Invasive Pests Cost Africa GHS 98 Billion Annually

Invasive pests are costing Africa an estimated GHS 98 billion ($7 billion) annually. These pests severely threaten food security, livelihoods, and regional trade across the continent.

These substantial economic losses extend beyond monetary figures. They deeply affect household incomes, making it harder for families to afford education and healthcare. Communities become more vulnerable due to crop destruction and reduced financial stability.

This ongoing challenge fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative. Agriculture forms the backbone of many West African economies, including Ghana's. Pest outbreaks directly jeopardise food production, export earnings, economic growth, and poverty reduction efforts. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) regularly highlights the vulnerability of African agriculture to climate change and pest infestations.

Dr. Victor Clottey, West Africa Regional Director at the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), stated this figure. He made this observation at a Regional Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) Workshop in Accra. Dr. Clottey emphasised that many losses are unquantifiable, despite the huge monetary impact. He said, "When pests destroy crops, farmers lose income, families struggle to pay school fees, healthcare becomes difficult to afford and communities become more vulnerable."

Decision-makers must focus on strengthening preventative measures and regional collaboration. What happens next depends on the effective implementation of pest risk analysis and biosecurity systems. Markets will respond to improved food security and reduced agricultural risks. This will lead to more stable prices and improved trade.

Pests can enter countries through international trade, agricultural product movement, and humanitarian food shipments. This happens if proper inspections are not conducted. Insects, fungi, and bacteria introduced to new environments often spread rapidly. They cause extensive damage to crops.

Dr. Clottey noted that controlling established pests is much more expensive than preventing their entry. He cited Banana Bunchy Top Disease as a major threat to banana production. Regional collaboration helps monitor and contain outbreaks, even in countries like Ghana where no cases have been recorded. He confirmed, "We are looking at the sub-region as one ecosystem because pests do not respect national boundaries."

Mr. Eric Bentsil Quaye, Director of the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), highlighted the importance of pest risk analysis. He called it a critical component of modern plant protection and biosecurity systems. Increased cross-border movement of people and plant materials amplifies the risk. Climate change also contributes to these heightened risks.

Effective pest risk analysis allows countries to make science-based decisions. It strengthens surveillance and quarantine systems. This facilitates safe agricultural trade. Dr. Lakpo Koku Agboyi, a Senior Scientist at CABI, mentioned a new digital Pest Risk Analysis tool. This tool, based on international phytosanitary standards, helps countries assess import risks. The workshop is part of regional initiatives launched since 2023. These initiatives aim to enhance pest risk assessment and preparedness across West Africa.