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Government, in collaboration with the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), has launched the Pest Risk Register (PRR), a digital platform designed to strengthen pest prioritisation, preparedness and resource allocation.
The PRR, which will be housed under the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Plant Protection Organization, becomes the first of its kind in the Southern African region, although similar work is underway in Kenya and Ghana.
The platform was officially launched in Lusaka by Ministry of Agriculture Director for Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Services (PQPS) Dr. Kenn Msiska and CABI Regional Director Dr. Natasha Mwila during an event held at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
“It is important to note that climate change, global movement and modernization influence the rate at which pests are spreading,” Mwila said.
She emphasized the need for the Zambian government and stakeholders—including farmers—to be more proactive in responding to the increasing movement of pests.
Mwila noted that PQPS regulated agriculture the movement of plants and plant products to prevent pest spread while supporting regional and international trade.
“Other users are traders, farmer support systems, academia and farmers. PRR fosters regional collaboration because pests know no boundaries. It also promotes safe trade across and beyond the region,” she said.
She further underscored the importance of regular pest risk alerts and enhanced surveillance against invasive pests, describing their impact on agriculture as a pressing concern due to significant crop losses and ecosystem disruption.
“The increase in global trade and climate change has created an environment conducive to the spread of these pests,” Mwila said.
She cited pests such as the fall armyworm, locust infestations and the tomato leafminer as examples illustrating the alarming trend of emerging pests in Africa.
In his remarks, Msiska emphasized the need for continued vigilance and collaboration to protect the country’s agriculture sector and ecosystem.
He stressed the importance of regional cooperation and information sharing to prevent the spread of pests emerging in neighbouring countries, including South Africa.
Msiska urged stakeholders to utilise the Pest Risk Register effectively to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests.
“The PRR demonstrates Zambia’s commitment to its mandates and supports member countries in managing plant health threats, improving agriculture productivity, and safeguarding the environment,” he said.
He added that the PRR was a valuable resource for various sectors—including farming, trade and compliance—and reflects Zambia’s leadership in the Southern African region.
Meanwhile, Dziwa Science and Technology Trust Executive Director, Veronica Mwaba, welcomed the launch of the PRR, describing it as a major milestone in enhancing timely pest control in the country.
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