The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development under the Risk Management System for Plant Pests and Diseases Project, recently convened a two-day Integrated Multi Pest Surveillance Tool Validation Workshop. The workshop brought together officers from the Plant Protection and Food Safety Directorate, County Directors of Agriculture, crop officers, data, and ward officers from Kakamega, Kilifi, and Nyeri Counties, in Kenya. Held on the 25th and 26th of March 2024 at the RCMRD Complex, the workshop aimed to pilot and test the newly developed Integrated Multi-Pest Surveillance Tool, designed to address migratory pests and invasive weeds that affect agricultural productivity.
A Maize plant infested with fall armyworm
The Integrated Multi-Pest Surveillance Tool was developed in response to the urgent need to combat the adverse effects of pests, diseases, and weeds on agricultural crops. Through collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and RCMRD, the tool underwent rigorous development and review processes to ensure its effectiveness in monitoring and controlling pests proactively. Stakeholders from state and non-state actors, as well as academia, provided valuable insights and feedback during the development phase.
Objectives:
1. Pilot the application and test the data collection process.
2. Train the data collection team and county staff on data collection procedures.
3. Review potential limitations faced by county staff in conducting training.
4. Plan for Ward Officer Training and Data Collection
The validation workshop marks a critical step in enhancing pest management strategies in agriculture. With the endorsement of the Integrated Multi Pest Surveillance Tool, stakeholders are better equipped to monitor and mitigate the impact of pests on agricultural productivity, ultimately contributing to food security and sustainable development goals. As the agricultural sector continues to face evolving challenges, ongoing collaboration and innovation will be essential in developing effective solutions to safeguard crop yields and livelihoods.
About Risk Management System for Plant Pests and Diseases Project
The Risk Management System for Plant Pests and Diseases project, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to address climate change-induced pest and disease outbreaks through innovative surveillance and early warning systems. It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development's Plant Protection and Food Safety Directorate (PP&FSD) and RCMRD, in collaboration with other plant protection institutions like KALRO, KEPHIS, CABI, DLCO-EA, and Kenya School of Agriculture.
The project created a platform to promote data-driven, evidence-based decision-making. The system offers a repository for plant pest and disease surveillance data, visualization, real-time computation, analytics, situation maps, and other knowledge products. It will map Fall Armyworm, Tuta Absoluta, Fruit Flies, Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND), Bacterial Soft Rots, and Cassava Mosaic Disease.
Author: Gladys Mwangi and Rose Waswa
