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The fourth edition of the Marché des Innovations et Technologies Agricoles (MITA) is a must-attend event for agricultural players in West and Central Africa. This gathering provides an opportunity to share and enrich knowledge on integrated approaches aimed at responding to the threats to crops and livestock in the region. In parallel to the discussions, a showcase dedicated to innovations and solutions targeting pest and disease control is present during MITA 2024. 

A fair dedicated to technological innovations in agriculture

The stands set up just across the street from the Hotel du 2 Février in Lomé, which is hosting this edition, offer a unique opportunity for participants to discover the technologies and innovations developed for more profitable and organic farming, while guaranteeing environmental protection.

Among the exhibitors was the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICPE). Based in Nairobi, Kenya, this company provides the agricultural sector with tools and strategies for managing harmful and beneficial arthropods. In particular, it has developed technologies to improve beekeeping production while combating hive pests. ICPE has also developed a technology to control tsetse flies and ticks harmful to livestock. 

" We have observed that certain antelopes avoid tsetse flies, which has enabled us to extract chemical compounds that are effective in repelling them. These compounds are incorporated into a sticker placed on cattle and combined with traps to capture and eliminate the flies ", explained Dr Komivi AKUTSE.

The Center has also developed a microscopic fungus (Metarhizoma nizoplaïa), effective against ticks, as well as a biopesticide (multi-target solutions) based on ICP-7, targeting several pests, including mosquitoes and fall armyworms.

Arknergie Innovation offers Agri ECOPTICIDE for pest control 

A biotechnology company founded in 2015, Arknergie Innovation specializes in designing effective biological solutions for sustainable agriculture. It integrates biotechnology and green chemistry knowledge to develop formulations containing essential oils, resulting in new-generation, multi-action multifunctional biopesticides that make life easier for growers. Its formulations are not only safe for users, but also biodegradable. Its flagship product, "ECOPTICIDE Agri", is highly effective against biopests.  

" We offer T2PS technology. We currently have three types of pesticide on the market: plant, animal and microbial biopesticides. To make the difference, we have developed a product called Agri co-pesticide, containing two biopesticides, i.e. a plant pesticide and a microbial one ", confided Mr. LASSEY Madje, Relationships Partner Manager at Arknergie Innovation.

ANTEOR SAS has the solution against army worms 

ANTEOR, a subsidiary of the SAVANA group, will be exhibiting three crop pest management solutions at MITA 2024. 

" We have JAZZFIRE 500 WG, registered and available to effectively control biting-sucking insects, including the new Jasside species Amrasca biguttula, which attacks cotton and vegetable crops. We have also developed M3 and INVADER fruit fly traps, two solutions for controlling the invasive fruit fly species Ceratitis and Bactrocera, as well as EMACOT 050 WG, based on emamectin benzoate, which is a solution for managing the armyworm of maize, which has appeared in Togo since 2016 and is causing significant damage to farmers ", said Ben GNONRONFOUN, ANTEOR's Technical Sales Manager.

The Togolese agency for the distribution of maintenance products and agricultural inputs (ATPED) also provides farmers with ECOCERT-certified products of natural origin approved in Togo, including Top Bio, a broad-spectrum biopesticide highly effective against the armyworm and other pests of market garden crops. 

"What' s even more interesting about this product is that the persistence rate is only 48 hours. So, after 48 hours of treatment, you can harvest and consume your food without any danger ", said Samuel Sékou Essowédéou ANI, agricultural engineer at ATPED.

In addition to pest control solutions, ATPED has also developed natural fertilizers, including "Agro Bois", which has a nematicide and fungicide effect and feeds the plant. The company also offers an innovative solution for pineapple growers.

" Without flower induction treatments, it takes at least 18 months for flowering to occur naturally. But with our product, TIF BIO, which is an organic derivative, growers can have flowering after 8 to 12 months of vegetation," says Mr. ANI.

This solution brings advantages to producers in terms of the approval of their products destined for exhibition in Europe. "It also makes it possible to homogenize fluidification, better organize group sales and plan everything. TIF BIO is especially recommended for the organic pineapple sector, which is authorized to export to the European Union market. When we know that from 1ᵉʳ January 2025, any pineapple product treated with calcium carbide will no longer be accepted on the European market, this solution will bring relief to producers", added the agricultural engineer.

An automatic feed dispenser to reduce risk 

Among the exhibitors from the livestock sector, Bougra BATIMSOGA, Zootechnical Engineer, attracts the attention of visitors with his automatic feed distribution machine for hen houses. Although at first glance the link between automatic feeders and the elimination of pests may not seem obvious, the young researcher affiliated to the Institut Togolais de Recherche Agronomique (ITRA) explains that his machine helps to prevent the onset of disease in poultry houses.

" Our machine automatically distributes feed and water in a henhouse, making the farmer's job easier and saving time. It also limits physical contact with the birds, reducing the potential risk of contamination or disease transmission," he explains. 

"PestControl + for effective prevention 

MITA 2024 is also about technological solutions for agriculture. Researchers and research institutes also presented technologies developed to provide personalized advice and sustainable agricultural practices. "PestControl +" is one such technological innovation. The application enables early detection of pests, and helps reduce the use of chemical pesticides to preserve the nutritional quality of produce.

" PestControl + is a pest management application using artificial intelligence and machine learning to help farmers identify and monitor pests and associated diseases in real time," says Dr DESSENBE Théophile, entomologist and researcher at the University of NDJAMENA. 

The app provides real-time advice, alerts and educational resources to promote sustainable, environmentally-friendly farming practices.