Towards understanding the effects of climate change.

In this edition of the book series on "Tropical Agriculture - Advances in Crop Research", we present research results on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) production in Uganda. This book originates from a rigorous and insightful PhD dissertation that has meticulously explored the intricate relationship between climate change and two of the most devastating insect pests of sweetpotato, a vital food security crop across tropical Africa.
The research undertaken addresses a critical and timely issue. As the realities of global warming become increasingly evident, understanding its impact on agricultural systems, particularly on staple crops like sweetpotato, is of paramount importance. The African sweetpotato weevil, Cylas puncticollis, and the sweetpotato butterfly, Acraea acerata, pose significant threats to sweetpotato production, often leading to economic yield losses that negatively impact the livelihoods and food security of smallholder farming households. This study goes beyond simply documenting the pest status. It delves into the coping strategies employed by farmers in the face of a changing climate, assesses the incidence and severity of two key pests across diverse agroecological zones, and develops temperature-based phenology models to predict the pest distribution under different climate change scenarios. This predictive capacity offers invaluable insights for proactive pest management and adaptation planning.
The research findings presented in this book highlight the vulnerability of sweetpotato production to rising temperatures, predicting an expansion of pests to higher altitudes and an increase in the number of pest generations per year. This translates to a heightened risk of infestations and consequently, greater yield losses, exacerbating the challenges faced by already vulnerable farming communities. By elucidating the potential impacts of climate change on these pests, this work provides a crucial foundation for developing targeted and effective management strategies. The insights into farmers' indigenous knowledge of climate forecasting, the detailed assessment of pest distribution patterns, and the predictive models all contribute to a more informed and proactive approach to safeguarding sweetpotato production in Africa.
We are confident that the findings and recommendations presented herein will be of significant value to researchers, policymakers, agricultural extension workers, and indeed, the farming communities who depend on sweetpotato for their sustenance. It is our sincere hope that this work will contribute meaningfully to building resilience in African agricultural systems in the face of a changing climate and ultimately enhance food security across the continent.