About the Campaign
TRAC FM, in partnership with CABI, is launching an interactive radio campaign to raise awareness and promote effective management strategies for the mango mealybug, an invasive pest threatening fruit crops across Uganda. The campaign will educate farmers and stakeholders on the pest's impact, preventive measures, and control methods to safeguard their livelihoods and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
The mango mealybug is a destructive pest that attacks mangoes, citrus, guava, and bananas. It feeds on plant sap, leading to reduced fruit production and weakening of trees. Additionally, the pest excretes a sticky substance known as honeydew, which fosters the growth of black sooty mold, further damaging the crops. With mangoes being a primary cash crop for many farmers, the pest poses a significant threat to household incomes and food security.Campaign Objectives
The campaign aims to:
Educate farmers about the identification and impact of the mango mealybug.
Promote best practices for prevention, early detection, and management.
Provide a platform for farmers to share their experiences and insights through interactive radio discussions.
Collect valuable data from the farming community to inform future intervention strategies.
Campaign Timeline
The interactive radio campaign will run from 11th December 2024 to 31st January 2025, featuring two poll questions designed to engage listeners and assess their knowledge and experiences related to the mango mealybug infestation.
Radio Stations
To ensure broad outreach and effective dissemination of information, the campaign will be broadcast across three key radio stations covering different regions of Uganda:
Radio Simba (Central Uganda)
Radio West (Western Uganda)
Delta FM (Eastern Uganda)
How to Participate
Farmers and the general public can participate in the campaign by tuning into the selected radio stations, engaging with agricultural experts, and responding to the poll questions via SMS. This interactive approach ensures that their voices are heard and contributes to shaping future pest management strategies.
Why This Matters
The mango mealybug presents a serious risk to Uganda's agricultural sector. By raising awareness and equipping farmers with the right knowledge and tools, this campaign aims to curb the spread of the pest, protect fruit crops, and support the livelihoods of thousands of farmers across the country.