Nematodes and food security in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract: Across the tropics pests and diseases can plague crop production. Nematode pests are no different but in general, there is limited understanding or recognition of nematode pests in the tropics and in subSaharan Africa. Yet they represent severe constraints to crop production and as such, greater awareness is required on nematode pests, their biology and pathology, the damage they cause and how to manage them. This article provides an insight into nematode problems and damage in sub-Saharan Africa, from smallholder cropping systems through to large-scale commercial systems, in order to highlight the magnitude of the problem and the steps that are necessary to address this.