An expert consultation on enhancing phytosanitary procedures for germplasm exchange in Africa

On 7 and 8 November 2024, IITA-CGIAR hosted the "Expert consultation workshop on addressing phytosanitary bottlenecks to improve germplasm exchange in Africa" at its headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria. The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including Heads of Quarantine Agencies from nine African nations (Benin, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe), representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization Regional Office for Africa (FAORAF), CABI, and the African Union Inter-African Phytosanitary Council (AU-IAPSC).

The primary aim was to address critical challenges, explore opportunities, and outline actionable steps for harmonizing protocols for germplasm exchange to enhance agricultural productivity across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Dr Kenton Dashiell, IITA Deputy Director General for Partnerships for Delivery, opened the workshop, emphasizing the significance of international collaboration between CGIAR and national partners. He highlighted how access to germplasm is fundamental for research and called for stronger ties between national plant protection organizations and academia to facilitate safe transboundary germplasm movement.

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