The Minister of Agriculture in Sierra Leone Hon Abu Bakarr Karim was among the other Ministers that launched the second phase of the WAVE project in Abidjan in 2021
The WAVE project was launched in Sierra Leone by the Ministry of Agriculture Hon Abu Bakarr Karim
The WAVE Regional Center of Excellence (WAVE CRe) is a scientific and technical platform that aims to increase food production in Central and West Africa, in a sustainable manner, by developing effective methods for the control and management of transboundary plant pathogens, as well as preventing the incursion of exotic plant diseases into new areas.
Launched in 2015 with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom, WAVE conducted a successful first phase that resulted in the donors granting the program a second phase in 2019 and extending its geographical scope.
In 2021, the WAVE program was established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a Regional Center of Excellence for transboundary plant pathogens which will empower smallholder farmers to protect their crops.
WAVE Sierra Leone
Hosted by the Crop Protection Department, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Njala University WAVE has
- Developed a national response plan for cassava viruses particularly the cassava brown streak virus using the one health approach
- Conducted two geo references survey and produced virus distribution map
- Conducted cassava genotyping surveys
- Mass multimedia awareness campaign on cassava viruses
- Participatory diseases surveillance using the Nuru app
- Established ten demonstration plot with 10 farmer based organisation
- Capacity building for Phd and MPhil student
- Molecular diagnostic training for laboratory staff
THE WAVE LABORATORY
The WAVE laboratory has been equipped with molecular diagnostic tools
Is expected to strengthen diagnostic capability of the national plant protection organisation
Conduct virus indexing for cassava viruses and support the seed certification process
The WAVE project is being implemented in 5 districts along the Cassava zone in Sierra Leone: Port Loko, Bombali, Kenema, Moyamba and Bonthe
The participatory surveillance with farmers field and students research are being established in the five key districts in the Cassava zones: Port Loko, Bombali, Kenema, Moyamba and Bonthe
Mass Awareness Campaign on Cassava Viral disease was held for One Health stakeholders and farmers in the five districts
Staff and Students of WAVE
Country Director of WAVE – Dr. Alusaine Edward Samura
