Revolutionary Biopesticide from Cassava Peels Dramatically Reduces Grain Losses in Cameroon
In Brief:
- Dr. Pauline Mounjouenpou turns one million tons of cassava waste into a biopesticide.
- Revolutionary fungicide reduces corn post-harvest losses by an impressive 60 to 70 percent.
- Environmentally friendly solution addresses food security and environmental concerns.
Every year, Cameroon faces a substantial challenge, generating approximately one million tons of waste from its cassava production, which totals five million tons. This waste often ends up in dumpsites, decomposing and emitting methane—a potent greenhouse gas.
However, Dr. Pauline Mounjouenpou, a senior researcher at the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) in Cameroon, has ingeniously transformed this environmental issue into a sustainable solution.
In a recent presentation at the World Food Forum’s Science and Innovation Forum 2023, Dr. Mounjouenpou unveiled her groundbreaking research on utilizing cassava waste to create a biopesticide.
This innovation has proven to be a game-changer for corn farmers, significantly reducing post-harvest losses by an impressive 60 to 70 percent.
Cameroon grapples with a post-harvest loss of grains amounting to approximately 40 percent.
For a country striving towards self-sufficiency, such losses are not only economically burdensome but also impact food security.
Dr. Mounjouenpou’s vision was to repurpose discarded cassava peelings to create a biopesticide, addressing both environmental concerns and the economic impact of post-harvest losses.
The process involves extracting substances from cassava peelings, fermenting and drying them to produce an active biopesticide.
A mere eight milligrams of this biopesticide can effectively preserve over 100 grams of corn.
The product comprises 11 different microbial strains, acting as a potent antifungal agent to prevent mold and fungi development.
What sets this biopesticide apart is its potential to replace traditional chemical pesticides, which pose risks to consumers and biodiversity.
Dr. Mounjouenpou’s innovation not only offers an effective solution to post-harvest losses but also aligns with the global shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
The World Food Forum’s Science and Innovation Forum 2023 provided a platform for Dr. Mounjouenpou to showcase the impact and viability of her innovation.
The session focused on success stories of technologies and innovations at the intersection of agrifood system transformation and climate action.
In her presentation, Dr. Mounjouenpou emphasized the economic viability and environmental friendliness of her biopesticide compared to conventional methods.
The powder form of the product, along with the accessibility of raw materials, makes it a practical and user-friendly solution for farmers.
This isn’t the first time Dr. Mounjouenpou’s research has garnered recognition.
In 2020, she received the Scientific Excellence Award for her work on cassava-related innovations.
Beyond the biopesticide, her contributions extend to various areas, including the development of chocolate spread, cocoa-based products, and biscuits using cocoa and corn flour.
Moreover, Dr. Mounjouenpou is actively engaged in addressing health security concerns related to post-harvest losses among cocoa and coffee producers.
Her holistic approach to research contributes not only to improving agricultural practices but also to enhancing the livelihoods of producers and mitigating food insecurity challenges in Cameroon.
This innovative biopesticide not only showcases the potential of turning waste into valuable resources but also highlights the critical role of research and innovation in addressing pressing global challenges.
Dr. Mounjouenpou’s work serves as an inspiring example of how science can drive positive change, offering sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and the agricultural community.
According to PanAfrican Agriculture, the biopesticide derived from cassava peels stands as a testament to the power of innovative thinking and research in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for agriculture.
As the world grapples with the need for sustainable practices, Dr. Mounjouenpou’s work provides a beacon of hope, demonstrating that solutions to complex challenges can emerge from the most unexpected places.
