Jointly conducted by Bretagne INP and UBS, this research explores the dynamics of desert locusts through cellular modeling and physical simulation.
Mahamadou Traore, researcher at Lab-STICC; LANI (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thesis defended in 2018 at the doctoral school École doctorale Mathématiques et sciences et technologies de l'information et de la communication (Rennes).
This research is the result of an international co-supervision between several partner institutions.
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
Pest insects, particularly desert locusts, pose a significant threat to agriculture, a vital sector for the economy and food security, especially in West Africa. These insects, capable of destroying entire crops in record time, raise crucial questions about food security in already vulnerable regions, where millions of people depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Research conducted by Mahamadou Traore, in collaboration with the National Polytechnic Institute of Brittany and the University of Saint-Louis in Senegal, proposes an innovative approach to understanding and managing this threat. By integrating biophysical systems with cellular modeling, this study offers potential tools to anticipate and control locust invasions.
The use of wireless sensor networks to monitor environmental conditions and locust population dynamics is an advancement that could transform the management of locust invasions. These sensors collect real-time data on parameters such as humidity, temperature, and vegetation, which influence locust reproduction and behavior. For example, an increase in temperature and adequate humidity can promote locust reproduction, leading to a population explosion. The simulators developed as part of this research allow for the assessment not only of locust population dynamics but also for optimizing the deployment of sensors in at-risk areas. This could reduce agricultural losses and improve the resilience of food systems, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about when and how to treat their crops.
However, the implementation of these technologies requires significant investments and collaboration between governments, researchers, and the private sector. Policymakers must consider how to finance these initiatives and integrate these tools into agricultural resource management strategies. For example, public-private partnerships could be considered to share the costs and benefits of these technologies. Furthermore, it is essential to train farmers and field agents in the use of these tools to ensure their effectiveness.
The results of this research highlight the importance of a systemic approach to addressing the challenges posed by pest insects. By combining modeling, simulation, and monitoring, it is possible to create sustainable solutions that protect crops and ensure food security. The implications of this research extend beyond the mere management of locusts; they touch on how we understand and interact with our environment. For instance, a better understanding of the interactions between locusts and their ecosystem could also contribute to biodiversity conservation.
It is imperative that stakeholders become aware of these advancements and consider partnerships to implement these solutions. The fight against desert locusts cannot be effective without a collaborative and integrated approach that combines science, technology, and public policies. This also involves raising awareness among local communities about the issues related to locust invasions and methods of prevention and control. Ultimately, research and innovation must serve farmers and vulnerable populations to ensure a future where food security is guaranteed, even in the face of challenges posed by pest insects.
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Sources and Access
Mahamadou Traore. Modélisation cellulaire et simulation physique : contribution à l'analyse de la dynamique de population des insectes ravageurs. Autre [cs.OH]. Université de Bretagne occidentale - Brest; Université de Saint-Louis (Sénégal), 2018. Français. ⟨NNT : 2018BRES0011⟩. ⟨tel-01880972⟩