The Truth About Why Kenya, Ghana & Morocco Are Investing in IPM

Africa’s agriculture sector is at a turning point. Pests destroy up to 40% of crops each year across the continent. Climate change is worsening the crisis as warmer temperatures create ideal breeding conditions for destructive insects like fall armyworm, Tuta absoluta, and locusts. To solve this, countries like Kenya, Ghana, and Morocco are investing heavily in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) a sustainable, science-based approach that blends biological, cultural, and technological tools to manage pests with minimal chemical use.

And the results are impressive.

Why IPM Is Growing Fast in Africa

IPM helps farmers:

• Reduce pesticide dependency
• Save production costs
• Improve food safety
• Meet strict export standards
• Strengthen climate resilience

The shift is not just environmental. It’s economic. The global food market is demanding safe, traceable, low-residue produce, and African exporters must comply or get locked out.

Let’s look at real-world examples from Kenya, Ghana, and Morocco.

Kenya’s Story: IPM Boosts Horticulture and Export Compliance

Kenya exports vegetables, herbs, and flowers to the EU. But in the last decade, the country has faced residue-related interceptions mainly due to overuse of chemicals and poor pest control strategies.

To protect the multibillion-shilling horticulture trade, Kenya invested in:

• Biological control agents
• Sticky traps and pheromone traps
• Digital scouting tools
• Training farmers on spray thresholds

Data Story:
A study by KEPHIS (2022) reported that farmers who adopted Integrated Pest Management in Kirinyaga and Kiambu reduced pesticide use by 35%, while increasing yields by 18% in French beans and tomatoes.

The impact:
 Kenya saw fewer EU market rejections and higher farmer income.

Real Example:
 The Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment Project (SHEP PLUS) showed that farmers using IPM practices cut production costs significantly due to reduced spraying frequency.

Ghana’s Story: IPM as a Weapon Against Fall Armyworm

Ghana’s maize farmers lost more than 306,000 metric tons when fall armyworm first hit in 2016. The government tried traditional chemical control, but the problem persisted.

Then IPM changed the narrative.

Ghana invested in:

• Biopesticides such as neem extracts
• Pheromone traps for armyworm monitoring
• Community surveillance groups
• Resistant seed varieties

Data Story:
 According to the Ghana Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), fields using IPM recorded 55% fewer pest outbreaks and up to 29% higher yields compared to conventional spraying alone.

Farmer Story:
 A cooperative in Ejura reported that using Integrated Pest Management-based scouting and biocontrol agents reduced their pesticide expenditure by nearly half, while maintaining strong yields.

Morocco’s Story: IPM Strengthens Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Morocco faces extreme climate stress. Heatwaves, water scarcity, and erratic seasons create favorable conditions for pests.

To protect key crops like citrus, tomatoes, and olives, Morocco invested in:

• Mass-rearing of beneficial insects
• Greenhouse biological control systems
• Digital pest forecasting tools
• Regulations limiting chemical misuse

Data Story:
Under the Green Morocco Plan, farmers adopting Integrated Pest Management reduced chemical pesticide use by up to 60%, according to the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture.

Case Example:
 Greenhouse tomato farmers in Souss-Massa reported improved fruit quality after replacing broad-spectrum pesticides with predatory mites and parasitoids.

Read also: Safe Pesticide Use: The Key to Unlocking Global Agricultural Markets

Why IPM Is the Future of African Agriculture

Across Kenya, Ghana, and Morocco, the message is clear:

IPM is no longer optional.
 It is essential for food security, export competitiveness, and climate adaptation.

IPM supports:

• Cleaner produce
• Healthier soils
• Lower environmental risk
• Better market access
• Climate-smart production

And as global consumers demand residue-free food, Africa must scale IPM to remain competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Integrated Pest Management ?

IPM is an approach that uses biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical tools to manage pests safely and efficiently.

2. Why are African countries prioritizing IPM?

Because it reduces costs, protects export markets, and increases sustainability.

3. Does IPM eliminate the need for pesticides?

No. It reduces reliance on pesticides by using them only when necessary and at the right thresholds.

4. Is IPM expensive to implement?

Most IPM tools are affordable. Over time, it lowers production costs by reducing spray frequency.

5. How does IPM help with climate change?

It improves resilience by encouraging natural pest control and minimizing soil degradation.

Did You Know?

Only 4–6% of Africa’s farmland is irrigated, yet IPM and not irrigation has a greater impact on reducing total crop losses caused by pests.

Final Thoughts

IPM is transforming farms across Africa. It blends science, tradition, and innovation. It cuts costs and protects the environment. It helps African produce meet international quality standards.

Countries investing in IPM today will lead Africa’s agriculture tomorrow.