The Battle Against Cochineal Infestation Threatening Prickly Pear Crops in North Africa
In Chebika, Tunisia, farmer Amor Nouira watches helplessly as his prickly pear cacti are decimated by the invasive cochineal insect, impacting many farmers across North Africa. The prickly pear is a vital crop for thousands of families, with Tunisia being the second-largest producer globally after Mexico.
Authorities are racing against time to save the cacti, with efforts ranging from chemical experiments to introducing natural predators like the Hyperaspis trifurcata ladybird. The spread of cochineal infestation is attributed to the dry climate and climate change in the region.
The battle against the cochineal not only affects agriculture but also poses a threat to public safety and livelihoods. With concerns of social unrest in marginalized areas heavily reliant on prickly pears, urgent action is needed to protect this essential source of income in North Africa.
Despite setbacks, including slow administrative responses, countries like Morocco and Tunisia are exploring innovative solutions to combat the cochineal infestation and safeguard their agricultural heritage.
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