But new technology is only as good as the mechanism of its dissemination to farmers. And, according to African leaders, this link has been quite weak. But the bulk of these findings are allowed to gather dust in our archives and research institutions. Extension services are also needed to spread the word about better agronomic practices that could help increase crop yields. Fungal and viral plant diseases are particularly devastating in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to Beachy, because of the presence of weeds and the lack of freezing temperatures that help to control them.
Weeds are a major reservoir for viruses and diseases.
But extension services have not delivered this information to many rural and nomadic farmers, who traditionally plant crops such as cassava on the edge of the forest instead of in plots that are tilled and kept clear of weeds. Most of Africa s agriculture is rainfed, instead of irrigated, and vulnerable to drought. African leaders cite a need for new, small-scale technologies to irrigate Africa s lands during the dry spells. We must move to agriculture that relies on water collected during the rainy season, said Vice President Kazibwe. We must tap underground water and the water in our fresh water lakes and rivers.