Critical milestone achieved in strengthening phytosanitary capacities across COMESA countries

Rome, 11 October 2024. From 7-11 October 2024, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat, in collaboration with COLEAD, organized the pivotal “Project Definition Workshop” in the context of the EU-funded project "Strengthening Food Control and Phytosanitary Capacities and Governance (GCP/GLO/949/EC)" implemented by the Implementation and Facilitation Unit. This marks a significant milestone for the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) programme as national PCE coordinators and facilitators learnt how to best develop outcomes of national strategic plans into project ideas and draft effective project proposals. Over the course of the workshop, participants worked on successfully developing nine project proposals relevant to countries carrying out PCEs within the scope of the project (Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe). Regional representation was secured through the participation of the Inter-African Phytosanitary Council (IAPSC), ensuring that the projects developed maintained relevance also at a regional level.

As highlighted by Sarah Brunel, Implementation and Facilitation Unit Lead at the IPPC Secretariat and Chair of the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) Working Group for 2024, in her opening remarks “This workshop is about more than just technical results. We are working to ensure these projects will have an enduring impact through effective governance and sustainable funding mechanisms and will complete the PCE process”.

Developing stronger project proposals with active donor participation

Over the course of the five days, the workshop included presentations, from each participating country, detailing their current progress in drafting project proposals, following the completion of the PCE process and the development of national phytosanitary capacity development strategies. This includes the revision of the legal phytosanitary framework in nine of the participating countries. Orlando Sosa, joining from the FAO Subregional Office for Eastern Africa (FAO- SFE) and Raixa Llauger from the FAO Subregional Office for Mesoamerica (FAO-SLM) shared their experiences with similar capacity development initiatives, providing valuable insights on maximizing global synergies to protect plant health and liaising optimally with the FAO field offices.

Key to the success of the week was the strong partnership between the IPPC Secretariat and COLEAD. Ahead of the workshop, participants completed a five-week online training course focussed on COLEAD’s Rapid SPS Assessment tool (R-SAT) and the completion of the “RBM and the Logical Framework Approach” course developed by the University of Wolverhampton. Participants were guided on how to apply the tool in alignment with PCE outcomes, using its results as the foundation for formulating national action plans.

During the workshop itself, COLEAD conducted a number of training sessions on how to structure project proposals, focussing on achieving long-term impact, aligned with national priorities and expectations of potential partners and donors whilst reflecting an accurate inclusion of gender mainstreaming.

Of particular relevance was the transfer of knowledge when, Simon Padilla from the STDF, who joined the workshop in-person, and a number of donors who joined virtually, shared what is required, from a donor’s perspective, when developing successful project proposals.

As shared by Simon Padilla in his closing remarks "It has been inspiring to see the energy and commitment that participants brought to the development of these project proposals. The collaboration and strategic thinking demonstrated here will undoubtedly lead to impactful and innovative projects that enhance phytosanitary capacities at both national and regional levels. I look forward to seeing how these ideas evolve and contribute to safer trade and stronger food systems across the region."

The workshop included the importance of gender mainstreaming both in developing project proposals and within the National Phytosanitary Capacity Development Strategy. A number of activities were led by FAO gender experts that helped participants incorporate gender perspectives into their project designs, ensuring that future phytosanitary initiatives will promote inclusivity and sustainability.

Looking ahead: a strategic path forward

With the support of the IPPC Secretariat and COLEAD, participating countries will now work towards further developing their project proposals which will be presented to potential donors in 2025.

As summarised by Mweene Kambombi, Pest Risk Analyst, participating from the national plant protection organization of Zambia “This workshop has been a harvest of knowledge; to cultivate growth and resilience in our food systems through strengthened food controls, phytosanitary capacities and governance. A brighter future for food security and sustainability”.

This workshop marks a crucial step forward in strengthening national phytosanitary capacities, laying the groundwork for impactful projects that will shape the future of plant health, safe trade and food safety across Africa, in full coordination with IASPC.

For further information

Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE)

Strengthening Food Control and Phytosanitary Capacities and Governance