Strengthening Plant Health Services in Tanzania: Safeguarding crops and enhancing agricultural trade
The Head of EU Cooperation in Tanzania, Mr Cedric Merel, hands over a certificate to a female drone pilot graduate during the graduation ceremony earlier this year. The drone pilots' training is part of the STREPHIT project implementation.
What you need to know:
At the forefront of the STREPHIT project is the mission to fortify the national system of official controls governing the import and export of agricultural products.
By doing so, Tanzania is committed to increasing agricultural trade through compliance with international regulations and facilitating seamless cross-border movement of goods.
In a transformative move to elevate agricultural trade and safeguard Tanzania's crops, the European Union (EU), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) have united in a collaborative effort known as the "Strengthening Plant Health Services in Tanzania for Enhanced Food Safety" (STREPHIT) project. This bold initiative, backed by a substantial contribution agreement of EUR 10,500,000, is poised to increase the safety and quality of agricultural products for both the domestic and international markets as guided by the International Standards of Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs).
Enhancing agricultural trade
At the forefront of the STREPHIT project is the mission to fortify the national system of official controls governing the import and export of agricultural products. By doing so, Tanzania is committed to increasing agricultural trade through compliance with international regulations and facilitating seamless cross-border movement of goods. Adhering to ISPMs not only ensures multilateral treaty compliance but also fosters trading partner confidence, thereby paving the way for strengthened international trade alliances.
Mitigating the spread of plant pests and diseases
Plant pests and diseases wield catastrophic impacts on agricultural productivity. These threats jeopardize crops, potentially resulting in dire economic losses and food security crises. The STREPHIT project seeks to bolster Tanzania's national plant protection system by instituting a robust surveillance and plant protection mechanism. Through vigilant monitoring and effective control measures, the project endeavors to protect crop health, enhance agricultural production, and secure a steady supply of safe and quality agricultural produce for both local and global markets.
Laboratory sample analysis in Zanzibar. The STREPHIP project is also implemented in the aisles.
Collaborative efforts
The essence of collaboration defines this initiative, reflecting the unwavering commitment of multiple stakeholders to tackle Tanzania's agricultural sector challenges. Supported by a contribution agreement from the EU (9.8Mio€), FAO (0.35Mio€), and the Government of Tanzania (0.25Mio€), the STREPHIT project underscores a shared vision for sustainable agricultural development. This united front leverages diverse expertise, resources, and technical aid, ensuring the project's triumph and enduring impact.
Empowering the National Plant Health Services
Central to the STREPHIT project is the empowerment of the National Plant Protection Organization—Tanzania's Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA). By furnishing crucial support and resources, the project emboldens plant health inspectors to conduct effective plant health controls, surveillance, and preventative measures. Investments in human capital, training, infrastructure, and technology equip Tanzania's plant health professionals with the aptitude to identify, respond to, and manage plant pests and diseases adeptly.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock Zanzibar, Dr Omar Amir speaks at the opening session of the STREPHIT project implementation workshop earlier this year.
Conclusion
The Strengthening Plant Health Services in Tanzania for Enhanced Food Safety (STREPHIT) project marks a pivotal stride towards assuring agricultural produce safety while invigorating agricultural trade. Aligned with international standards and reinforcing the national plant protection system, Tanzania is navigating the challenges presented by plant pests and diseases. Facilitated by the collaborative spirit of the EU, FAO, and the URT, this initiative heralds the prospect of wider access to safe, top-quality agricultural products—both domestically and on the global market. As this project unfolds, Tanzania's agricultural sector stands to witness sustainable growth, heightened food security, and fortified trade relationships, ushering benefits to farmers, consumers, and the nation at large.
