U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt unveiled transformative partnerships at the Africa Food Systems Forum, which took place in Tanzania. These collaborations signify the USDA's dedication to providing tangible solutions for African nations, according to a Sept. 7 news release.
“The connections between plant pests, crop losses and food shortages are evident in Africa,” Moffitt said in the release. “With plant pests undermining crop production and causing losses between 30-60% annually, the need for effective pest management strategies that address the detrimental effects of plant pests and plant and animal diseases is critical.”
Among the initiatives, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is teaming up with the World Organization of Animal Health to enhance animal health infrastructure in Africa, extending their longstanding collaboration with the African Union. Their projects encompass early detection tools for zoonotic infections, standardized animal health procedures and mitigating trade disruptions, the release said.
Moffitt also introduced a vital partnership between the USDA and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization's International Plant Protection Convention, along with the African Union, to establish the Africa Phytosanitary Program. This program equips African nations with advanced tools to combat plant pests and diseases that jeopardize food security and economic growth, the release reported.
Plant pests are a major threat to crop production in Africa, causing annual losses of 30-60%. The USDA's investment of $750,000 aims to provide training, surveillance protocols and data collection tools to 11 countries in the initial phase, with plans to expand to all 54 countries by 2026, according to the release.
Moffitt's announcements in Tanzania highlight the USDA's commitment to addressing critical issues in plant and animal health across Africa, forging essential partnerships to safeguard food security and foster economic prosperity on the continent. Through these initiatives, they aim to combat crop losses and food shortages caused by plant pests and diseases, emphasizing the importance of effective pest management strategies, the release said.
