SusaHamra: New Weapon in the Fight Against Red Palm Weevil

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has announced the official launch of SusaHamra, a new mobile application and online platform designed to combat the devastating Red Palm Weevil (RPW). This pioneering system marks a significant step forward in the fight against this invasive pest that threatens date palms, coconut palms, and ornamental palms worldwide.

Workshop Empowers North African Countries

A three-day workshop held in Tozeur City, Tunisia, from December 5th to 7th, 2023, brought together over forty plant protection professionals from Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, and Tunisia. The workshop provided comprehensive training on RPW visual inspection protocols, trapping techniques, and data collection using the SusaHamra app. Additionally, participants learned how to validate data using the PlantVillage Platform and leverage the RPW platform for mapping and analysis.

Urgent Need for Enhanced Monitoring and Control

The Red Palm Weevil, native to South Asia, has rapidly spread across the globe, causing widespread damage to date palms and impacting livelihoods and the environment. Despite ongoing efforts, control measures have proven insufficient. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, FAO developed the SusaHamra system to facilitate the effective management of RPW infestations.

Combining Mobile applications and Online Platforms for Effective Monitoring

The SusaHamra system comprises a mobile application for field data collection and a cloud-based platform for data analysis and visualization. This integrated system allows users to record RPW sightings and trap catches, collect GPS data, and upload information directly to the platform. The platform then processes and analyzes the data, generating maps and reports that provide valuable insights for informed decision-making.

Building on the Success of Existing Systems

SusaHamra draws upon the success of other FAO monitoring systems, such as eLocust3M for locust control and FAMEWS for armyworms management. This robust system offers a comprehensive solution for RPW monitoring and control, enabling timely interventions and effective pest management strategies. Like its predecessors, SusaHamra is powered by the PlantVillage platform at Penn State University. This collaboration ensures that the system leverages the latest technological advancements and benefits from continuous improvement. The system was fully developed by FAO's financial and technical resources.

Tunisia Leads the Way with National Adoption

Tunisia has taken a decisive step by becoming the first country to adopt SusaHamra as its official national RPW monitoring system. This commitment demonstrates the potential of this innovative tool and paves the way for wider implementation across the region and beyond. During the workshop, all other participating countries confirmed their interest in following Tunisia in adopting the system.

Combating the Red Palm Weevil Together

The launch of SusaHamra marks a significant milestone in the global fight against the Red Palm Weevil. This collaborative effort, led by FAO, empowers countries with the necessary tools to combat this devastating pest and protect their vital palm resources. As more countries join the fight and utilize SusaHamra, we can collectively mitigate the impact of RPW and ensure the sustainability of palm cultivation for generations to come.