Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a significant move towards improving food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and trade across Africa, the Inter-African Phytosanitary Council of the African Union (AU-IAPSC) has launched the Plant Health Strategy for Africa 2022-2036, along with its Implementation Plan. The launch, held in Addis Ababa, saw contributions from CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International), marking a crucial milestone in enhancing the continent’s sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures.
Supported by the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS), the strategy aims to bolster Africa’s capacity to manage plant health, which is vital for the continent’s agriculture-dependent economy.
The launch event featured prominent figures, including Dr. Morris Akiri, CABI’s Senior Regional Director for Africa, Madam H.E. Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment of the African Union, and Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (AUC). Dr. Saliou Niassy, Coordinator of the AU-IAPSC, also played a central role in the event.
CABI provided technical expertise and financial support for developing the Implementation Plan, drawing on the knowledge and skills of its scientists from the regional center in Nairobi. Dr. Akiri highlighted CABI’s contributions, including developing continental regulatory guidelines for biopesticides and raising awareness about these guidelines among Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and African Union Member States.
Aligned with the strategy’s goal to strengthen eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches, CABI champions the adoption of guidelines to increase the availability of biopesticides for better pest and disease management. This initiative supports PHSA’s Strategic Action 3.7, focusing on reducing pesticide risks and promoting safe use, including Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs).
Furthermore, CABI has conducted a detailed study to identify challenges and opportunities in adopting electronic Phytosanitary certificates (ePhyto). This effort is part of PHSA’s Strategic Action 5.2, which aims to promote wider ePhyto adoption and implementation across member states. A successful workshop, held in collaboration with USDA-FAS, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) secretariat, and CABI, underscored the commitment to this goal.
The vision of the Plant Health Strategy for Africa 2022-2036 is a robust management system for healthy plants, with harmonized standards and procedures to effectively manage pest introduction and spread. This vision supports improved trade, food, and nutrition security, economic growth, and environmental protection.
Madam Sacko emphasized the urgency of reversing the growing trend of plant pest occurrences, exacerbated by climate change, which threatens Africa’s biodiversity. Agriculture is central to Africa’s economy, contributing 40% of GDP, 15% of exports, 60-80% of employment, and 75% of intra-African trade.
Dr. Akiri urged continuous support from USDA-FAS, RECs, and AU Member States to enhance phytosanitary measures, promote safe trade, and improve the capacity to manage pest and disease incursions. He stressed the intrinsic link between plant health and overall well-being, economies, and sustainable environments, calling for collective efforts to shape a sustainable plant health future in Africa.
The launch also highlighted ongoing projects supported by the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) and reassured continued collaboration from the IPPC and other international bodies. Dr. MaryLucy Oronje, Senior Scientist – SPS, noted that the new strategy would aid National Plant Protection Organizations in implementing harmonized international SPS standards, essential for safe trade in agrifood value chains.
The Plant Health Strategy for Africa 2022-2036 represents a concerted effort to tackle plant health issues across the continent, ensuring better crop production, food security, and access to profitable export markets. This initiative is a testament to the collaborative spirit among international organizations, African institutions, and development partners, working together to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for Africa’s agriculture sector.
You can access the Plant Health Strategy for Africa 2022-2036 here.
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