Witch weed has affected several hectares of maize, sorghum, millet and rice gardens in Africa, especially in East Africa. Meanwhile, African scientists have announced that they have no capacity to curb the spread of striga (witchweed). 

In East Africa the most affected areas are in Uganda’s districts of Tororo, Moyo, Bugiri, Busia, Budaka and Iganga.

Over 120,000 hectares of land is affected in Uganda according to Dr. Gospel Omanya of the seed systems manager of African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).

Witchweed is a parasitic weed that affects the productivity of maize, sorghum, rice and millet. The weed causes damage to host crops. Some farmers in Eastern Uganda told us that AATF and National Agriculture Research Organization (NARO) have not helped them to effectively manage the spread of striga weed.

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