
the Institut agro-zootechnique de Faranah (IAZF), livestock projects, and nongovernmental organisations-which means
that there is no coherence between research programs, there is poor utilization of the limited material, financial,
and human resources, no follow-up of technology transfer to users, and research programs have little to do with
national and international networks.
To improve this situation, IRAG, DNE, and the Service national de promotion rurale et de la vulgarisation (SNPRVA)
have established the Coordination nationale de la recherche en élevage (CNRE), under the auspices of the
Bureau de coordination des politiques agricoles (BCPA). Its mission is to identify research priorities, plan activities,
harmonize programs, support the different structures (with resources and databases), and help set up a mechanism
for monitoring and evaluating researchers. The CNRE will also encourage national and international researchers
to exchange information and experiences.
Contact: Mamadou Boye Diallo
IRAG, BP 1523, Conakry, Guinea
Fax: +224 41 57 58
E-mail: irag@mirinet.net.gn
IN THE FIELD
Soybean Combats Malnutrition
In November 1998 in Saroua, Central West region of Côte d'Ivoire, the Organisation des volontaires pour le
développement local (OVDL) held an awareness raising day on using soya to fight malnutrition. Political
and administrative authorities, Winrock International, and other partners were represented at this event. Several
recipes based on soybean were presented including milk, flour, small cakes, and biscuits.
In 1998, soybean, a legume unknown in the region until recently, was grown by nineteen farmer associations. No
fertilizer or phytosanitary treatment, the crop gave good yields of 1 t/ha during the short rainy season (mid-September
to November), making a second crop possible. However, yields were very low during the main rainy season (March
to June) because of high insect infestation levels.
The Thorny Problem of Seed
Farmers decided to grow soybean during the short rainy season, using short-cycle varieties (100-105 days) like
IAC 8 and Emboga 310.
OVDL is continuing to raise awareness and train women farmers on growing and using soybean for foods, especially
for children. There have already been results: the women have asked for a large amount of seed. However, since
seed can lose their capacity to germinate quickly the NGO will have to solve the thorny problem of how to produce
and conserve seeds.
Contact: A. L. N'Cho
OVDL, 04 BP 304 Bouaké 04, Côte d'Ivoire
Question
How are Millet and Sorghum Eaten?
Ahmadou Sankaré, the national coordinator of Coraf Action in Mali, wrote an article in issue number 10 entitled
"Mali. Research, Millet and Sorghum". The article reports on data obtained from a study on the impact
of research into sorghum and millet carried out in 1995 by the Institut d'économie rurale (IER), the Programme
national de vulgarisation agricole (PNVA) in Mali, the Institut du Sahel, and the International Crops Research
Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT). Andriantahina Rakotondralambo, of the Association nationale d'actions
environnementales (ANAE) in Madagascar, replied to the article.
After reading this article, ANAE is particularly interested in using millet and sorghum for human consumption.
ANAE is responsible for managing resources for funding community and rural development projects, particularly in
the field of soil conservation where organic management techniques have been increasingly disseminated since 1996.
Since Madagascar is a rice growing country, we have introduced our farmers to growing millet and sorghum solely
as cover crops. However, in certain areas, production is so high that farmers are trying to find recipes for millet
and sorghum, which can be difficult without any previous culinary experience of these crops.
ANAE is relying on the authors of the study carried out in Mali, but would also like to hear from Coraf Action
readers for further information and contacts.
Contact: Andriantahina Rakotondralambo
ANAE, Antananarivo, Madagascar
E-mail: anae@bow.dts.mg
On Farm. Convincing Trials
At the end of 1998 within the framework of the joint research program of the Institut d'économie rurale
(IER) of Mali and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), researchers in the subregion visited
on-farm trials for the cultivation of maize, cowpea, and rice in the regions of Koulikoro, Sikasso, Ségou,
and Mopti,.
In Bougoni for example, an improved maize variety "Sotubaka" has been used for trials for three years.
Yields were so good that the farmers increased the cropped areas from 0.25 to 5 ha. They are now familiar with
the calendar and techniques for cropping. In Balanza (Kangaba), two improved varieties "Obatanpa" and
"Sotubaka" were compared to the local variety "Tiémantié", with support from
the NGO Sassakawa Global 2000. One of the farmers prefers Sotubaka because of its seed production, whereas another
raised the problem of conservation.
Collaboration between researchers and farmers should be closely monitored.
Rock-Bottom Prices
Farmers, nevertheless, do have problems storing and marketing maize. Their capacity for conservation and storage
is very limited and so they are forced to sell their produce at give-away prices, less than 35 CFA francs/kg at
harvest. They also have difficulties obtaining supplies of improved seed.
However, substantial income could be obtained for the farmers because yields are high and there is growing demand
in urban centers. The sector needs to be better organized.
Contact: Ahmadou Sankaré
IER, BP 258, Bamako, Mali
Fax: +223 22 37 75 |
