The deadly yellowing of the coconut tree, a disease that severely affects coconut crops in Ivory Coast, continues to threaten coconut farming, particularly in Jacqueville, an iconic coastal city in the country. This disease, first identified in 1982, kills coconut trees within months and poses a major economic challenge for local producers.

According to a report by RFI, there is currently no remedy for this virulent disease. The situation has raised alarms among Ivorian authorities and researchers who are attempting to find sustainable solutions. In this regard, a pilot mission is planned in Jacqueville to assess the specific needs of farmers facing this scourge.

"There are about 1,500 varieties of coconut trees in the world," explains Aimé N’Djokini Yao, coordinator of the scientific project dedicated to the preservation of coconut plantations. This project is supported by the Fund for Science and Innovation (FONSTI) and is part of a collaborative approach among several African institutions. The diversity of varieties could play a key role in resistance to diseases.

The situation in Jacqueville is not isolated. Other coconut-producing countries, such as Mozambique and certain Caribbean islands, are facing similar challenges related to deadly yellowing. Information reported by the press agency highlights that the threat extends beyond Ivorian borders, also affecting other regions where coconut cultivation is essential for the local economy.

Government initiatives and scientific projects are multiplying in an attempt to provide quick and effective responses. However, the lack of financial and technical resources remains a major obstacle to the implementation of proposed solutions. Local stakeholders hope that this pilot mission will not only provide scientific answers but also concrete support to farmers.

As Jacqueville prepares to welcome these new initiatives, the future of coconut farming remains uncertain. Collective engagement among researchers, local authorities, and farmers will be crucial to stem this persistent threat that weighs on one of the emblematic crops of Ivory Coast.