Sustainable use of the potent East Africa medicinal tree, Warburgia ugandensis

For the past 50 years, sub-Saharan Africa’s (SSA) population has been growing at an annual rate of nearly 2.7% and it is projected to increase a further 1.3 times between 2010 and 2050 (United Nations medium projections, 2010). More than 70% of the SSA population subsists on less than US$2 per day. Most of the region’s population and labour force continue to rely on agriculture for their livelihood. Throughout Africa, the main aim of most poor farmers is to achieve food security. This entails sufficient production of food for livelihood and additional yields for income generation. Whilst there are many factors limiting food production, one important constraint is insect pest management. The conventional method is to use commercial synthetic pesticides. Although pesticides are effective, they are costly, have limited distribution to rural areas, can be adulterated by dilution, mixed incorrectly and sold beyond their expiry date. They can be toxic and affect the health of farmers and consumers. WHO estimates that 200,000 people are killed worldwide every year as a direct result of pesticide poisoning. In sub-Saharan Africa, the potential cost of pesticide-related illnesses between 2005 and 2020 could reach US$90 billion, according to a United Nations report released in 2012. Over time pests can build resistance to synthetic pesticides. More than 500 insects and mites species are resistant to one or more insecticides. Furthermore, repetitive use of synthetic pesticides has resulted in pesticide residue hazards, upsetting the balance of nature through disruption of natural enemies, pollinators and other wildlife and extensive groundwater contamination.

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