Recently, senior leaders from CABI completed a significant visit to Kenya, which offered a crucial opportunity to enhance partnerships and showcase science-based solutions to agricultural and environmental issues.
The delegation, headed by CABI Board Chair Ms. Chileshe Kapwepwe and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Daniel Elger, comprised members of the CABI Board along with CABI’s Executive Management Team.
During their visit to Nairobi, the location of CABI’s Africa Regional Centre, they engaged with staff, partner organizations, and field researchers dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture throughout Kenya. This initiative also aims to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and bolster food security at both regional and national levels.
This visit was part of CABI’s Member Country Consultation in Africa, which aimed to address significant challenges through collaborative efforts. The consultation is a continuation of CABI’s engagement with its Member Countries, designed to align CABI’s initiatives with the needs of national and regional stakeholders.
A significant aspect of the visit was a courtesy meeting with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), where both organizations explored ongoing collaboration in areas such as forest health, biological control, and the management of invasive species.
Another significant area of collaboration mentioned was the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) project, which aimed to improve access to international markets for crops like pawpaw, mango, avocado, and citrus by managing invasive scale insect pests throughout Eastern Africa, particularly in Kenya, Uganda, and Burundi. This initiative was jointly executed by CABI, KEPHIS, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), the National Museums of Kenya, KEFRI, and the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK).
Dr. Jane Njuguna, the CEO of KEFRI, reiterated their dedication to a recently established Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CABI, which lays out a formal framework for collaborative efforts in forest conservation, climate adaptation, and community-driven land restoration projects.
Focus on biocontrol strategies for invasive species
The delegation also toured the Crop Protection Biological Control Laboratory located at KALRO’s Muguga campus, where CABI is based. This visit highlighted ongoing research in biological control and the management of invasive species.
Stacey Odunga, a researcher at CABI, provided insights on the sustainable management of Phthorimaea absoluta (tomato leafminer), an invasive pest that impacts tomato crops.
In another presentation, Dr. Selpha Miller, Scientist in Invasive Species Management, discussed advancements in controlling the papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) through classical biological control methods.
Dr. Ivan Rwomushana, Global Lead for Pest Preparedness, presented an overview of a joint project with KALRO’s Coffee Research Institute (CRI) focused on managing the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei).
CABI is engaged in research on the biological control of the coffee berry borer in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and KALRO CRI subcentres located in Koru and Kisii.
“Most of the work is conducted at KALRO Muguga, where CABI operates a rearing facility for the parasitoids of the coffee berry borer,” stated Dr. Rwomushana. “From this facility, CABI sends wild parasitoids to Hawaii for the biocontrol of this pest, which poses a greater challenge in that region compared to Kenya. The collection and application of parasitoids for the biological control of the coffee berry borer outside Kenya aligns well with the Convention on Biological Diversity.”
A more promising future through collaboration
CABI’s CEO, Dr. Daniel Elger, remarked that the trip to Nairobi underscored the significance of collective efforts in addressing major issues such as climate change, food security, and the conservation of natural resources. He emphasized that as CABI expands its initiatives throughout Africa, partnerships are central to its mission. He
expressed pride in CABI’s robust relationship with KEFRI and other organizations, that the visit demonstrated the critical role these collaborations play in developing practical, science-driven solutions that benefit farmers, safeguard forests, and enhance lives.
Board Chair, Ms. Chileshe Kapwepwe, characterized the visit as an invaluable chance to observe CABI’s real-world impact. “Reading about achievements in reports is one thing, but witnessing the work firsthand, from laboratory to field, is genuinely inspiring,” she stated.
Original Article was first Carried in the CABI website. Photos: Courtesy of CABI