Welcome Message from Sub-Regional Coordinator

Insects are the core of many developmental issues in Africa. They are a major cause of low productivity in agriculture, leading to hunger and poverty. An increase in productivity cannot occur without a healthy workforce, yet many vector-borne tropical diseases are making vicious comebacks in populations under stress, overcrowding and displacement. The design and effective implementation of innovative insect pests’ management strategies depends on an understanding of their bioecology and behaviour, and on the other hand, of the perceptions and constraints of the rural and urban communities as users of new strategies. Likewise, a thorough understanding of beneficial and commercial insects such as bees, silkworms, insects for food and feed, natural enemies, etc. will lead to the development of innovative methods to multiple them to fully exploit their commercial value. Solutions to insect problems as pests of crops, livestock and humans, or deriving the maximum benefit from the beneficial ones, can be best addressed through the training of indigenous scientists exposed to the ecological, sociological and economic environment of the African continent, hence the initial call for the establishment of the Sub-Regional Centers’ to tackle and address critical insect related concerns in the Sub-Region. The ARPPIS-West African Subregional Centre, University of Ghana seeks to nurture a critical mass of Insect Scientists in West Africa and beyond to contribute towards developing sustainable solutions and deriving the benefits of insects so as contribute towards Africa’s food security, disease control, and environmental sustainability. ARPPIS currently has about 22 Faculty members with diverse expertise to support Teaching, Research and Extension in Insect Science and related fields. This is in line with the strategic plan of University of Ghana (2024-2029), which promote Transformative Student Experience, Impactful Research, Commitment to our Faculty and Staff, Engagement and Partnerships, and Sustainable Resource Mobilisation and Stewardship.
 

Subregional Coordinator of ARPPIS,
Prof. Ken Okwae Fening