Beating back the Asian Fruit Fly
FAO partners with SADC, ICIPE and Governments in southern Africa in new initiative
25 November 2014, Livingstone - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and the Governments of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe have come together in a new initiative aimed at harmonizing approaches to tackle the threats posed by the Asian fruit flies in the region.
The Asian Fruit fly spreads rapidly with devastating consequences, making it a major threat to the livelihoods of millions of people across Africa especially in highly vulnerable rural communities”, said the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Mr. David Phiri. “Currently all countries in Southern Africa are affected, leading to the loss of markets for export due to rigorous quarantine measures imposed on fresh fruit and vegetables”, he added during the project launch in Livingstone, Zambia from 18 – 20 November.
The 2-year project will primarily target small scale and commercial fruit and vegetable growers whose livelihood and income is at stake due to the invasion of the Asian fruit fly. The project will see farmers regain international market access and improve household food and nutrition security.
Trail of destruction
This initiative is a result of a request for funding assistance by the governments of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe (BONAZAZI) to FAO for country specific projects, as well as a request by SADC for a regional programme designed to complement country-specific activities in the BONAZAZI countries. The regional programme is expected to create a platform for sharing information, assisting other affected countries within SADC and contribute to sustainable regional control actions.
This highly invasive pest is able to feed on most types of fruits and vegetables, leaves a trail of destruction everywhere it goes. Affected regions or countries also face the additional tragedy of inability to access export markets due to rigorous quarantine measures imposed on fresh fruit and vegetables.
Concerted effort required
“A pest like this cannot be solved by only one country or a region - the pest is across Africa”, said Senior FAO Entomologist Winfred Hammond. “Our ultimate goal is to be able to develop strategies to build on tested strategies that will expand all across the continent. Our role as FAO is to facilitate, coordinate and pull this all together”, he added.
The Asian fruit fly, first discovered in Kenya in 2003, has already spread through more than 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Its rapid spread and devastating impact makes it impossible to control the pest in one country without collaborative efforts from others within the region.
It is therefore important for all countries in southern Africa to adopt a regional approach, which embraces multi-stakeholder participation, has close links with the Regional Economic Communities (COMESA and SADC) and places emphasis on public private partnerships for sustainability.
Additional information is available here:
- AUDIO: FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa (David Phiri) speaking on African Fruit Fly Project in Southern Africa
- AUDIO: FAO Senior Entomologist (Winfred Hammond) speaks on the dangers of the Asian fruit fly
- PHOTOS: https://www.flickr.com/photos/faosouthernafrica/sets/72157649454659711/
- http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/262972/icode/
- http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/fao/iaea-announces-breakthrough-research-fruit-fly-genetic-mapping
Contact:
Edward Ogolla
Communication Officer
FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa
Harare, Zimbabwe
Email: [email protected]
Leonard Makombe
Communication Officer
FAO Zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe
Email: Leonard. [email protected]