Africa’s unwanted new arrivals from America, matters arising

In recent times, while the term ‘globalization’ seems to have taken a back seat, cross-border exchanges are still going on, including ideas, cultures and things good and bad. An example of the negatives is the current invasion of our farmlands by the very unwelcome arrivals, the ‘fall armyworms’.

A BBC source says that the curious name of the insect is “because it eats its way through most of the vegetation in its way as it marches through crops”, adding, “it is native to North and South America but was identified for the first time in Africa last year.”

I was also intrigued by the ‘fall’ in its name. Another source explained that these insects make their appearance late in the year, in autumn – called ‘fall’ in America and Canada.

The speculation is that the fall armyworms first came to Africa through imported produce.

Last week when I wrote about the importance of the Agricultural Extension Officer (AEO) in the country’s renewed agricultural offensive (Counting on food, jobs and the ‘Devil’s Breath’), I stressed that the expertise of the AEOs will be needed in the training of farmers in the application of agricultural chemicals, notably fertilizers and pesticides.

While writing that article, I had at the back of my mind the disturbing news of the invasion of the insect in parts of the country. However, I was reassured by a report that the invasion was under control. 

I had no idea then that the dreaded marauding insects were at that time in my own ‘backyard’, marching through farms in Dormaa, in Brong-Ahafo, eating food crops. The district capital, Dormaa-Ahenkro (my hometown), and other the affected farming communities have reportedly seen nearly 32 per cent of losses.  

What alarmed me most in the report by the Ghana News Agency about the Dormaa infestation was a statement attributed to Mr Akaare Damian, Deputy Director, Ministry of Food and Agriculture “that the invasion was as a result of the wrong application of insecticides – farmers did not use the right dosage of chemical when the insects attacked the farms.”

Furthermore, the official said, “the farmers delayed more than one week before reporting the incident. They resorted to using their own means to control the insects. When the chemical proved inefficient in dealing with the insects, they later rushed to our office.”

Thankfully, he added that his outfit had taken delivery of some insecticides and they are being distributed in the affected communities. 

The threat to food security that the insects pose highlights the vital role of the AEOs in Ghana’s agricultural agenda. It is therefore very important that the farmers see them as ‘akuafoC, adamfo’ (friend of farmers) and not feel intimidated or reluctant to approach them with their problems.

I can understand the Agriculture officer’s frustration with the Dormaa farmers, the implication that if they had sought help from his office sooner, the advance of the armyworms could have been checked.

However, I’m wondering why faced with an invasion by crop-eating pests, farmers would not immediately think of seeking help from the agricultural officers, but would initially try their own remedy first before going to the specialists.

The AEOs and the district and regional agricultural offices need to ensure that they are on such good terms with the farmers that the farmers will have no hesitation in making them the first point of call at the least sign of trouble.

I don’t think agricultural officers should be sitting in their offices waiting to be contacted by farmers about threats to harvests.

The officers should be monitoring the farms in their catchment areas so closely that even before they are contacted at the approach of trouble, they know it and will act proactively.

More importantly, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture needs to train many more AEOs to ensure that there is at least one in every farming district.

Surely, that is the backbone that the Government’s recently launched Planting for Food and Jobs programme requires.

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Start of restoration of Obetsebi Lamptey Circle?

I see that whoever is supposed to look after the Obetsebi Lamptey Circle in Accra, has finally woken up from their deep slumber – or were they engaged in an unannounced strike action?

Was it a decision to stop maintenance of the Circle to prove a point, or to secure a salary increment?

In a recent column complaining about how weeds are taking over our capital city, I wrote: “Then there is the Graphic road, ending at the Obetsebi Lamptey Circle which at present resembles a forest under cultivation” (‘Accra must sparkle and bloom’, issue of May 12).

Thus, a few days ago, passing by the Obetsebi Circle it was such a pleasure to see it beginning to look tended again and worthy of the status of the name it bears. The person whom it honours, Mr Emmanuel Obetsebi Lamptey, was one of the ‘Big Six’, credited with leading the fight for Ghana’s Independence. He was also the father of Mr Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, a stalwart of the ruling New Patriotic Party (who died last year).

The Obetsebi Circle ‘forest’ so unsightly and a possible visibility danger to motorists, is now looking much, much better. Maybe it’s the start of its restoration and it won’t be too long before it fully regains its old form as one of the best tended and most appealing roundabouts in Accra.

Naturally, I can’t help wondering whether the development has anything to do with my article. I have no way of knowing whether the clearing of the weeds, trimming of the overgrown shrubs and trees at the Obetsebi, was in response to my criticism or it is a sheer coincidence.

But whatever the reason, congrats to the official in charge. Please keep it up!

Secondly, maybe whoever is responsible for seeing to it that the weeds flourishing so abundantly all over our capital city will take a cue and initiate similar action to prevent Accra being named the unopposed ‘capital city weeds champion’ of Africa.

A pity that weeds are not an export commodity, not even as a Non-Traditional Export item.  Otherwise, Accra would be swimming in money and Ghana’s financial problems would be over!