SPOTLIGHT: How IPPC e-Learning can help to enhance phytosanitary excellence: a personal account from the NPPO of Zambia

Did you know that one of the areas of focus of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat, and specifically the Implementation and Facilitation Unit (IFU), is to develop capacity development materials, on key phytosanitary topics? Did you know that these materials are free and available for everyone to use? IPPC guides and training materials are intended to help national plant protection organizations (NPPOs) build capacity and effectively implement the Convention, the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) and recommendations of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM).

An example from Zambia: how IPPC e-learning courses can support national plant protection officers in their roles Justina Chivanga, Senior Plant Health Inspector and Head of Standards and Regulations Unit in the Department of Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service (NPPO) of Zambia recently shared her experience of completing the IPPC e-learning courses.

Justina’s journey with the IPPC e-learning courses began as part of her rigorous training to become a certified Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) facilitator. By completing the IPPC's Pest Risk Analysis, Export Certification, Surveillance and National Reporting Obligations and Phytosanitary Inspection courses, she gained substantial expertise, which was further bolstered by a two-week, face-to-face training session. In order to become a certified PCE facilitator, following the training phase, Justina has actively contributed to the implementation of the PCE process in Zimbabwe.

Justina Chivanga (left) receives her diploma of participation from Sarah Brunel (right) IFU’s Team Lead following the PCE facilitator training course	During a PCE mission in Zimbabwe © FAO

When asked how the IPPC e-learning courses have contributed to strengthening her knowledge base Justina explains that “The IPPC e-learning courses have profoundly enhanced my understanding of critical phytosanitary concepts, which I was able to apply practically during the PCE implementation in Zimbabwe. Beyond my role as a PCE facilitator, the knowledge I gained from the IPPC e-learning courses has been invaluable in my duties within the NPPO of Zambia. My understanding of the IPPC and International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) in my role, was greatly facilitated by the e-learning courses”.

Recognizing the e-learning courses' robust content and adherence to international best practices, the NPPO of Zambia is starting to integrate the IPPC e-learning courses into the national training curriculum for both new and existing staff. Justina highlights the accessibility of these courses as a significant benefit, allowing NPPO staff to stay updated with relevant and current information at no cost adding that “the fact that these courses are openly available, can be completed at one's own pace, are free, can also be accessed from mobile phones and upon completion a certificate is awarded deliver a certificate is a tremendous advantage for continuous capacity development.”

What IPPC e-learning courses are available and how can they be accessed?

Phytosanitary experts interested in completing the IPPC e-learning courses can access them through the IPPC guides and training materials webpage.

Developed within the framework of the COMESA Trade Facilitation Project, by the Implementation and Capacity Development Committee, each e-learning course is the result of the collaboration and participation of global experts in each field. As a result, participants can trust that they are learning from the most up-to-date and internationally relevant information available.

Our current offerings include courses on National Reporting Obligations, Surveillance and Pest Determination, Pest Risk Analysis (PRA), Phytosanitary Expert Certification System and Phytosanitary Inspection. These courses were created in partnership with the FAO eLearning Academy and COLEAD, ensuring high-quality content that meets global standards. Please look out for future updates as the IPPC Secretariat is currently working on translating existing IPPC e-learning courses into additional UN languages and several new e-learning courses in development, for publishing in 2025.
The IPPC Secretariat is always looking for examples and case studies of how NPPOs are incorporating the IPPC e-learning courses into their national training programme. If any NPPOs would like to be featured in upcoming news articles please contact the IPPC Secretariat by sending an email to [email protected].

Further information:

IPPC guides and training materials