The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), in partnership with CORAF and the Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT, have launched the Regional Plan for Preparedness and Response to Pest and Disease Epidemics in West and Central Africa. This initiative was announced during the 9th ordinary session of the West African and Sahel Seed and Plant Committee (CRSPAOS). The plan aims to enhance agricultural resilience by anticipating and swiftly responding to disease and pest outbreaks affecting plants and animals across these regions.
The development of this regional plan was supported by the AICCRA project (Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa), led by the Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT, in collaboration with CORAF, CILSS, FAO, PRASAC, and CRE WAVE.
“This plan is the outcome of collaborative efforts by regional and international stakeholders, working together to tackle health and climate challenges. Through this initiative, ECOWAS reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding agricultural systems and ensuring that threats from pests and diseases are addressed promptly and efficiently,” stated Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture at ECOWAS.
The development process included consultations aimed at anticipating climate change impacts on agriculture. It began with a workshop in April 2022 in Saly, Senegal, followed by a training session in Dakar in October 2022. A Community of Practice (CoP) was then created to develop a roadmap contributing to drafting the initial version of the plan with input from regional experts. In June 2023, regional consultations helped finalize the plan with support from ECOWAS, FAO, UEMOA, CILSS, and PRASAC.
“The creation of this regional preparedness and response plan for pest and disease epidemics marks a major step forward in building resilience in agricultural systems in West and Central Africa in the face of climate and health crises. By bringing together key actors through forward-looking analysis, we are laying the groundwork for better anticipation and more effective responses to future threats,” said Dr. Moumini Savadogo, Executive Director of CORAF.
The launch aims to disseminate the plan among stakeholders, promote coordinated adoption across West and Central Africa, establishing a monitoring committee for effective implementation.
“This plan enables us to move beyond merely reacting to agricultural crises. It is a strategic tool that promotes a proactive approach focused on prevention. By pooling our expertise we can ensure effective implementation throughout West and Central Africa,” emphasized Dr. Robert Zougmoré, AICCRA Program Director at Alliance Bioversity International.
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