For many people around the world, growing their own food allows them to sustain themselves and their families. Pest diseases, however, are a common obstacle to the growth of their food. Today we share the story of Karim, a man in West Africa who created his own bio-pesticide and helped solve this issue for not only himself but his community.

In many regions of the world, insects spread plant diseases that cause leaf wilt, spotting, or stunting of fruit growth. Younger plants may wilt and die. Some older plants may bear discolored fruit that doesn’t ripen. Preventing insects from spreading diseases is the best way to protect farmers’ crops because treatments are often expensive (time and resources), or don’t yet exist.

In West Africa, the ECHO training team shares how to make bio-pesticides to keep insects away from the garden. One trainee, Karim, learned to make his own pesticide by combining onion, peppers, and neem leaves.

He applied it on his tomatoes and eggplants and was convinced by the lack of disease and the high quality of his crop. After that, he sold his bio-pesticide in liter bottles to any neighbors who didn’t have time to make their own. His profit this year was $182. Karim is thrilled to be able to earn money alongside his other gardening projects and protect his plants from pests.

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ECHO provides Hope Against Hunger through agricultural training, innovative options, and networking with community leaders and missionaries in 190+ countries. ECHO seeks to find agricultural solutions for families growing food under difficult conditions. ECHO’s international headquarters is located in Fort Myers, FL. To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit www.echonet.org

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash