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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24108, member: 2262"] Africa Adopts New Plant Health Strategy to Combat Agricultural Threats. The African Union has launched a major plant health plan to protect farming and trade across the continent. The Plant Health Strategy for Africa runs from 2022 to 2036 and aims to strengthen crop protection in all member states. Plant pests and climate change threaten African agriculture, putting thousands of plant species at risk. These threats could harm the continent's economy, where farming provides 40% of GDP and employs up to 80% of workers. The 89-page strategy outlines seven key goals to improve plant health systems. It calls for better coordination between nations through central offices and forums for planning and data sharing. AU agriculture director Godfrey Bahiigwa points to ongoing challenges. Many nations lack resources, strong institutions, and proper facilities to meet international standards. These gaps make it harder to fight threats to plants, animals, and human health. "We must use data to make better decisions about plant health in Africa," Bahiigwa said at a recent workshop in Lusaka. He stressed the need for better monitoring systems and research into new technologies for early warning of food hazards. The AU has also adopted a broader health policy framework. This move aims to boost regional trade by improving food safety and plant protection across Africa. The strategy focuses on creating practical systems to ensure food security and safe trade. Its success depends on cooperation between governments, farmers, and industry leaders across the continent. [/QUOTE]

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