Key challenges in plant health in sub-Saharan Africa: stakeholder priorities

Publication date: 07/02/2019
Extent: 16 pages

Contributions by: Kenton Dashiell, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nigeria

Chapter synopsis: This chapter comprises short summaries of research priorities from key stakeholders who have worked with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on plant health. Stakeholders were categorised into the following groups: international organisations (e.g. the FAO), universities, institutes working within national agricultural research systems (NARS) in sub-Saharan Africa, and donors/investors. Statements highlight such issues as: the importance of collaboration both at an institutional and individual level; the role of IITA in capacity building for example in training of NARS staff; the success of biocontrol techniques in IPM, many of them pioneered by IITA with its partners, particularly in managing major African crops such as cassava, maize and bananas; and the importance of effective monitoring/surveillance and robust phytosanitary arrangements to limit the spread of new diseases and insect pests.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2018.0043.01