Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Türkiye jointly organized two virtual consultation meetings to identify emerging research themes and developing a platform and knowledge hub for agricultural research and innovation in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

 

The fifteenth technical workshop on locusts in Caucasus and Central Asia discussed lessons learnt from the 2024 national anti-locust campaign and preparations of the next campaign. The event provided a platform for exchange of knowledge and information on locust management. 

Huizhou, China - From November 11-16, 2024, a significant workshop took place in Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, where stakeholders from Ghana and Kenya joined forces with experts from China and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The goal was to share knowledge and train in innovative strategies to monitor and sustainably manage the fall armyworm (FAW) pest.

The Locust Pesticide Management System (LPMS) has been introduced in Uganda’s pesticide store to support the effective management of pesticides, equipment, and other items related to desert locust control campaigns. Developed by FAO, the system aims to enhance the preparedness for early response to desert locust outbreaks and upsurges.

The Steering Committee noted progress made in the implementation of the master’s (MSc) programme on Locust Management Science currently hosted at the Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II (IAV) in Agadir, Morocco. Initiated in 2023, the MSc programme aims to enhance and upgrade the skills, knowledge, and competencies of young locust control officers.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) commemorated the 30th anniversary of its Emergency Prevention System (EMPRES). The special side event “Towards a sustainable future: Leading the fight against transboundary pests and diseases” recognized EMPRES's crucial role in responding to devastating locust swarms, preventing the spread of emerging livestock and zoonotic diseases, and containing plant pathogens. 

Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) is enhancing the capacity of locust survey officers to strengthen locally-led response. “Capacity building for these officers can easily be ignored during locust recession periods and before the locust outbreak,” observed FAO Locust Management Expert. 

The spread of banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) and Fusarium wilt Tropical Race 4 (TR4) in Central and Western African regions poses a serious threat to economic growth and sustainable development. FAO is supporting countries to improve their emergency preparedness to limit the spread and introduction of the two diseases to unaffected areas, through awareness-raising and the development of contingency plans.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean are among the most vulnerable to external shocks and climate-related changes including exacerbation and proliferation of plant pathogenic diseases like Foc TR4. FAO in partnership with the Caribbean Plant Health Directors Forum is using the farmer field school (FFS) approach to train technical staff, extension workers, and other stakeholders to prepare for a potential Foc TR4 incursion in the Caribbean.

During the two-day workshop, the two countries shared their knowledge in plant health emergency preparedness and management, and other areas of interest. The field visits conducted aimed to promote local, cost-effective, and proven development solutions, particularly in emergency situations involving vegetable virus diseases.