Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, October 28, 2024 by Maureen Olindi
CABI Launches Africa Plant Health Systems Forum to Tackle Plant Health Challenges Across the Continent
The Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) has launched the Africa Plant Health Systems Forum, themed “Knowledge Driven Solutions for Africa’s Plant Health Systems,” aimed at addressing critical plant health issues facing Africa’s agriculture. The forum, held in Nairobi, brought together key representatives from African member countries, including government officials, researchers, development agencies, farmer associations, and private sector stakeholders, to discuss collaborative solutions for safeguarding plant health in Africa.
The forum was graced by Hon. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Chair of the CABI Board, as the Chief Guest. Hon. Kapwepwe delivered a keynote address highlighting the importance of healthy plant health systems in fostering food security and economic development across Africa. She said, “Healthy plant health systems can benefit national, regional, and continental development. She added that, Africa’s 33 million small-scale farmers, responsible for as much as 90% of food production in some regions, face numerous threats, including invasive species, crop pests, and the effects of climate change. She emphasized by saying, “COMESA understands that safeguarding plant health is vital not only for boosting agricultural productivity but also for enhancing intra-regional trade and economic integration,”
Key figures in attendance included Dr. Daniel Elger, Director General of CABI; Dr. Eliud Kireger, Director General of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO); Dr. Dennis Rangi, Director General, International Development, CABI; Mr. Leonard Kimutai, CABI Chief People Officer; and Henk van Duijn, President and CEO of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC). Liaison officers and regional directors from various African countries were also present.
Left to right: Dr Grace Kaudzu, Malawi CABI Liaison Officer, Dr Ndashe Kapulu, Zambia CABI Liaison Officer, Henk van Duijn, the President and CEO of International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), Dr Eliud Kireger, Kenya CABI Liaison Officer, Hon Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, Secretary General of COMESA and CABI Board Chair, Dr Dennis Rangi, Director General, ID, CABI, Dr Yona Baguma, Uganda CABI Liaison Officer, Dr Samson Musonerimana, Burundi CABI Liaison Officer, Dr Morris Akiri, Senior Regional Director, CABI in Africa.PHOTO/CABI
In his remarks, Dr. Eliud Kireger Director General, KALRO, praised the longstanding partnership between CABI and KALRO, which has led to significant advancements in plant health initiatives in Kenya, including the management of desert locust invasions. “Working in partnership with CABI and others has enabled KALRO to tackle some of the most pressing plant health issues facing farmers,” Dr. Kireger highlighted on the establishment of plant clinics through CABI’s Plantwise program. These clinics, manned by plant doctors, provide farmers with timely plant health advice, helping improve crop productivity and raise farmers’ incomes. “Through continued collaboration with CABI and other regional partners like KEPHIS, National Museums of Kenya, KEFRI, Universities and local county governments, we aim to address the growing challenges of plant health and food security, focusing on fostering innovation, sustainability, and resilience in our food systems,” Dr. Kireger concluded.
Dr Eliud Kireger addressing participants at the Africa Plant health System Forum. PHOTO/CABI
The Africa Plant Health Systems Forum serves as a platform for strengthening partnerships and exchanging knowledge to combat plant health challenges. By sharing solutions and strategies, CABI and its partners hope to boost food security and sustainability for Africa’s burgeoning population, projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050.
