Maize Lethal Necrosis DiseaseFAO supported interventions in the region

Aisja Frenken – Regional DRR Expert21 August, 2013

Technical:• Invest in promotion of Good Agricultural

Practices (CA, timely planting, soil health, etc.)• Expand markets for alternative crops• Breeding for resistant/tolerant seed• Diversification of food habits

FAO’s way forward – in the bigger perspective

Programmatic:• Platforms for linking regional-country

responses and regulations• Bringing together various stakeholders,

including private sector• Effective and efficient surveillance systems

FAO’s way forward – in the bigger perspective

• Small project with internal FAO funding (TCP)• Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan• Outcome: – Reduced speed of spread of MLND resulting in

better food security in maize dependent communities and supported strategies for future mitigation

Current FAO response in the region

• An effective institutional coordination framework established amongst key stakeholders undertaking MLND interventions in the targeted countries at national and regional level.

• Stocktaking of the current MLND spread done and capacity for monitoring MLND occurrence in targeted countries enhanced.

• Knowledge and skills on appropriate crop production practices to mitigate MLND enhanced.

Outputs of TCP

Project components Expected outcomes Expected concrete outputs

1. Planning and Coordination

Institutional capacity improved to prevent, mitigate and respond to MLND thus creating pathways for sustainable exit from risk related to MLND.

National taskforces and regional platforms instituted

Institutional/policy factors at national and regional level reviewed and amended, where necessary

2. Research, Knowledge Management and Learning

Informed action on control and mitigation of MLND established.

MLND knowledge and information sharing products updated and made available

Potential tolerant/resistant varieties tested by farmers

Regional database on MLND established and website updated with relevant information

3. Capacity Development and Productivity Enhancement

Capacity of targeted farming communities to control and mitigate the impacts of MLND enhanced.

Key stakeholders and farmers trained in MLND control/management and GAP

Farmers sensitized to realize the benefits from the suggested control measures and agronomical practices

Farmers linked to local markets/value chain opportunities

Follow up on TCP

http://www.disasterriskreduction.net/east-central-africa/fsnwg/subgroups/maize-lethal-necrosis-disease-mlnd/en/

Contributions for the forum to be send to:aisja.frenken@fao.org

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