The East African Phytosanitary Information Committee (EAPIC), an ad hoc committee of plant pest regulatory officials from East African countries, has been addressing challenges in handling Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) matters since 2006. AFSI supports EAPIC and the EAC in its efforts to develop a Regional Harmonized Pest List and regional database to improve transparency and information sharing on local and invasive pest species impacting agriculture.
AFSI works to stimulate and support the capacity of EAC countries to adopt and implement international phytosanitary standards and improve trade and food security in the region. The activities supported by AFSI enhance the ability for EAC countries to work collectively as a region to harmonize standards, including procedures to better facilitate trade and prevent unnecessary delays and rejections at regional border crossings. These efforts help East African countries achieve their objectives under the African Continental Free Trade Area and contributions to the African Union’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Policy Framework for Africa.
AFSI is building on the progress made under EAPIC and working to identify areas where harmonization and collaboration amongst countries will facilitate trade. AFSI also helps establish phytosanitary policies utilizing transparent scientific methods that meet international standards.
AFSI Activities
- In coordination with the EAC, regional NPPOs, and other stakeholders, develop a road map for the development of a regional plant pest and disease prevention, surveillance and mitigation plan that considers the financial, human capacity and technical needs of the region.
- Creation of a coordination and communication protocol to help EAC with the management of plant disease outbreaks in a timely and efficient manner whenever they occur.
- Provide opportunities for building and developing standard operational procedures (SOPs) for phytosanitary measures upon current efforts in the region and within the international community.
- Work with EAPIC, individual countries, the EAC and other stakeholders to ensure the PIMS database is workable for individual countries to enter data, individual countries are aware of how to enter data and the data will help support the PRAs and future verification of regional pests.
AFSI 