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The third technical workshop
The Weed Identification and Knowledge in the Western
Indian Ocean (WIKWIO) project focuses on weed knowl-
edge and management through an informed scientific and
technological approach. Agriculture is the mainstay of the
livelihoods of populations in the Island states of the Indian Ocean
and the South Eastern African region. Weeds can cause enormous
economic losses in food and cash cropping systems. Limited pro-
duction due to ineffective control of weeds can be responsible for
20% to 80% of yield losses. It is for this reason that the optimisation
of weed management is necessary, which can lead to a significant
boost in production. The specific objectives of this project are to
consolidate existing scientific knowledge of weed species of food
and cash cropping systems and to enhance exploitation and dissem-
ination of best weed management practices.
Weed management challenges in Africa
A survey conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of
the United Nations (FAO) in 13 countries across Africa, revealed
several weed management challenges facing the continent. Critical
issues reported include shortage of labour and, as a consequence,
an increasing use of herbicides. The herbicide selection pressure
has induced occurrence of resistant weeds, for example in Mo-
rocco and South Africa. Weed management challenges must be
addressed at several levels. At community level, integrated weed
management should be designed to reduce use of herbicides and
weed management costs. The best way to achieve this is to involve
producers and other stakeholders in the innovation process, to
ensure that not only acceptable but accepted technologies are
delivered. Research should focus more on development of non-
herbicide, alternative weed management innovations compatible
with sustainable crop production.
The third technical workshop
The third technical workshop was held in Moroni, Comoros from
12 to 16 October last year and brought together people from sev-
eral countries. Role-players from Comoros such as agronomists,
representatives of small farmers, weed scientists, extension ser-
vice providers, botanists and university lecturers also attended
the workshop. 63 people attended the opening ceremony while
51 people participated in the entire workshop.
WIKWIO participatory portal
The WIKWIO portal is a Web-2.0 collaborative space for both
public and members of the WIKWIO project. It is available at
Currently the portal contains:
Information of 347 weed species.
4 415 field observations among which 3 035 have pictures.
1 map.
83 documents (protocols, guidelines, technical).
Four check lists corresponding to tables of weediness of the
weed species according to the main cropping systems of each
country.
A computer assisted weed identification (IDAO) tool for the
345 weed species, available online.
WIKWIO IDAO identification system
The IDAO identification of weeds, using the identikit tool, enables
the identification of an actual set of 345 weed species of cropping
systems in the Indian Ocean at any stage of development or from
incomplete samples, without requiring prior knowledge in bota-
ny or taxonomy. Moreover, this process is less sensitive to errors
than a classical identification-tree, where one mistake can lead to
a completely wrong identification. All species are fully described in
English, with information on its origin, distribution, ecology and
weed control methods used. All weeds are well-illustrated. IDAO
is not only a working tool for science and research, but can also
be used for knowledge dissemination. The programme can also
be used to effectively teach and train people in weed taxonomy. The
IDAO programme is available on desktop computers, smartphones
or tablets. IDAO can be accessed through the WIKIWIO portal.
Summary
The third technical workshop of the WIKWIO project was very inter-
esting and informative. For three years this programme has proved
to be effective in identifying weeds which are already captured in
the database. Contributions of all people to this database, will enable
the database to grow. Weed identification will then be easier. With
the correct identification of the weeds, weed management will be
more effective and thus more profitable. For further details about
the WIKWIO project contact Hestia Nienaber at 058 307 3420 or
RELEVANT
HESTIA NIENABER, ARC-Small Grain Institute, Bethlehem
Visit the WIKWIO portal.