Prevalence and distribution of Tsetse fly (mainly Glossina palpalis palpalis and Glossina tachinoides) in BICOT Project area in Lafia Local Government of Nassarawa State,Nigeria – Implication for sustainable Agricultural development.

Abstract

A survey was conducted between May and June 2000 to study the prevalence and distribution of tsetse fly in the Biological Control of Tsetse fly project (BICOT) area. The project area covering approximately 1500km2 of land is located within Lafia Agricultural development project (now Nasarawa Agricultural development) in Lafia Local Government area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The area is regarded as one of the food basket of the nation due to its abundant crop and livestock resources, yet tsetse fly, which is one of the major constraints to effective utilization and the development of these resources, is found in the study area. Tsetse fly are vectors of African trypanosomes (that causes trypanosomosis) in humans and animals. Two major species of tsetse fly (Glossina) encountered during the study were Glossina palpalis palpalis and G. tachinoides. The total number of tsetse flies recorded was 466 comprising of 454 G.p.palpalis and 12 G.tachinoides. The distribution of tsetse flies in the study area as revealed by the result of this survey showed a high population of tsetse flies in Maisamari, Feferuwa,Ganye, Ehula, Bukankwato, Kurikiyo and Awuma areas. The economic importance of tsetse flies towards sustainable livestock and agricultural development, rural development, poverty alleviation, women and youth empowerment to mention a few cannot be overlooked. The author therefore wish to appeal to all stakeholders and decision makers to justify the decision of Heads of States and Governments of African Countries of July 2000 at the OAU Summit in Lome,Togo by coming up with sustainable measures of tsetse fly eradication from the continent of Africa.