Pooling of efforts for the implementation of electronic solutions for plant protection

Pooling of efforts for the implementation of electronic solutions for plant protection

Pooling of efforts for the implementation of electronic solutions for plant protection

 

By Chipiliro Kansilanga

African Member States have resolved to support each other in identifying and exploiting key technologies across the plant protection in the continent, in response to the global technological needs and demands.

The resolution was made recently at the end of the virtual workshop which aimed at strengthening Member States’ capacity in inspection services, quarantine pest detection methods and management of trans-boundary pests.

The workshop was organized by African Union Inter-African Phytosanitary Council (AU-#IAPSC) and attracted over 60 participants, who also included Regional Economic Communities (REC’s), National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPO’s) and other partners and stakeholders in the plant health management.

 Dr Jean Gérard Mezui M’ella intervention as AU-IAPSC Director

Dr Jean Gérard Mezui M’ella intervention as AU-IAPSC Director

The participants noted that in order for their efforts in information exchange to bear fruits for their various activities at both regional level and international level, stakeholders in the plant health management field need to recognize the changing times in which technologically-focused solutions have become a must for effective and efficient results.

Member states were thus challenged to among others, adopt and implement electronic Phytosanitary Certificate (ephyto) solution as a tool for trade facilitation in making it safer, faster and cheaper.

At the meeting, an agreement was also made that Member States, through the support of African Union, develop a periodic and regular training program to build the capacity of inspectors in the use of the harmonized guide to Phytosanitary control in Africa as well as to develop a simplified and illustrated guide to quarantine pests and the main pests of agricultural products.

This, they believe, would assist greatly in the processes of implementing appropriate management practices and regulatory programmes as well as in the successful implementation of International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs).

Member States, REC’s, #NPPO’s, #FAO, #IPPC and other stakeholders, took turns to share best practices in plant health management, challenging each other on new approaches that can be adopted particularly considering challenges brought about by Covid-19 in implementation of various activities.

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