A high-level regional workshop on preparedness and response to emerging banana pest threats in the East African Community (EAC) is currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya.
The five-day workshop, running from December 16 to 20, 2024, has brought together agricultural experts, policymakers, and researchers from eight EAC member states, including Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Somalia, and South Sudan.
The conference has been Organized by the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) under the CAADP-XP4 project, the forum aims to strengthen the region’s capacity to combat devastating banana pests threatening food security and livelihoods.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, ASARECA Interim Executive Director expressed concern over the increasing threats posed by banana pests such as the Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV), Fusarium Wilt (Tropical Race 4), and Banana Rust Thrip.
“The East African Community is home to a significant portion of the world’s banana production. However, the emergence of pests such as the Banana Bunchy Top Virus threatens food security and economic stability. This workshop is a critical step toward building a collective and coordinated response,” Dr. Sylvester Dickson Baguma noted.
Bananas are a staple crop in East Africa, feeding millions and supporting livelihoods through local and export trade. Uganda and Tanzania, the region’s leading producers, account for a combined annual output of 20.4 million tonnes, though only 30% of this is traded due to production constraints.
Long-standing pests such as Banana Bacterial Wilt, Black and Yellow Sigatoka, and Banana Weevils have severely affected banana farming. The resurgence of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt has further worsened the situation, calling for urgent action.
The workshop’s primary objective is to build the capacity of stakeholders to manage and respond effectively to new and emerging pest threats. Key areas of focus include appraising current strategies against pests such as BBTV and Fusarium Wilt, developing country-specific response plans, and sharing best practices in pest management.
Experts from research organizations, including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), are facilitating various sessions.
Ms Asenath Koech, a plant health expert from KEPHIS, emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to pest control.
“Combatting banana pests requires an integrated approach that includes research, policy development, and cross-border collaboration. This workshop equips stakeholders with the tools needed to enhance preparedness and response,” she noted.
The forum also highlights the importance of regional cooperation. The EAC Secretariat underscored that pest outbreaks often have cross-border impacts, making collaborative action essential. The workshop aims to align pest management strategies with national and regional agricultural policies to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable approach.
“As we work together to secure East Africa’s banana industry, we must harness science, technology, and innovation to protect crops and ensure food security for future generations,” urged the ASARECA Director.
Participants are expected to leave the workshop with practical action plans tailored to their countries’ specific challenges. The organizers hope that the insights gained from the workshop will translate into better pest management strategies, enhanced agricultural productivity, and improved regional food security.
With bananas being a critical food and cash crop in East Africa, this workshop could mark a turning point in the fight against emerging pest threats, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future in the region.