Pilot plant health clinic launched in Kavango East Region
Rundu, Kavango East Region - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) and the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), officially launched a pilot plant health clinic at the Kaisosi Agricultural Development Center (ADC) in the Salem Cooperative Project, Vhungu-Vhungu village, Kavango East region. This Plant Clinic, the first of its kind in Namibia, marks a significant step forward for local agriculture and plant health.
During the launch event, Ferdinard Mwapopi, Assistant FAO Representative – Programmes, emphasized that farmers invest a lot of time, energy and resources into their farms and that this investment should be safeguarded through effective crop management so that they can reap the rewards of their hard work.
"The establishment of this Plant Health Clinic is a vital initiative aimed at providing farmers in the Kavango East region with access to expert advice and practical solutions for managing plant health issues," said Mwapopi. "This clinic will serve as a frontline place to offer the much-needed support and sharing of knowledge on plant disease diagnosis and integrated pest management to improve crop management."
Mwapopi also referenced the Fall Army Worm outbreak of 2016/2017 and the African Migratory Locust outbreaks of 2020-2021/22 as examples of the threats that pests pose, noting that such occurrences jeopardize food security and livelihoods across the country.
"Healthy plants lead to increased yields, better quality produce, and more resilient farming systems. Unfortunately, plant diseases and pests are constant threats that can devastate crops, reduce yields, and significantly impact the livelihoods of our farmers."
Dr. Noah Phiri, Subregional Director of CABI Southern Africa, noted that plant clinics are the first line of defense for any country's agriculture sector and underscored CABI's satisfaction in partnering with FAO to establish Namibia's very first plant clinic and train its plant doctors.
"There are numerous pests in other countries that are a threat to the agriculture sector in countries such as Namibia. Detecting and preventing the infestation of these transboundary pests is the best form of defense rather than waiting for them to settle and multiply."
Meanwhile, Violet Simataa, Acting Deputy Director of the Plant Health Division with MAWLR, noted that the establishment of a Plant Health Clinic means farmers will now gain access to essential tools and knowledge to combat plant pests and diseases, thereby enhancing crop productivity.
The launch of the clinic coincided with the conclusion of a critical training for 29 Agriculture Extension Officers as Plant Doctors from MAWLR. This training, organized in collaboration with CABI, is essential for equipping MAWLR staff with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage plant pests and diseases.
The newly trained Plant Doctors will play a crucial role in diagnosing plant health problems at the soon-to-be-established Plant Clinics in their respective regions and providing practical solutions to farmers, ensuring that crops remain healthy and productive.
Nakamwi Muhelo, one of the plant doctors in training, emphasized her readiness to give accurate advice to farmers. She urged farmers to bring forth their plants for proper diagnosis and advice on correct treatment measures to prevent crop losses from pests and diseases.
Through the "Technical support for phytosanitary capacity evaluation and establishment of plant health clinics to improve agricultural production and productivity" project, FAO aims to address the challenges faced by the MAWLR, particularly the Plant Health Unit under the Directorate of Agricultural Production, Extension and Engineering Services (DAPEES).
This project seeks to improve Namibia’s agricultural production, strengthen phytosanitary systems in line with international guidelines and treaties such as the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), and establish 10 plant health clinics in eight regions including Khomas, Kavango East and West, Hardap, //Kharas, Zambezi, Ohangwena, and Omusati, for effective pest control and management.