REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIAMINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

by

K. Msiska (Dr.)

Policy Brief on the Status of Maize Lethal Necrotic

Disease (MLND) in Malawi Mozambique and

Zambia

ZARI, Plant Quarantine & Phytosanitary Service

Key Points1. This Policy brief is based on the results of the research study by

APPSA aimed at investigating the occurrence of MLND in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia

2. MLND can cause up to 100 percent loss of yield for smallholder farmers

3. MLND negatively impact on food security and commercial seed trade

4. Currently there are no signs of the presence of MLND in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia

5. There is need to enhance the participation of extension services in surveillance.

6. Strengthen the national phytosanitary capacity and establish a community of practice for surveillance and in the country.

7. Surveillance programmes for MLND should be mainstreamed into the Research Programmes and activities.

1.0 BACKGROUND Maize is the major staple food for millions of households in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is both a staple and cash crop for the majority of people in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. Maize provides raw materials for many food and non-food products such as corn flakes and biofuels. Furthermore, it is an essential ingredient in the manufacture of livestock feed. In Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, maize greatly contributes to the national food security and makes up to 60 percent of the caloric intake for the population. (Haggblade & Nielson, 2007; Mazunda & Droppelmann, 2012).The emergence and prevalence of the Maize Lethal Necrotic Disease (MLND) in endemic countries such Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania, among others threatens the food security and commercial seed trade in the Southern African Region. The purpose of this Policy Brief is to update key stakeholders on the status of MLND in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. Further, the Brief aims at creating awareness on potential threats posed by the disease on food security and international trade, and provides policy recommendations to be undertaken by policy makers and all stakeholders in order to prevent the introduction of the Disease into these three countries. The Brief is based on

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Key Points1. This Policy brief is based on the results of the research study by

APPSA aimed at investigating the occurrence of MLND in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia

2. MLND can cause up to 100 percent loss of yield for smallholder farmers

3. MLND negatively impact on food security and commercial seed trade

4. Currently there are no signs of the presence of MLND in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia

5. There is need to enhance the participation of extension services in surveillance.

6. Strengthen the national phytosanitary capacity and establish a community of practice for surveillance and in the country.

7. Surveillance programmes for MLND should be mainstreamed into the Research Programmes and activities.

1.0 BACKGROUND Maize is the major staple food for millions of households in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is both a staple and cash crop for the majority of people in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. Maize provides raw materials for many food and non-food products such as corn flakes and biofuels. Furthermore, it is an essential ingredient in the manufacture of livestock feed. In Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, maize greatly contributes to the national food security and makes up to 60 percent of the caloric intake for the population. (Haggblade & Nielson, 2007; Mazunda & Droppelmann, 2012).The emergence and prevalence of the Maize Lethal Necrotic Disease (MLND) in endemic countries such Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania, among others threatens the food security and commercial seed trade in the Southern African Region. The purpose of this Policy Brief is to update key stakeholders on the status of MLND in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. Further, the Brief aims at creating awareness on potential threats posed by the disease on food security and international trade, and provides policy recommendations to be undertaken by policy makers and all stakeholders in order to prevent the introduction of the Disease into these three countries. The Brief is based on

i

the preliminary findings of the research study conducted in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia aimed at assessing the occurrence of the MLND and its vector pest.

1.1 What is MLND?MLND is a maize disease that result from a combination of two viruses, the Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMoV) and any of the cereal viruses in the Potyviridae group, like the Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) or Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus (MDMV). The double infection of the two viruses gives rise to the MLND, also known as Corn Lethal Necrosis (CLN). Studies reveal that MLND has a large impact on the smallholder farmers at household level in the affected countries. Smallholder farmers who can experience up to 100 percent yield losses (CIMMYT, 2016). Due to its adverse impact, the MLND poses a major concern for researchers, seed companies and farmers within the Sub-Saharan Africa.

1.2 Which African Countries have Reported MLND?The Disease was first reported in the Sub-Saharan Africa Region in 2011. Despite its rapid spread, the Disease has not yet been reported in most of the SADC countries including Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. The Disease has however, been reported in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Tanzania where the spread of the disease spread so rapidly. Recently MLND has been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although no cases of MLND have been reported in Malawi and Zambia, the presence of Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) puts the two countries on high risk alert.

1.3 How big is the impact of MLND?The disease has a huge impact on the household for small scale farmers and the entire economy of the country that has been affected. It can also affect the food security of the SADC Region as well as the whole African Continent. At household level for small scale farmers, the impact is significant as they can lose their whole production when affected. This can be devastating in countries like Zambia and Malawi where maize makes up a large part of the diet. In rural Zambia, maize forms a major component of diets which is consumed from breakfast, lunch and super. It is consumed as Nshima, porridge, and sump. Further, maize used in making local brews such as Chibwantu, thobwa, and umunkoyo, among others. The industries use maize for the manufacturing of livestock feed, beer, chips, corn flakes

ii

and drinks. Maize exports in the years of especially during the bumper harvest, brings foreign exchange. Therefore, losing maize harvest through MLND can impact both the food security and nutrition, and affect a number of jobs across its entire value chain.

1.4 What is has been done so far?Realizing the seriousness of the MLND and the impact that it can bring on the Zambian, people and the SADC Region, the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) through the Agricultural Production and Productivity Program for Southern Africa (APPSA) has been implementing a project aimed at establishing the presence and/or absence of the MLND in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia since 2014. The objective of the Research is to establish the occurrence of MLND and vector pest surveillance in the three countries. To meet this objective, the research has three (3) specific objectives namely: (i) To conduct disease and vector surveys in the border areas of Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia bordering Tanzania in order to identify the absence or presence of MLND; (ii) To conduct sensitization workshops with stakeholders on the disease identification and vector management if established; and (iii) To determine and initiate implementation of phytosanitary actions (legal, technical and administrative) required for minimizing the spread of MLND.

2.0 WHAT APPROACHES ARE BEING USED?The major approaches being employed are surveillance, diagnostic, awareness and training. Specific sites have been selected for surveillance in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. Four sites have been selected in Mozambique. On Surveillance, the Research Team in collaboration with other stakeholders is using farm surveys involving administration of questionnaire, electronic surveys and general vector surveillance. In Zambia the areas of focus are the Northern and North Western Provinces bordering Tanzania and DRC where cases of the disease have been reported (see figure 1 below).

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the preliminary findings of the research study conducted in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia aimed at assessing the occurrence of the MLND and its vector pest.

1.1 What is MLND?MLND is a maize disease that result from a combination of two viruses, the Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMoV) and any of the cereal viruses in the Potyviridae group, like the Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) or Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus (MDMV). The double infection of the two viruses gives rise to the MLND, also known as Corn Lethal Necrosis (CLN). Studies reveal that MLND has a large impact on the smallholder farmers at household level in the affected countries. Smallholder farmers who can experience up to 100 percent yield losses (CIMMYT, 2016). Due to its adverse impact, the MLND poses a major concern for researchers, seed companies and farmers within the Sub-Saharan Africa.

1.2 Which African Countries have Reported MLND?The Disease was first reported in the Sub-Saharan Africa Region in 2011. Despite its rapid spread, the Disease has not yet been reported in most of the SADC countries including Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. The Disease has however, been reported in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Tanzania where the spread of the disease spread so rapidly. Recently MLND has been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although no cases of MLND have been reported in Malawi and Zambia, the presence of Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) puts the two countries on high risk alert.

1.3 How big is the impact of MLND?The disease has a huge impact on the household for small scale farmers and the entire economy of the country that has been affected. It can also affect the food security of the SADC Region as well as the whole African Continent. At household level for small scale farmers, the impact is significant as they can lose their whole production when affected. This can be devastating in countries like Zambia and Malawi where maize makes up a large part of the diet. In rural Zambia, maize forms a major component of diets which is consumed from breakfast, lunch and super. It is consumed as Nshima, porridge, and sump. Further, maize used in making local brews such as Chibwantu, thobwa, and umunkoyo, among others. The industries use maize for the manufacturing of livestock feed, beer, chips, corn flakes

ii

and drinks. Maize exports in the years of especially during the bumper harvest, brings foreign exchange. Therefore, losing maize harvest through MLND can impact both the food security and nutrition, and affect a number of jobs across its entire value chain.

1.4 What is has been done so far?Realizing the seriousness of the MLND and the impact that it can bring on the Zambian, people and the SADC Region, the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) through the Agricultural Production and Productivity Program for Southern Africa (APPSA) has been implementing a project aimed at establishing the presence and/or absence of the MLND in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia since 2014. The objective of the Research is to establish the occurrence of MLND and vector pest surveillance in the three countries. To meet this objective, the research has three (3) specific objectives namely: (i) To conduct disease and vector surveys in the border areas of Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia bordering Tanzania in order to identify the absence or presence of MLND; (ii) To conduct sensitization workshops with stakeholders on the disease identification and vector management if established; and (iii) To determine and initiate implementation of phytosanitary actions (legal, technical and administrative) required for minimizing the spread of MLND.

2.0 WHAT APPROACHES ARE BEING USED?The major approaches being employed are surveillance, diagnostic, awareness and training. Specific sites have been selected for surveillance in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. Four sites have been selected in Mozambique. On Surveillance, the Research Team in collaboration with other stakeholders is using farm surveys involving administration of questionnaire, electronic surveys and general vector surveillance. In Zambia the areas of focus are the Northern and North Western Provinces bordering Tanzania and DRC where cases of the disease have been reported (see figure 1 below).

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Figure 1: Survey Sites for MLND in Zambia (Source: Maize Lethal Necrosis

Disease: Surveillance Report for Zambia, (Msiska et.al., 2016)

In Malawi, surveillance has included the winter maize crop grown in the interior of the country apart from the border sites (see figure 2 below). In Mozambique, surveillance is mainly focused in four sites. In all cases maize fields especially for small scale farmers are sampled and analyzed for MLND. Further, maize seed from seed companies is also sampled and tested for MLND.

In Malawi surveillance has concentrated on border areas and interior for the winter maize crop are shown in figures 2 and 3 below.

Figure 2: Map of winter surveys (Source: Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease: Surveillance

Report for Zambia, (Msiska et.al., 2016)

The Project has also trained trainers of trainers who have trained farmers, laboratory technicians and other stakeholders on various topics surrounding the MLND. Awareness campaigns have been conducted using various media such as radio, television, print, field days, and shows, among others.

3.0 RESULTS AND FINDINGS

The preliminary results from the surveillances and diagnostic tests that have been conducted in the three (3) countries have shown that there is no presence of the MLND in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. However, he presence SCMV in sugar fields of Malawi and Zambia puts the two countries of high risk alert for MLND.

4.0 POLICY RECOMMENDATIONSZambia should prevent the introduction the MLND and maintain her

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Figure 1: Survey Sites for MLND in Zambia (Source: Maize Lethal Necrosis

Disease: Surveillance Report for Zambia, (Msiska et.al., 2016)

In Malawi, surveillance has included the winter maize crop grown in the interior of the country apart from the border sites (see figure 2 below). In Mozambique, surveillance is mainly focused in four sites. In all cases maize fields especially for small scale farmers are sampled and analyzed for MLND. Further, maize seed from seed companies is also sampled and tested for MLND.

In Malawi surveillance has concentrated on border areas and interior for the winter maize crop are shown in figures 2 and 3 below.

Figure 2: Map of winter surveys (Source: Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease: Surveillance

Report for Zambia, (Msiska et.al., 2016)

The Project has also trained trainers of trainers who have trained farmers, laboratory technicians and other stakeholders on various topics surrounding the MLND. Awareness campaigns have been conducted using various media such as radio, television, print, field days, and shows, among others.

3.0 RESULTS AND FINDINGS

The preliminary results from the surveillances and diagnostic tests that have been conducted in the three (3) countries have shown that there is no presence of the MLND in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. However, he presence SCMV in sugar fields of Malawi and Zambia puts the two countries of high risk alert for MLND.

4.0 POLICY RECOMMENDATIONSZambia should prevent the introduction the MLND and maintain her

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status of no presence of MLND. This will enhance food security and nutrition and both household and national levels. Further, the County will continue enjoying maize trade at both Regional and international levels. The following policy recommendation could strengthen Zambia's position:

1. Continuous Intensive Surveillance: – the country should mainstream MLND surveillance programmes and activities into its routine activities and not restrict the programme to the Project.

2. Enhance participation of extension services in surveillance:- The Extension services are widely spread in the country as they can be found at the lowest level of the Ministry structure. Extension staff are further in regular contact with the farmers and their fields. Their participation therefore would broaden the scope of surveillance.

3. Harmonize the surveillance protocols4. Strengthen the national phytosanitary capacity and establish

a community of practice for surveillance and in the country.

ReferencesHaggblade, S. & Nielson, H., 2007. Zonal Mapping of Food Staples Zones in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, s.l.: Michigan State University.Msiska, K.K, Mudenda, M., Chomba, M. D., Abass, M.S.L., Mukuwa, P.S.C., Mwanza, L.M. (2016). Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease: Surveillance Report for Zambia. Interna�onal Phytosanitary Conference, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, Nairobi Kenya.SADC, 2015. Regional Agricultural Policy. s.l.:SADC.Wawa, B., 2016. CIMMYT. [Online] Available at: h�p//www.cimmyt.org [Accessed 20 April 2017].

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status of no presence of MLND. This will enhance food security and nutrition and both household and national levels. Further, the County will continue enjoying maize trade at both Regional and international levels. The following policy recommendation could strengthen Zambia's position:

1. Continuous Intensive Surveillance: – the country should mainstream MLND surveillance programmes and activities into its routine activities and not restrict the programme to the Project.

2. Enhance participation of extension services in surveillance:- The Extension services are widely spread in the country as they can be found at the lowest level of the Ministry structure. Extension staff are further in regular contact with the farmers and their fields. Their participation therefore would broaden the scope of surveillance.

3. Harmonize the surveillance protocols4. Strengthen the national phytosanitary capacity and establish

a community of practice for surveillance and in the country.

ReferencesHaggblade, S. & Nielson, H., 2007. Zonal Mapping of Food Staples Zones in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, s.l.: Michigan State University.Msiska, K.K, Mudenda, M., Chomba, M. D., Abass, M.S.L., Mukuwa, P.S.C., Mwanza, L.M. (2016). Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease: Surveillance Report for Zambia. Interna�onal Phytosanitary Conference, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, Nairobi Kenya.SADC, 2015. Regional Agricultural Policy. s.l.:SADC.Wawa, B., 2016. CIMMYT. [Online] Available at: h�p//www.cimmyt.org [Accessed 20 April 2017].

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For Inquiries contact:The Director

Zambia Agriculture Research InstituteMt. Makulu Central Research Station

P/Bag 7 ChilangaTel:260 211 278380Fax:260 211 278130

Email:zaridirector@zari.gov.zmor

The National Coordinator: Cell +260961 082 834Email:dickson.nguni@gmail.com