Training material on the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE)
The Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation or PCE is a management tool designed to help a country identify both strengths and gaps in its existing and planned phytosanitary systems. The Standard and Trade Development Facility (STDF) funded the project STDF/PG/401 to develop a network of PCE facilitators. Although the PCE is designed as a self-assessment tool, its effective application may require the support of competent facilitators. Indeed, the PCE process involves strategic thinking at political, technical and managerial levels and requires a deep understanding of the IPPC and International Standards on Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) and a comprehensive knowledge of phytosanitary systems. It also requires applying strategic planning tools for setting national capacity development plans.
The training material developed within this project included pre-learning exercises and tests, training material, a case study and the manual Preparing a National Phytosanitary Capacity Development Strategy (available in English, French and Spanish). All training material integrated adult learning concepts and interactive exercises.
Participants indicated that the training improved their understanding of the PCE tool and its benefits in phytosanitary capacity development of a country. They considered group exercises, the role-play and the case study very useful to understand how the actual PCE facilitation work is carried out. They reported that the training brought together presentation skills and phytosanitary knowledge necessary to facilitate PCE application.
Some training material are available below. The IPPC Secretariat maintains a complete training tool kit for certified PCE facilitators.