Partnerships are intended to enhance food security and prevent crop loss and the threat of disease.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt announced several partnerships designed to improve plant and animal health in Africa during the Africa Food Systems Forum in Tanzania.
“The connections between plant pests, crop losses and food shortages are evident in Africa,” said Under Secretary Moffitt. “With plant pests undermining crop production and causing losses between 30-60 percent annually, the need for effective pest management strategies that address the detrimental effects of plant pests and plant and animal diseases is critical.”
Among the partnerships, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will work with the World Organization of Animal Health to enhance animal health infrastructure in Africa. The initiative is intended to prevent plant pests, crop loss, and food shortages through the development of pest surveillance protocols, electronic data tools, training materials, and training programs for 11 countries during the initial phase, with the goal of expanding its reach to all 54 African countries by 2026.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Under Secretary Moffitt as she oversees the Office of Marketing and Regulatory Programs.
- For Secretary Tom Vilsack as he heads collaborative efforts with other nations to ensure food security.
- For wisdom for the president and his advisors as they seek to strengthen food supplies in other countries.
Sources: Department of Agriculture
