Smallholder farmers in Ethiopia are breathing a sigh of relief as groundbreaking solutions emerge to tackle the deadly faba bean gall (FBG) disease. Thanks to scientists from the University of Western Australia (UWA) and their innovative research, new faba bean varieties and advanced management practices are now offering a lifeline to one of Ethiopia’s most vital pulse crops.
For farmers like Desta Woldearegay, the past decade has been fraught with challenges. When FBG disease first struck, it devastated her fields, leaving her family struggling to cope with the loss of both food and income.
“The disease destroyed my precious harvest,” Desta recounted. “But now, with these new developments, I feel hopeful about resuming cultivation and increasing my yields.”
Turning the Tide on FBG Disease
The breakthrough comes through a collaborative project funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). UWA researchers have made significant strides in identifying the causes of FBG and implementing strategies to curb its spread. The disease has plagued key agricultural regions in Ethiopia, including Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray, where it thrives in high altitudes, poorly drained soils, dense weed cover, and suboptimal planting conditions.
The team’s findings, presented during a recent project review, have already begun reshaping how farmers approach faba bean cultivation.
A Game-Changer: Disease-Resistant Varieties
Leading the charge, UWA Professor Martin Barbetti and Research Fellow Dr. Mingpei You have identified the pathogen responsible for FBG—Physoderma viciae. They’ve also developed a rapid PCR test to detect the disease. Alongside Ethiopian colleagues, the team has mapped the disease’s epidemiology and tested effective chemical control measures.
“Creating disease-resistant faba bean varieties has been our top priority,” Professor Barbetti explained. “Our ongoing research aims to integrate these traits into faba bean lines that are not only resistant but also adapted to local conditions, ensuring sustainable solutions for farmers.”
Building a Sustainable Future
The impact of this research extends beyond disease management. ACIAR Acting Program Manager Dr. Richard Brettell emphasized the importance of this collaboration in securing the future of faba bean farming in Ethiopia.
“This project has set the stage for long-term sustainability,” Dr. Brettell said. “The partnership between Ethiopian and Australian scientists has been instrumental in addressing challenges and scaling solutions to improve food security.”
The initiative has also strengthened Ethiopia’s agricultural research capacity by training 26 scientists and supporting PhD students in disease management and crop improvement.
Scaling Up for a Brighter Tomorrow
As the project moves into its final phase, the focus is on scaling up the adoption of disease-resistant faba bean varieties and promoting sustainable farming practices. These efforts are set to transform the lives of countless smallholder farmers, helping them reclaim their fields and secure their livelihoods.
Ethiopia’s farmers can now look forward to a future where the faba bean—a cornerstone of their food and income—is no longer under siege by FBG disease. Thanks to this pioneering collaboration, hope is growing alongside the crops.
