News

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), in collaboration with CORAF, the Bioversity International Alliance and CIAT, have officially launched the Regional Pest and Disease Outbreak Preparedness and Response Plan for West and Central Africa. Launched on the sidelines of the 9th ordinary meeting of the Comité Régional des Semences et Plantes de l'Afrique de l'Ouest et du Sahel (CRSPAOS), this strategic plan aims to strengthen regional agricultural resilience by anticipating and responding rapidly to disease and pest outbreaks on plants and animals in West and Central Africa. 

The Plan Régional de Préparation et de Réponse aux Épidémies de Ravageurs et de Maladies en Afrique de l'Ouest et du Centre was developed with the support of the AICCRA project (Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa), implemented by the Bioversity International Alliance and CIAT, and the active involvement of CORAF, the Comité Permanent Inter-États de Lutte contre la Sécheresse dans le Sahel (CILSS), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Pôle Régional de Recherche Appliquée au Développement des Systèmes Agricoles d'Afrique Centrale (PRASAC) and the WAVE Regional Center of Excellence (CRE WAVE). 

" This plan is the fruit of joint efforts by regional and international stakeholders, working hand in hand to address health and climate-related challenges. By taking part in this dynamic, ECOWAS intends to reaffirm its commitment to protecting agricultural systems and ensuring that the threats posed by pests and diseases are addressed rapidly and effectively " Madame Massandjé Toure-Litse, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture.

The development of the Regional Pest and Disease Outbreak Preparedness and Response Plan began with consultations and workshops aimed at anticipating climate impacts on agriculture. Following a workshop in April 2022 in Saly, Senegal, and a training of trainers in Dakar in October 2022, a Community of Practice (CoP) was created to develop a roadmap. This CoP helped to develop the first draft of the plan with the support of regional plant protection and animal health experts. In June 2023, regional consultations with crop protection and animal health experts enabled the plan to be finalized and validated with the support of ECOWAS, FAO, UEMOA, CILSS and PRASAC.

" The development of the regional pest and disease epidemic preparedness and response plan represents a major step forward in strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems in West and Central Africa in the face of climatic and health crises. By mobilizing key players and strengthening local capacities through prospective analysis, we are paving the way for better anticipation and a more effective response to future threats," emphasized Dr Moumini SAVADOGO, Executive Director of CORAF. 

This regional launch aims to popularize the plan among stakeholders, promote coordinated adoption in West and Central Africa, and establish a monitoring committee for effective implementation.

" This plan enables us to go beyond simply reacting to agricultural crises and climate change. It is a strategic tool that favors a proactive approach, focused on prevention and regional coordination. By sharing our expertise and harmonizing our actions, we will be able to guarantee effective and sustainable implementation of this plan across the whole of West and Central Africa," affirms Dr Robert Zougmoré, AICCRA Program Director and Climate Action Coordinator, West and Central Africa Region at Bioversity Alliance International and CIAT.