Australia-Africa Plant

Biosecurity Partnership 2015 Australian training program

REPORT TO ACIAR

JANUARY 2016

Bill Magee Project Leader (Australia) Roger Day Project Leader (Africa) Naomi Thomson Project Officer (Australia)

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Contents Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................. 3 1. AAPBP Project Background ...................................................................................... 4

1.1 Overview of 2015 Australian placement program ....................................................... 4 2. Introductory Training, Melbourne 26 October 2015 – 30 October 2015 ........................ 7

2.1 Introductory lectures .............................................................................................. 7 2.2 Market Access simulation ........................................................................................ 8 2.3 Other activities in Week 1 ....................................................................................... 9

3. Technical Placement program for Senior Fellows ........................................................ 9 3.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 9 3.2 Summary of Senior Fellow Placements in Australian Plant Biosecurity Institutions .......... 9

4. Soft skills training, Perth 22 November – 26 November 2015 ................................... 12 5. Tools and Technologies Workshop, Perth 27 November 2015 .................................... 13 6. Field Trips, WA 30 November – 2 December 2015 ................................................... 14 7. Senior Fellows input to planning for 2016 3 - 4 December 2015 ................................. 15 8. AAPBP 2016 Workshop Schedule Proposal .............................................................. 16

8.1 Key objectives for 2016 African workshops ............................................................. 17 8.2 Workshop Structural Outlines ................................................................................ 17

9. Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 18 Appendix 1: AAPBP Senior Fellows Australian Placements Program ....................................... 20 Appendix 2: AAPBP Communications Links ......................................................................... 22

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Acknowledgements The authors would like to acknowledge the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) for their financial support and guidance which led to the creation of the Australia – Africa Plant Biosecurity Partnership (AAPBP).

We would also like to acknowledge:

• The AAPBP Steering Committee Michael Robinson, CEO, PBCRC (Chair) Denis Blight, CEO, The Crawford Fund Dennis Rangi, Director General - Development, CABI Dennis Bittisnich, Manager, Biosecurity and Food Safety, AIFSC, ACIAR Mellissa Wood, General Manager, Global Program, ACIAR

• Australian host organisations AgriBio Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Murdoch University Plant Health Australia Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland Queensland University of Technology South Australia Research and Development Institute University of Western Australia

• The Crawford Fund and Econnect Communications Pty Ltd

Cathy Reade, The Crawford Fund Jenni Metcalfe, Econnect Communications Pty Ltd Toss Gascoigne, Econnect Communications Pty Ltd

• The PBCRC Communications team

Tony Steeper, Corporate Communications Manager, PBCRC Kylee Carpenter, Corporate Communications Assistant Manager, PBCRC

• Introductory Training and Market Access Simulation trainers

Sabine Perrone, BioSecurity and AgriSystems Protection Pty Ltd. Glynn Maynard, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Sophie Peterson, PBCRC

• Murdoch University

Kirsty Bayliss, Academic Chair, Biosecurity and Food Security

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1. AAPBP Project Background The Australia-Africa Plant Biosecurity Partnership (AAPBP) is a plant biosecurity capacity development program using Australian expertise to strengthen biosecurity skills and planning in Africa. This will support increased production, market access for African farmers and improved food security.

In line with Australia’s aid framework, the partnership aims to enhance plant biosecurity capacity in African countries and regions in order to lift agricultural economic productivity and promote safe trade in plant commodities.

The project is the result of representations from African stakeholders to the Australian Government who noted that the world-class strength and experience of Australian biosecurity agencies could assist to strengthen African plant biosecurity capacity. Countries involved include Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Agriculture employs over 60 per cent of the labour force and accounts for 30 per cent of gross domestic product in many African countries. Agricultural performance is key to growth and poverty reduction in Africa, impacting on employment, health, nutrition and livelihoods (especially for women and youth). Great strides are being made by many African countries to enhance farm productivity through research, infrastructure projects and importantly, more effective operation of agricultural markets and trade.

The AAPBP is led by the Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre (PBCRC) and funded by the Australian International Food Security Research Centre (AIFSRC) within the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

The program is being delivered by a consortium consisting of the PBCRC, the Crawford Fund and CAB International. The AAPBP aims to leverage support from other international agencies and to complement other work underway on plant biosecurity issues in Africa.

1.1 Overview of 2015 Australian placement program Fifteen Senior Biosecurity Fellows from Africa were selected to participate in an intensive six week study program with Australian biosecurity institutions. The selection process in Africa was a competitive process and applications were received from a strong field of biosecurity specialists. The AAPBP Steering Committee included COMESA in the selection process to provide an independent view on the relative merit of applicants.

Australian placements for Senior Fellows commenced in October 2015 for a total period of 6 weeks. The first week was an introductory module on plant biosecurity, including a simulation exercise, covering the following topics:

• Introduction to plant biosecurity in the context of International Obligations; • Information on the Australian plant biosecurity system, regulatory arrangements and the

biosecurity continuum – pre-border, border and post-border; • Overview of the multidisciplinary activities that underpin biosecurity; • An understanding of the impact that plant biosecurity has at all levels, from government

and industry through to the individual.

During weeks 2, 3 and 4 Senior Fellows undertook technical placements at Australian institutions that had submitted expressions of interest to host Senior Fellows. The AAPBP Project Leader liaised with Australia institutions to ensure the best possible match between the specific biosecurity problems identified by Senior Fellows and the technical skills offered by host institutions.

Australian host institutions have agreed to commit to a longer term mentoring/training relationship with the Senior Fellows, to support learning and application of skills and knowledge to plant biosecurity systems in Africa. It is envisaged that such relationships will also be beneficial to the host institutions in the longer term, enabling them to better understand biosecurity systems, challenges and opportunities in Africa. The program concluded in Perth with two weeks of soft skills training, field trips and planning for the 2016 program of training in Africa.

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A representative from COMESA, Mr Brian Nsofu, participated in the final two weeks of the Australian program. Brian provided valuable input to the program, particularly around the issue of developing and maintaining an African plant biosecurity network.

The full program is attached at Appendix 1 and a list of links to AAPBP Communications materials is attached at Appendix 2.

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Table 1: List of AAPBP Senior Fellows

Surname Other names Country

Alage Haimanot Abebe Ethiopia

Bizimungu Epitace Burundi

Chikwenhere Godfrey Pasurayi Zimbabwe

Chomba Doreen Malekano Zambia

Come Armando Marcos W. Mozambique

Githinji Mary Waithiegeni Kenya

Mdili Katemani Tanzania

Masabarakiza Lucien Burundi

Masangwa Johnny Malawi

Mudenda Mable Zambia

Mushayija James Rwanda

Tombolane Antonia Vaz Mozambique

Tumuboine Ephrance Uganda

Uzayisenga Bellancile Rwanda

Wabere George Ngundo Kenya

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2. Introductory Training, Melbourne 26 October 2015 – 30 October 2015

The first week of the Australian training program provided a combination of introductory lectures in the morning, followed by a market access simulation exercise in the afternoon. The simulation exercise involved the practical application of international phytosanitary standards by the Senior Fellows to develop a simulated set of import requirements. These modules were delivered by Dr Sabine Perrone from BioSecurity and AgriSystems Protection (BSASP) and Dr Glynn Maynard from the Department of Agriculture, with support and assistance from PBCRC's Sophie Peterson.

On Monday and Tuesday the PBCRC media and communications team, Tony Steeper and Kylee Carpenter, conducted video interviews with each Senior Fellow on their background, goals and aspirations for their training in Australia. These interviews provided a very valuable baseline record and were repeated at the end of Australian program in Perth.

This combination of activities allowed the Senior Fellows to work closely together in small groups with participants from different AAPBP countries. The introductory lectures provided the group with a very comprehensive overview of the principles of plant biosecurity, drawing on examples in the Australian system and then allowing further discussion with the Senior Fellows on the experiences in their countries. The content of the introductory lectures is set out below.

2.1 Introductory lectures

Core module title Outline Sections A and B Basic Biosecurity (BB) Aim: To provide a broad understanding of Plant Biosecurity, Plant Biosecurity frameworks and legislation in an international context.

- Introduction, definitions and history

- Legislation (IPPC, ISPMs IRA, pathways, operating rules, inspections, actions)

- Border isolation vs shared borders

- Relevant examples

A: Frameworks (30 minutes to 1 hour) B: More extensive background (an additional 2 hours)

Monitoring, Inspection & Surveillance (MIS) Aim: To understand how to select appropriate strategies, techniques and tools for monitoring, inspection and surveillance (i.e. trapping, early warning, inspection techniques etc…).

- Introduction, list appropriate techniques

- Sensitivity of techniques - Importance of biology of

targeted organism - Sampling techniques

methodologies - Costs and feasibility

A: Introduction (30 minutes to 1 hour) B: More extensive background (an additional 2 hours)

Diagnostics Aim: To describe and learn about basic biology of pest organisms, how to select the appropriate tools and techniques to detect and identify plant pests of Biosecurity significance (weeds, invertebrates and plant pathogens).

- Definitions of biotic vs abiotic

- Symptoms vs signs - Diagnosis vs diagnostics - How to collect and handle

samples - Tools and techniques,

visual and molecular - Relevant information

sources (e.g. PaDIL)

A: Introduction (30 minutes to 1 hour) B: More extensive background (an additional 2 hours)

Developing and Fostering Partnerships Aim: To provide understanding and tools for effective partnership development and fostering to achieve Biosecurity outcomes. Development of communication, relationships and linkages with a view to create synergies that enhance plant Biosecurity outcomes.

- Developing interactions between legislative bodies & broader community

- Communication processes - Shared responsibility - Science to the public - Barriers to adoption - Incentives

A: Introduction (30 minutes to 1 hour) B: More extensive background (an additional 2 hours)

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Core module title Outline Sections A and B Control & Eradication Strategies Aim: To introduce the available range of chemical and non-chemical strategies available for eradication and control of plant pests (e.g. systems approach, disinfestation, natural enemies, biocontrol, cultural control, cold treatment, irradiation, etc...).

- When to eradicate and control

- Different types of control strategies

- Different types of eradication strategies

- Long term vs short term costs

- Impact on industries, communities and the environment

A: Introduction (30 minutes to 1 hour) B: More extensive background (an additional 2 hours)

2.2 Market Access simulation This team exercise was a simulation of a pest risk analysis to develop phytosanitary measures for the import and export of tomato commodities (fresh for consumption, fresh for processing, seedlings, seeds, dried or preserved). The Senior Fellows were divided into six teams of three, with some additional team members from the project team, and each team was assigned a pseudo country with a country pest profile for pseudonisms (pests) that occur on tomatoes in each country.

Each team was required to conduct a pest risk analysis, taking account of pests associated with the tomato commodity pathway and the measures that could be applied to address these pests. Each team was also required to negotiate market access to another pseudo-country and to provide supporting technical justification for each phytosanitary measure. This exercise was a hands-on task for the Senior Fellows, requiring assessment of technical information, analysis of trade pathways, development of phytosanitary measures and negotiation between the pseudo-countries. The simulation accurately replicated the real process of bilateral negotiation on market access which is a critical skill in plant biosecurity advocacy and the creation of safe trade pathways for trade in agricultural products.

All Senior Fellows were actively engaged in this exercise which developed their skills in pest risk analysis, pathway analysis, justification of phytosanitary measures and most importantly negotiation skills. The feedback from the simulation exercise was overwhelmingly positive and this has been included in the 2016 training proposal for the Associate Fellows in Africa.

Above: Senior Fellows participating in the market access simulation exercise

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2.3 Other activities in Week 1

Other activities in Week 1 included site visits to the post-entry plant quarantine facility at Knoxfield and the diagnostic laboratories at AgriBio. The Senior Fellows showed enormous interest in the potential application of post-entry quarantine practices in their own countries and this is reflected in some of the Action plans for the 2016 program. On the final day of the week the Senior Fellows were introduced to mentoring skills, reporting and the development of action plans to guide work in 2016 in Africa with the larger cohort of Associate Fellows.

3. Technical Placement program for Senior Fellows 3.1 Overview

The technical placements of the Senior Fellows from Monday 2 November to Friday 20 November was a key component of the Australian program and reflected the diversity of plant biosecurity problems in Africa and the breadth of matching expertise available in Australian institutions. The AAPBP is grateful for the technical assistance received from hosts and the time, effort and hospitality provided by hosts while the Senior Fellows were visiting their institutions.

The Project team maintained close contact with the Senior Fellows during their placements and the feedback received confirmed that all of the placements were successful and have largely resulted in the formation of longer term mentoring relationships between Senior Fellows and hosts.

3.2 Summary of Senior Fellow Placements in Australian Plant Biosecurity

Institutions

Senior Fellow (s) Placement Summary Mentoring Arrangement

Mable Mudenda (Zambia) and Antonia Vaz (Mozambique)

Placement with Dr Suzy Perry and Dr Rebecca Sappupo, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF). Topics covered included: Vascular wilt disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporium s.p. cubensis Tropical race 4 (Foc TR4); how to conduct a workshop to sensitise Financial Institutions on Foc TR4 problem; how to prepare an Action Plan to manage Foc TR4 in the event of a cyclone.

Two Mentors identified: Rebecca Sappupo (QDAF Moresby) and Dr Suzy Perry (QDAF, Brisbane). Mentoring on surveillance, emergency response, pest risk analysis and disease diagnostics.

Bellancile Uzayisenga (Rwanda) and Ephrance Tumuboine (Uganda)

Placement at Plant Health Australia (PHA) in Canberra with Dr Sharyn Taylor, Mr Rodney Turner and Dr Alison Saunders. The placement focused on the official framework for plant biosecurity: EPPRD & PLANTPLAN; development of capabilities (Pathway, pest biology and controls); development of a strategic plan; development of Plant Biosecurity Plans and manuals; surveillance (bee pests and fruit fly, protocols); contingency plans (False codling moths, grain pests).

Three mentors identified: Mr Rodney Turner, Dr Alison Saunders, Dr Sharyn Taylor. Mentors will assist in utilising the skills and knowledge to engage stakeholders including researchers, National Government and Industry to set up an operational biosecurity system through partnerships.

George Wabere Ngundo (Kenya) and Doreen Chomba (Zambia)

Placement at AgriBio Centre for Agribioscience, a division that conducts Bioscience Research

Principal mentor identified is Dr Brendan Rodoni at AgriBio. In addition to overall

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Senior Fellow (s) Placement Summary Mentoring Arrangement

within La Trobe University (LTU) and falls under the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) in the State Government of Victoria. Agribio is private/pPublic partnership that conducts research between DPI and LTU. The placement highlighted the importance of rapid and accurate detection and diagnostics to facilitate early detection and rapid response for pests and diseases.

mentoring, Dr Rodoni and colleagues can assist in establishing diagnostic services and developing primers that can be used in the identification of different diseases of economic importance.

Katemani Mdili, (Tanzania) Epitace Bizimungu (Burundi) and Armando Marcos Come (Mozambique)

This placement involved three fruit fly focused placements. First placement rotation with Dr Peter Leach, QDAF, Qld. This placement focused on training in various tests including viability testing, Fruit Fly culturing (including media preparation and egg extraction). Second Placement rotation with Dr Peter Crisp, South Australia Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Waite Campus, Adelaide. This research center is dedicated to combating fruit fly via the development of a male strain of Q Fruit Fly for the SIT program. The placement involved demonstration of post-harvest treatments (Cold and heat treatments). Third placement rotation with Prof Tony Clarke, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), one of the world's largest fruit fly research groups coordinating fruit fly management research around Australia.

This group has established three mentors, Dr Peter Leach, Dr Peter Crisp and Prof Tony Clarke. All are very experienced professionals and are willing to share their knowledge and skills with the Senior Fellow fruit fly team and Associate Fellows. The Senior Fellows are hoping that this group can assist in redefining their respective biosecurity problems and provide new perspectives and approaches to fruit fly management and control.

Haimanot Abebe Alage (Ethiopia)

Placement at SARDI with Dr Pauline Glocke, head of the quarantine/biosecurity division. Dr Glocke is responsible for conducting post- entry tests mainly on imported cereal seeds and for supervising all Quarantine Approved premises in the Centre and the university.

Haimanot has established a mentoring relationship with Dr Pauline Glocke who can assist and guide her in the enhancement of biosecurity procedures and practices for imported nursery stock, seeds and tissue culture material into Ethiopia.

James Mushayija (Rwanda)

Placement with Dr Laura Boykin at the University of Western Australia (UWA). This placement focused on diagnosis of whitefly pests, including training on sampling techniques and handling of samples, preparation protocols, DNA extraction from individual whitefly pests, gel preparations for PCR diagnostics and data analysis.

James has established a mentoring relationship with Dr Laura Boykin who has strong connections on the African continent and manages projects supported by the Bill Gates Foundation.

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Senior Fellow (s) Placement Summary Mentoring Arrangement

Johhny Masangwa (Malawi)

Placement with Dr Andrew Geering at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) This placement focused on DNA extraction; plant tissue and gel DNA purification and quantification; Plasmid transformation Preparation of miniprep RNA and DNA amplification.

Johnny has established a mentoring relationship with Dr Andrew Geering, a virologist working for QAAFI. Andrew’s diagnostic skills and experience in this area are highly relevant to the biosecurity problem of addressing the spread of seed-borne diseases.

Godfrey Chikwenhere (Zimbabwe) and Lucien Masabarakiza (Burundi)

Godfrey and Lucien were hosted by Dr Kirsty Bayliss at Murdoch University in Perth and worked with biosecurity specialists on several themes including: quarantine and market access strategies; management of fruit fly; and Lepidoptera pests. They also spent time in the post-harvest Biosecurity and Food Safety Laboratory learning about postharvest pests and some of the innovative new management options being developed at Murdoch University.

Godfrey and Lucien have established a mentoring relationship with Dr Kirsty Bayliss at Murdoch University as a primary contact point for the many areas of biosecurity expertise offered by Murdoch.

Mary Githinji (Kenya) Mary was hosted by Vikki Fisher, Rachel Hayes and Glynn Maynard at the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. This placement covered export inspection and certification, plant health policy, preparedness and emergency response and import operations.

To be advised. Mary spent time with different areas of the Department and several biosecurity specialists but no mentor has been identified by Mary at this time.

Above: Mable and Antonia attend a Panama TR4 Field Day in North Qld (photo courtesy of Mable Mudenda)

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Above: James in a laboratory in UWA in Perth (photo courtesy of UWA)

4. Soft skills training, Perth 22 November – 26 November 2015

The soft skills training was delivered by Toss Gascoigne and Jenni Metcalfe from the company Econnect, and Cathy Reade from The Crawford Fund. Earlier preparatory workshops held in Africa in October 2014 and August 2015 identified soft skills as a key area of training needed to complement the technical training program. The AAPBP recognises the importance of this to ensure that the Senior Fellows can promote and advocate the value of plant biosecurity to industry, government and other senior public officials to improve the profile and funding for plant biosecurity in Africa.

Above: Johnny Masangwa is interviewed by journalist Peter Kennedy during the Soft Skills Masterclass

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The key themes covered during the week were:

• Communication planning • Active listening • Networking and presenting • Understanding your audience • Introduction to report writing /policy briefing • Media interviews • Social media

Over the course of the week, the Senior Fellows participated in simulated interviews that were recorded with WA based journalists. This allowed them to apply their media training theory learnt in practice and to refine their key messages with the journalists. All Senior Fellows developed communication plans to support the adoption and implementation of their Action plans in Africa. For 2016, the Senior Fellows have identified further training in report writing, policy briefing and biosecurity advocacy as priorities for soft skills training.

5. Tools and Technologies Workshop, Perth 27 November 2015

A ‘Tools and Technologies’ workshop was held during week 5 in Perth. This workshop provided an opportunity to showcase the range of innovative plant biosecurity technologies currently under development at the Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre (PBCRC).

PBRC project leader Dr David Eagling opened the day with a presentation on non-chemical disinfestation treatments for grain. David particularly highlighted the importance of managing biosecurity problems at all stages in the supply chain. This interactive presentation was well received by the Senior Fellows and generated valuable discussion.

In the next session, PBCRC project leader Gary Kong introduced the Fellows to a range of diagnostic tools including the online Plant and Disease Image Library (PaDIL) and Pestpoint, a software program which facilitates the creation of virtual networks for remote pest identification. An ‘Africa Crop Pests’ network was created for use by the Fellows and Gary offered his support to any Fellows who may be interested in creating their own Pestpoint Networks within their home countries. Gary also provided a hands-on demonstration of remote microscopes, a cheap and effective tool for capturing and sharing images via Pestpoint. Fellows were given the opportunity to practise with both USB microscopes (best for use in labs and at border checkpoints) and wireless microscopes (best for field situations). The Fellows expressed significant interest in these technologies and requested further training be provided in 2016 in Africa. This enthusiasm strengthened the case for ongoing use of Pestpoint by the Africa network as a unifying tool to enable cross-country sharing of pest information.

Above: Doreen using a wireless microscope during the Tools and Technologies workshop

Finally, Dr Felipe Gonzalez, a Senior Lecturer from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and his colleague, Mr Viktor Etse, delivered highly informative and interesting presentations on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and imaging technology to provide early detection of new pest outbreaks. This is cutting-edge new technology and the group particularly noted the recent advances in the quality of imaging technology and UAVs. A key benefit discussed was the potential for the use of UAVs in surveillance of remote areas, which is of particular relevance in the African context.

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6. Field Trips, WA 30 November – 2 December 2015

During the final week of their Australian placements, Senior Fellows had the opportunity to undertake a series of short field trips to biosecurity-related organisations in the Perth area. The three days of field trips included visits to the following:

• Perth Airport post-entry quarantine facilities and quarantine diagnostic laboratories: Senior Fellows were given a tour of Airport quarantine facilities and able to observe the arrival and inspection procedures undertaken for imported cut flowers from Kenya. They also toured the nearby quarantine diagnostic laboratories.

• Cooperative Bulk Handler (CBH) Metro grain handling facilities: Senior Fellows were given a full tour of the CBH Metro facilities where they observed how grain is handled for quality assurance, including demonstrations of sampling and pest inspection techniques. They also toured the grain storage silos on-site.

Above: Senior Fellows tour grain storage silos at CBH Metro in Perth

• Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA). A full-day visit to DAFWA involved a tour of the plant pathology diagnostics lab, post entry quarantine management facilities, the entomology insect collection and a phosphine resistance lab. Fellows also had the opportunity to visit a fruit fly Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) facility where they observed each of the stages involved in rearing and sterilising Mediterranean fruit fly.

• Canning Vale wholesale produce market Senior Fellows were given an extensive tour of the Canning Vale wholesale and retail fruit and vegetable facility in Perth which sources both local and imported produce. Applicable quality standards and quarantine requirements were explained and discussed.

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• Lynch Group cut flower processing facilities and wildflower plantation in Muchea The Senior Fellows were given a tour of the Lynch Group’s cut flower processing facilities in High Wycombe where they observed the processes for preparing, packaging and shipping floral products and the emphasis assigned to quality control. Later that day, the group also toured a cut flower plantation facility in Muchea, where they were provided with insight into various native species and their uses in both fresh and dried flower arrangements.

Above: Senior Fellows visiting a fruit fly SIT facility at DAFWA

7. Senior Fellows input to planning for 2016 3 - 4 December 2015

The Senior Fellows and the Project team spent time on 3 and 4 December discussing their individual experiences, collective lessons learnt from the 2015 Australian placement program and the next steps for the African workshops in 2016. The key discussion points and decisions are outlined below.

Regional themes

• The Senior Fellows agreed on the need to develop a Regional Plan to raise awareness on Panama Disease (Fusarium oxysporum Tropical Race 4). Mable Mudenda and Mary Githinji volunteered to lead on this and develop a draft plan for circulation to the AAPBP Network for comments.

• The Project team, in consultation with the Steering Committee, agreed to look into establishing a regional pilot (diagnostic network) using PestPoint with remote digital microscopes. Johnny Masangwa, James Mushayija and Bellancile Uzayisenga agreed to assist in the design and development of this network.

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The African Plant Biosecurity Network

• Senior Fellows agreed that one of the key benefits of establishing the Network is that it enables member countries to contact each other individually (particularly on bilateral trade issues) as well as share general pest information and experiences with all member countries.

• The network provides the opportunity for countries to respond quickly and adopt technically justified measures, in advance of political intervention which can sometimes lead to outcomes that are not science based.

• Pestpoint, MyPestGuide and Facebook were all mentioned as tools, indicating that the network will have continuous interactions occurring behind the scenes enabling informal sharing of issues before they become big issues.

• Training and sharing of training opportunities was identified as a Network objective (depending on expertise, members could also act as trainers of other network members), which could be very useful given the limited resources available.

2016 program

• African Workshops will pursue key technical themes, as per Senior Fellows’ technical placements

• The use of actual case studies in the technical workshops was recognised as a very powerful and illustrative tool

• There was strong support to repeat the market access simulation exercise for the Associate Fellows

• Workshops should include the use of tools such as Pestpoint, PADiL and MyPestGuide • If possible, provision of remote microscopes was requested • Senior Fellows agreed to assist with facilitation, presenting and training • The role for Australia mentors was characterised as providing technical advice, training and

moral support with action plans • It was recognised it will be critical to include the private sector to help them to understand

plant biosecurity and incorporate measures into their commercial supply chain • Individual country action plans should continue to be developed and monitored by Senior

Fellows • Regional action plans (Panama and diagnostic network) are to be developed and monitored

by assigned teams.

Interviews

• PBCRC communications specialists Tony Steeper and Kylie Carpenter recorded video interviews with all Senior Fellows seeking their views on their experiences in Australia and how they can apply these biosecurity skills and technologies in their own countries.

8. AAPBP 2016 Workshop Schedule Proposal On Friday 4 December 2015 a planning workshop was held in Perth with the 15 Senior Fellows, as well as COMESA and AAPBP Steering Committee members. This workshop took account of the Senior Fellows’ technical training program in Australia, the development of regional biosecurity strategies for specific pests and the potential application of tools and technologies (such as Pestpoint) across the AAPBP countries. The workshop also considered the development of the Africa Plant Biosecurity Network and the importance of private sector involvement to embed good biosecurity practices in the commercial supply chain.

These discussions have informed the development of the 2016 Workshop schedule, including the recommendation that three workshops be held in Africa in 2016, with the initial workshop being of two-week’s duration and the following two being of one-week’s duration (rather than the original proposal of two two-week workshops). The proposed dates and locations are as follows:

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Africa Workshop 1

Dates: 23 May - 3 June 2016 (2 weeks)

Location: Arusha, Tanzania

Africa Workshop 2

Dates: 15-19 August 2016

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Africa Workshop 3

Dates: 7-11 November 2016

Location: Lusaka, Zambia

8.1 Key objectives for 2016 African workshops

• Training of Associate Fellows to transfer knowledge from Senior Fellows.• Development of Africa Plant Biosecurity network.• Implementation of biosecurity action plans in each country, with private sector

involvement.• Continuation of technical mentoring arrangements initiated in Australia.• Development of regional biosecurity plans (priorities agreed are for (i) panama disease and

(ii) a regional pilot diagnostic network).• Pilot the use of tools and technologies, Pestpoint, PADil, MyPestGuide.• Soft skills training, - report writing, biosecurity advocacy, policy briefing

8.2 Workshop Structural Outlines

Workshop 1 – Arusha, Tanzania Week 1: 23 - 27 May 2016

- Parallel sessions – Introductory biosecurity lectures (Associate Fellows)- Parallel training activities (to be confirmed) (Senior Fellows)*- Market Access simulation exercise (All Fellows)- Pestpoint demonstration for Associate Fellows + workshop on interaction with CABI

Plantwise.

Week 2: 30 May - 3 June 2016

- Technical themeso Fruit flies including presentation by ICIPE on its work in this area, presentation by

Australian expert, presentation and workshop of case studies from Senior Fellowswho did fruit fly placements in Australia, workshops with Associate Fellows on thebiosecurity action plans for fruit flies.

o Panama disease presentation on existing biosecurity work in Region (to beadvised), presentation by Australian expert, presentation and workshop of casestudies from Senior Fellows who undertook Panama disease placements inAustralia. Workshops with Associate Fellows on the biosecurity action plans forPanama disease.

- Tools and technologiesWorkshop and demonstration with all Fellows on Pestpoint and PADil.

- Africa Plant Biosecurity networkFocus on regional biosecurity action plans. In Perth the Senior Fellows discussed thepotential value of the network in maintaining safe trade, sharing diagnostic capability,providing early notification on pest detection and adopting a regional approach tomanaging pest threats from within the region or from overseas.

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Workshop 2 – Nairobi, Kenya15-19 August 2016

- Technical themeso Seed-borne diseases including presentation by African Seed Trade Association on

its work in this area, presentation by Australian expert, presentation and workshopof case studies from Senior Fellows who did seed-borne disease placement inAustralia, workshops with Associate Fellows on the biosecurity action plans forseed-borne diseases.This may be an ideal session to have private sector Associate Fellows, and/or arepresentative from a seed company talk about the inclusion of biosecuritymeasures in their contractual arrangements to prevent spread of seed-bornediseases.

o Post-entry quarantine/ import measures for imported planting materialpresentation on existing post biosecurity work in Region (to be advised) ,presentation by Australian expert, presentation and workshop of case studies fromSenior Fellows who did post-entry quarantine placements in Australia. Workshopswith Associate Fellows on the biosecurity action plans for post-entry quarantine.

- Field trip (to be advised)Africa Plant Biosecurity networkFocus on regional biosecurity action plans, report back on what has worked in eachcountry, update on pest eradication and containment experiences.

Workshop 3 – Lusaka, Zambia 7-11 November 2016

- Technical themeso Diagnostics – including presentation by specialists from BecA-ILRI hub on current

diagnostic projects, presentation by Australian expert(s), presentation andworkshop of case studies from Senior Fellows who did diagnostic placements inAustralia. Workshops with Associate on the biosecurity action plans for diagnostics.

o Surveillance – format as aboveo Biosecurity Planning – format as above.

- Monitoring and EvaluationRevisit the baseline questionnaire from the first Africa Network Workshop in Nairobi,analyse and discuss areas of improvement or impediments to improvement and how wecould seek to address these. This session will also look back at the original progressmarkers and outcome challenges which were developed at first Africa Network Workshopand then evaluate what progress has been made on each of these areas.

- AAPBP Case studies and success storiesSelect two or three examples for presentation to the group addressing the beneficialchange in pest and disease management/eradication or containment, improved marketaccess etc. that are attributable in whole or in part to the initiatives in the AAPBP.

- Africa Plant Biosecurity networkUpdate and confirmation of legacy hosting arrangements.

9. ConclusionThe 2015 Australian placement program represents an important step in the formation of a group of plant biosecurity specialists in sub-Saharan Africa that can work together on the enhancement of plant biosecurity in their countries and across the region. The time spent in Australia resulted in the creation of strong professional relationships which will assist trade in plant products between countries, the resolution of phytosanitary problems when they arise and the improvement of access to international markets.

AAPBP Report to ACIAR January 2016 19

The combination of introductory training, market access simulation, technical placements, soft skills and field visits all contributed to the development of news skills and professional linkages with Australian specialists.

The market access simulation exercise developed practical skills in the areas of pathway analysis, risk assessment, market access negotiation and the principle of equivalence in phytosanitary measures. These are core skills and capabilities for plant biosecurity officials. The field visits provided a valuable insight into traditional and contemporary diagnostic techniques and the management of a post-entry quarantine facility for plants and seed imports.

The three week technical placements of the Senior Fellows with Australian biosecurity institutions were a combination of specific pest issues (such as Panama disease and fruit flies) and more general placements that addressed the overall management of a plant biosecurity system. The Senior Fellows experienced the research, regulatory, administrative and operational elements of the Australian plant biosecurity system.

The soft skills training in the program developed skills in communication, media training, report writing and advocacy of plant biosecurity to the wider community and politicians. These themes are essential to complement the technical training so that the profile of plant biosecurity is raised in Africa and the direct relationship with food security is brought to the attention of political leaders.

The outcomes achieved from the Australian program to date share some interesting parallels with the objectives of Australia’s strategy for aid investments in agriculture, fisheries and water (Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, February 2015). These include the pillars of 1. Strengthening markets; 2. Innovating for productivity and sustainable resource use; and 3. Promoting effective policy, governance and reform.

The 2016 program will seek to expand the network to a larger group of public and private sector Associate Fellows. PBCRC, supported by the consortium, looks forward to a successful program of training in Africa in 2016.

Appendix 1: AAPBP Senior Fellows Australian Placements Program

Activity Location Details

WEEK 1 - Introduction and overview of the Australian biosecurity system

Mon 26 Oct

Biosecurity training AgriBio, La Trobe University Melbourne, VIC

This week of training involved a combination of lectures, simulation exercises and field visits. Monday topic: Welcome and Introduction to Biosecurity

Welcome Dinner Melbourne Attendees included AAPBP Steering Committee members and PBCRC Board members

Tues 27 Oct

Biosecurity training AgriBio, La Trobe University Melbourne, VIC

Topic: Monitoring, Inspection & Surveillance Afternoon visit to Knoxfield Quarantine facilities

Wed 28 Oct

Biosecurity training AgriBio, La Trobe University Melbourne, VIC

Topic: Diagnostics Afternoon visit to molecular diagnostics facilities at Agribio

Thurs 29 Oct

Biosecurity training AgriBio, La Trobe University Melbourne, VIC

Topic: Control and Eradication Strategies Afternoon presentations on eradication strategies and weed control

Fri 30 Oct

Biosecurity training AgriBio, La Trobe University Melbourne, VIC

Topic: Developing and Fostering partnerships

WEEKS 2 – 4 - Placements

Mon 2 Nov – Fri 20 Nov

Placements with Australian host organisations

Various (Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra)

Each Senior Fellow was matched with an appropriate Australian host organisation for a three week placement. Hosts provided Fellows with training and information relevant to their identified interests and priorities.

WEEK 5 - Soft Skills training

Mon 23 Nov – Thurs 26 Nov

Soft Skills Masterclass Murdoch University, Perth, WA

The soft skills masterclass was facilitated by The Crawford Fund and Econnect and provided a continuation of the soft skill training that was presented at the First Africa

Activity Location Details

network meeting in Nairobi. The topics covered included developing a communication strategy, networking and presenting, writing/advocacy and media training.

Fri 27 Nov

Tools and technologies workshop

Murdoch University, Perth, WA

This day focused on showcasing some of the contemporary pest identification tools developed at the Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre, including grain technologies, PADiL, Pestpoint and unmanned aerial surveillance vehicles.

WEEK 6 - Field Trip / Workshops

Mon 30 Nov – Wed 2 Dec

Field trips Perth, WA The three days of field trip included visits to the following: • Perth Airport post-entry quarantine facilities and quarantine diagnostic

laboratories• Cooperative Bulk Handler (CBH) Metro grain handling facilities• Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food (plant pathology

diagnostics lab; post entry quarantine (PEQ); entomology insect collection;phosphine resistance lab; fruit fly Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) facility)

• Canning Vale wholesale produce market• Lynch Group cut flower processing facilities and plantation

Thurs 3 Dec

Sharing workshop Murdoch University, Perth, WA

This one-day workshop allowed all Senior Fellows to share their experiences and learnings from their fellowships in Australia

Fri 4 Dec

Planning workshop Murdoch University, Perth, WA

This final workshop provided an opportunity for all Senior Fellows to be involved in the planning for the 2016 training program in Africa.

Farewell Dinner Harbour Master Restaurant, Fremantle

Invitees include AAPBP Steering Committee representatives, DAFWA and Murdoch University representatives and other distinguished guests

Appendix 2: AAPBP Communications Links

• AAPBP website: http://www.pbcrc.com.au/research/east-africa• Senior Fellows’ profiles: http://www.pbcrc.com.au/research/east-africa/fellows• Senior Fellows’ video interviews:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8MrqTwqvcO6ZxaPmpmhAQXkXhBxPMoUh• AAPBP blog: http://www.pbcrc.com.au/research/east-africa/news• Twitter timeline: https://storify.com/PBCRC/australia-africa-plant-biosecurity-

partnership• The Windsor Report:

http://www.pbcrc.com.au/sites/default/files/managedfiles/The%20Windsor%20Report(2).pdf