The Senegalese government has taken steps to enhance its digital surveillance of plant pests. On September 28, 2026, the Direction de la Protection des Végétaux (DPV) and the African Plant Health Programme (APP) organized a workshop in Thiès to strengthen national capacities for digital surveillance of plant pests. The goal is to modernize tools for collecting, transmitting, and analyzing phytosanitary data. This effort aims to improve the country's ability to prevent, detect, and manage plant health threats.
The workshop builds on a previous training session held in South Africa in 2025, which focused on training trainers in using digital tools for collecting and managing phytosanitary data. Several DPV officials participated in that session to enhance their skills in utilizing these tools. The training is part of a broader initiative to strengthen the phytosanitary surveillance system in Senegal, with support from the African Plant Health Programme (APP).
Koumba Mouendou Descartes, representative of the Secretariat of the International Convention for the Protection of Plants (IPPC), emphasized the importance of this training. He stated that it marks a significant step in Senegal's efforts to modernize and strengthen its national phytosanitary surveillance system. The use of digital tools and international standards will enable the country to better prevent, detect, and manage plant health threats.
The phytosanitary surveillance system is crucial for protecting plant health, as it provides the foundation for an effective plant protection system. Without reliable data, it is challenging to quickly identify new pests, assess risks accurately, plan appropriate measures, or demonstrate a country's phytosanitary status. Effective surveillance also facilitates safe trade that meets international requirements.
The African Plant Health Programme (APP) has made significant progress in supporting plant health initiatives across Africa. Initially designed as a pilot project involving 11 African countries, the program has expanded to cover 38 countries. Over the years, it has trained over 860 plant health agents and supported thousands of surveillance activities.
The APP has also established a comprehensive digital infrastructure, including the APP GIS Hub and mobile applications for collecting, managing, and analyzing phytosanitary data. Nearly 960 users across Africa utilize these digital tools to enhance the quality and availability of surveillance information. This infrastructure will support Senegal's efforts to improve its phytosanitary surveillance.
Ousmane Mbaye, representing the Senegalese Minister of Agriculture, highlighted the importance of plant protection in achieving food sovereignty. He emphasized that efforts to increase agricultural production and improve food security must be accompanied by effective measures to prevent and manage plant pests. The Senegalese government recognizes the risks posed by plant pests and prioritizes phytosanitary surveillance and early warning systems.
Key points
- The Senegalese government, with support from the African Plant Health Programme, is strengthening its digital surveillance of plant pests to modernize data collection tools and improve phytosanitary surveillance.
- The training workshop in Thiès aims to enhance national capacities for digital surveillance of plant pests and improve the country's ability to prevent, detect, and manage plant health threats.
- The African Plant Health Programme has trained over 860 plant health agents and supported thousands of surveillance activities across 38 African countries.
