New Partnership to Help African Farmers Combat Soybean Rust with Early Warning Systems
A new collaboration between Solidaridad, Kvuno, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and the Soybean Innovation Lab is set to support smallholder farmers in Southern Africa in their fight against soybean rust, a devastating crop disease. With climate change intensifying the spread of this fungal threat, farmers face increased risks to their crops and livelihoods. To address this, an Early Warning System (EWS) has been developed to provide real-time alerts and guidance to help farmers protect their crops.
“Our mission is to build sustainable, nature-positive supply chains inclusive of all stakeholders,” says Shungu Kanyemba, Managing Director of Solidaridad Southern Africa. “By equipping farmers with real-time data and tools to counter soybean rust, we’re helping smallholder farmers build resilience and secure food for their families.”
Understanding Soybean Rust
Soybean rust, a severe fungal disease, can reduce yields by up to 80% if untreated, placing smallholder farmers—who rely on one or two crops—at high risk. The EWS system enables early detection, giving farmers time to act. Using “sentinel plots,” small areas planted before the main crop, the system monitors for early signs of rust. Farmers then receive alerts via a mobile app, allowing them to protect their crops before the disease spreads.
Dr. Harun Murithi of IITA and the Soybean Innovation Lab encourages farmers to adopt the EWS, which has already helped farmers in Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique manage rust threats and prevent significant crop losses.
A Step Forward for Food Security
The Early Warning System, developed through IITA’s long-standing work in Africa, provides a promising solution to soybean rust management. Sentinel plots are monitored in key farming regions, with expansion planned across Southern Africa. By combining technology with timely alerts, EWS empowers farmers to safeguard their yields, ensuring food security for families and communities.
Agricultural organizations are encouraged to support this initiative, expanding the reach and impact of this vital tool.