Zimbabwe has intensified efforts to protect its agricultural sector from devastating crop pests by training 40 crop inspectors in cutting-edge digital surveillance technologies, in a move aligned with the national Vision 2030 agenda.
The training recently held in Kadoma under the Africa Phytosanitary Programme, was designed to enhance the country’s capacity to detect, report, and respond to pest outbreaks in real time using digital tools and harmonised systems across provinces.
Speaking at the closing of the three-day workshop in Kadoma, International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat’s Dr Descartes Koumba said the programme was a critical step towards strengthening national and regional plant health systems.
“The aim is to establish and strengthen national surveillance networks for the early detection and reporting of the target quarantine pests,” he said.
The workshop focused on five of the most destructive crop pests threatening African agriculture Candidatus Liberibacter africanus (citrus greening), Fusarium wilt of bananas, invasive Bactrocera fruit flies, Banana Bunchy Top Virus, and Xylella fastidiosa. If left unchecked, these pests could cause billions in losses and severely affect Zimbabwe’s food security and export capacity.
Participants were equipped with tablets for real-time pest mapping and data sharing; a move expected to enable swift national responses to outbreaks and ensure coordinated reporting across the country.
“We have been capacitated with the skills needed when conducting surveillance; therefore, this will enhance early detection capabilities for pest outbreaks,” said Mr Philemon John, a farm supervisor who took part in the training.
“We have been given digital gadgets which will improve data collection and reporting on the presence and distribution of target pests,” added Nyasha Rinomhota, an inspector based at Plumtree Border Post.
The training was delivered by six Zimbabwean experts who were trained in Egypt in 2023 under a train-the-trainer model, ensuring that international expertise is localised for national benefit.
“This programme ensures our surveillance systems are systematic and harmonised across the region. It increases our resilience to cross-border pest incursions. Focusing on quarantine pests reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to align with global best practices in plant health.” said research scientist Dr Tinashe Runyanga.
By investing in digital surveillance, Zimbabwe is safeguarding crop yields, protecting rural livelihoods, and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable agriculture under Vision 2030.
