The fight against plant diseases in East Africa has received a significant boost following a high-profile visit by the Interim Executive Director of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), Dr. Sylveater Dickson Baguma, to the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS). Dr. Baguma led a delegation of agricultural researchers from seven East African countries to KEPHIS’s Muguga headquarters in an effort to strengthen regional collaboration in combating crop diseases that threaten food security.
The visit comes at a time when East Africa is grappling with major plant diseases such as Banana Xanthomonas Wilt, Banana Bacterial Wilt, Banana Bunchy Top Virus, and Tropical Race 4 (TR4), which have caused significant damage to staple crops. Addressing the team, Dr. Baguma described KEPHIS as a key partner in securing the region’s agricultural future through the provision of disease-free planting materials.
“KEPHIS plays a crucial role as a Centre of Excellence for the exchange of clean germplasm. Its advanced facilities and technical expertise make it a strategic partner in the fight against devastating plant diseases. Through this collaboration, we aim to secure food production systems across the region,” said Dr. Baguma.
The visiting researchers from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan were welcomed by KEPHIS Muguga Deputy Executive Director, Dr. George Ngundo. He stressed the importance of regional cooperation, noting that plant diseases transcend borders and require a unified response.
“Plant health is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can enhance agricultural productivity, improve food security, and support livelihoods across East Africa,” said Dr. Ngundo.
KEPHIS has established itself as a continental leader in plant health management through its cutting-edge research and testing facilities. Its laboratories are equipped for disease diagnostics, pest identification, and certification of seeds and planting materials. KEPHIS also enforces strict phytosanitary measures to prevent the import and spread of foreign pests and diseases.
Through its partnerships with international organizations and research institutions, KEPHIS has played a critical role in setting standards for seed quality and disease management. The agency also conducts farmer training programs aimed at equipping smallholder farmers with the skills needed to detect and control plant diseases early.
The delegation’s visit was supported by the European Union Commission through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This partnership highlights the growing recognition of the need for regional and international collaboration in ensuring agricultural sustainability.
The researchers toured KEPHIS’s laboratories, where they observed the processes involved in germplasm cleaning, disease diagnosis, and plant certification. They also held technical discussions on strengthening disease surveillance, implementing early warning systems, and expanding farmer education programs.
With food security at stake, the partnership between ASARECA and KEPHIS is expected to unlock new opportunities for agricultural development, benefiting millions of smallholder farmers across East Africa.