In a groundbreaking study that illuminates pressing concerns for East Africa’s agricultural future, a consortium of scientists led by CABI has uncovered an alarming tally of over 9,000 pest species previously undocumented in Uganda. This comprehensive research sheds light not only on the immediate threats these non-native pests present to the country’s vital food systems but also exemplifies the complex biological and ecological challenges emerging in a globalized world. The findings underscore a growing urgency to advance biosecurity measures, safeguard biodiversity, and protect the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers who depend on sustainable agriculture.
The team employed the sophisticated CABI Horizon Scanning Tool to systematically compile extensive data on pest species that could jeopardize Ugandan agriculture. From this vast dataset, they meticulously selected a subset of 1,517 species for rapid risk assessment based on their potential for entry, establishment, and the severity of socio-economic and environmental impacts. Among these identified pests are some notorious agricultural adversaries, such as the devastating Fusarium f.sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (FoC TR4), which attacks banana plants, as well as highly invasive pests like the tomato leafminer (Pthorimaea absoluta), papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus), and the destructive fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). These species symbolize the multifaceted risks threatening staple and high-value crops throughout the region.
A remarkable finding from the study is that out of the 1,517 prioritized pests, 360 were reported as invasive. This invasive subset includes a broad range of harmful organisms, spanning arthropods, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, viruses, and even molluscs—reflecting the diverse biological complexity that complicates management strategies. The researchers offer a detailed taxonomic breakdown revealing that 357 species are arthropods, 130 bacteria, 417 fungi, and 387 viruses and viroids, among others. This diversity of pest taxa demands highly specialized and multifaceted approaches to monitoring, control, and containment.
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Given Uganda’s pivotal role in the regional economy and food security landscape, the impacts of such pests can be catastrophic. Agriculture accounts for a significant share of Uganda’s GDP and rural employment, contributing around 24% of the country’s economic output and employing approximately 68% of the labour force. This sector’s sensitivity extends beyond mere economic metrics; it underpins the social fabric of a predominantly agrarian society and buffers against the food insecurity exacerbated by climate change. Extreme weather events amplify pest outbreaks, complicating efforts to stabilize yields and preserve ecosystem integrity.
Recognizing these threats, the study stresses the urgent need to bolster Uganda’s capacity to manage pest occurrences effectively. Enhanced surveillance systems, supported by robust pest risk analyses and contingency plans, are key to minimizing the introduction and spread of these invaders. The report advocates for strategic regulation integrated with pest management industry cooperation and intensified research endeavors designed to fill critical knowledge gaps. Such coordinated efforts are essential to transform data-driven insights into practical tools for safeguarding agriculture and biodiversity.
Stakeholders within Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)—the governmental body overseeing agricultural development—are already prioritizing pest management. The Agricultural Sector Strategic Plan highlights essential commodities like banana, cassava, coffee, maize, and fruits and vegetables as focal points for protection and sustainable growth. However, systemic challenges persist, including land degradation from unsustainable farming, declining soil health, and intensified pest pressures. These intersecting factors underscore the importance of integrating pest control within broader environmental and agricultural resilience strategies.
The study also deepens understanding of how these pests infiltrate Uganda’s borders. Three primary pathways are explored: containment, stowaway, and unaided migration. Containment refers to seed-borne or seed-transmitted pests whose spread can be tracked through regulated agricultural practices. Stowaway pests, often vectors or soil-borne organisms, hitch rides on transport materials or equipment, entering through porous borders. The unaided pathway, less controllable, concerns species that spread naturally across ecosystems and geographic boundaries. This nuanced assessment aids biosecurity officials in tailoring interventions according to the most probable pathways.
Noteworthy contributions to the research stem from collaborative efforts involving Uganda’s premier institutions, including Makerere University and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). Their involvement ensures that the findings are grounded in local expertise and responsive to national priorities. Dr. Idd Ramathani from NARO emphasizes the study’s role in enabling early detection systems and rapid response strategies critical for eradicating new pest incursions before irreversible damage occurs. The development of a national pest risk register is highlighted as a cornerstone tool in this defense mechanism.
Media campaigns and strategic risk communications are additional recommendations drawn from the research. By engaging stakeholders across the agricultural value chain—farmers, industry actors, policymakers, and extension workers—the efficacy of pest prevention and management efforts can be significantly amplified. The establishment of codes of conduct and regulatory frameworks aligned with international phytosanitary standards will also fortify Uganda’s biosecurity defenses, facilitating safer trade and regional cooperation.
Finally, the pervasive knowledge gap illuminated by the disparity between reported pests in neighboring countries and those documented in Uganda underscores an urgent need for improved cross-border data sharing and harmonization of phytosanitary measures. Only through collaborative, evidence-based policymaking can East African nations collectively mitigate the spread of destructive pests that threaten the region’s agricultural prosperity and ecological health.
In summary, this landmark study provides an indispensable roadmap for Uganda and its neighbors as they confront the mounting threat posed by non-native pest species. The fusion of cutting-edge data tools, scientific collaboration, and practical policy recommendations offers a blueprint for safeguarding food security and environmental resilience in a rapidly changing world. As pest invasions escalate amid globalization and climate change, the imperatives outlined by this research become increasingly critical for regional and global agricultural sustainability.
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: ‘Prioritising non-native pest species to inform plant health biosecurity policy decisions and to safeguard agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, and livelihoods in Uganda’
News Publication Date: 7-Aug-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fagro.2025.1601845
References:
Mulema Joseph, Nankinga Caroline, Kagorora John Patrick Kanahe, Tusiime Geoffrey, et al., ‘Prioritising non-native pest species to inform plant health biosecurity policy decisions and to safeguard agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, and livelihoods in Uganda,’ Frontiers in Agronomy, Volume 7 – 2025, DOI: 10.3389/fagro.2025.1601845
Image Credits: Credit: CABI
Keywords: invasive pests, biosecurity, Uganda agriculture, plant health, pest risk assessment, Fusarium f.sp. cubense Tropical Race 4, tomato leafminer, papaya mealybug, fall armyworm, pest pathways, sustainable agriculture, climate change impacts
Tags: agricultural threats in East AfricaBiodiversity and agriculturebiosecurity measures in UgandaCABI Horizon Scanning ToolCABI study on Uganda pestsecological challenges in globalizationFusarium Tropical Race 4 impactsinvasive agricultural pestspest management strategies in Ugandapest risk assessment in agriculturesmallholder farmer livelihoodsundocumented pest species in Uganda