Participants pictured during the PCE validation workshop which took place from 26-29 August 2024 in Windhoek.

Windhoek, Namibia - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR), successfully held a crucial workshop aimed at enhancing Namibia's phytosanitary capacity. The workshop marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve agricultural production and productivity in the country.

The workshop focused on the validation of a Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE), a comprehensive process designed to assess Namibia's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to plant pests and diseases. The findings from this evaluation are expected to strengthen MAWLR's capacity to function effectively as the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), fulfilling Namibia's obligations under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

During the event, FAO Representative in Namibia, Dr. Qingyun Diao, highlighted the importance of these initiatives, noting that they are not just about meeting international obligations, but also about laying the groundwork for a resilient agricultural sector. "By investing in phytosanitary capacity and integrated pest management, we are investing in the future of the country’s agriculture sector, our economy, and our communities," she stated.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Directorate of Agriculture Research and Development (DARD) in MAWLR, Eddie Hasheela, emphasized the critical role that phytosanitary measures and integrated pest management play in protecting Namibia’s agricultural sector, which supports over 70% of the population. He called for continued collaboration among development partners, farmer organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance food security and sustain agricultural growth

Adding to the momentum, a week-long writeshop hosted by FAO and CABI took place a week prior to the validation workshop. This writeshop focused on developing Pest Management Guidelines (PMDGs) and fact sheets for key crops grown in Namibia and their associated pests. The event also provided participants with the tools and knowledge necessary for effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM), equipping them to better protect Namibia's agricultural sector from harmful pests and diseases.

Both the workshop and writeshop saw active participation from various stakeholders, including representatives from research institutions, academia, the private sector, and government agencies.