Pests pose a significant threat to crop yields, particularly affecting maize and tomatoes. The increasing incidence and outbreaks of various crop diseases and insect pests have led to low production.

To find a sustainable solution, a project titled “Development of Modern Biological Control Solutions for Sustainable Management of Destructive Invasive Insect Pests of Maize and Tomato for Better Food Security, Safety, and Nutrition in Rwanda” was initiated. The project, funded by the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST), aimed to provide strategic solutions through research.

On June 25, 2024, the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), in collaboration with the project’s implementation partners, held a workshop to evaluate the project's achievements in managing tomato and maize pests. The workshop also focused on discussing how to build on these successes to enhance food security, safety, and nutrition in Rwanda.

The event allowed stakeholders to reflect on the achievements of the past 2.5 years. They shared key learnings, new knowledge, and further research findings, and offered recommendations for future projects.

During this event, the RAB also introduced a new project titled “Scaling up the Production and Use of Biological Control Products (Entomopathogenic Nematodes) for Improved Food Security, Safety, and Nutrition.” This project aims to upscale the production and use of EPNs as biocontrol agents for the sustainable management of fall armyworm and soil insect pests. Funded by EPN Upscale ACTS/NCST, the project is anticipated to support the agriculture sector's