Accra: The Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) recently conducted a five-day pest risk analysis training workshop for officers from National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) across West Africa. The training, supported financially by the PlantwisePlus programme, aims to equip countries with the skills needed to predict, prepare for, and prevent plant health threats.

According to Ghana News Agency, the workshop was designed to build on previous advancements in pest prediction and prevention in West Africa. It focused on developing regional Pest Risk Analyses (PRAs) for high-priority invasive pests. In 2023, CABI trained representatives from West African countries on the use of its digital PRA tool. Further support came in May 2024, when CABI and the FAO sponsored a regional workshop to help NPPOs in West and Central Africa prioritize alien invasive plant pests using Horizon Scanning approaches.

The recent workshop’s emphasis was on conducting full PRAs for priority pests, enabling
NPPOs to familiarize themselves with PRA processes. Dr. Victor Clottey, CABI Regional Director for West Africa, highlighted the workshop’s goal of creating a regional PRA that can be adopted by various countries. He encouraged participants to utilize and share the skills acquired in their home countries to enhance pest management strategies.

Mr. Eric Bentsil Quaye, Director of the Plant Protection Regulatory Services Directorate, underscored the importance of considering climate change in agricultural development. He praised CABI’s PRA tool for its scientific significance in pest analysis, which is crucial for improving pest management across the region.

Participants like Mr. Orumah Gowon Abdullahi from the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service expressed appreciation for the workshop’s benefits, which included enhanced PRA skills and valuable interactions with international peers. Mrs. Assa Balayaia Diouf from Senegal emphasized the training’s importance in identifying exotic pests and preventing their in
troduction through trade.

The workshop was facilitated by a team of CABI experts, including Dr. Roger Day, Dr. Lakpo Koku Agboyi, Dr. MaryLucy Oronje, and Dr. Hettie Arwo Boafo, with support from Mr. Patrick Beseh of PPRSD, Ghana. Dr. Lakpo Agboyi lauded the NPPO delegates for their dedication and encouraged continued collaboration in pest risk assessment to protect agriculture and trade in the region.