CABI tackles invasive species in Africa

The spread of invasive species is now recognised as one of the greatest threats to the wellbeing of the continent and the delivery of Sustainable Development Goals. Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Patrick Ralotsia said this Wednesday at Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI)’s African Regional Consultation and Invasive Policy summit held under the theme; ‘Working in Partnership for a sustainable future. The summit ends tomorrow (Thursday) at Cresta Lodge. Different African members of CABI met to discuss issues related to improving Agriculture in Africa. Ralotsia said the issue of invasive species is creating complex and far-reaching challenges that threaten both natural biological riches of the earth and the wellbeing of the people. “Direct and indirect health effects are seriously increasing and the damage to native biodiversity is often irreversible,” he said. The effects may also be exacerbated by climate change. “It is expected that CABI will do the good work of assisting member states to formulate policies and research initiatives that are meant to minimise losses to Agricultural production thereby realising and attaining food security,” said Ralotsia. He said by 2050, Agriculture will need to produce almost 50 percent more food, feed and biofuel than it did in 2012 just to meet demand. Head of Division, Agriculture and Food Security Division at African Union Commission (AUC), Dr Simplice Nouala Fonkou, also said that the rapid growth of African population will suddenly lead to food demand in the future therefore a lot has to be done. “Africa is facing a rapidly growing population. It is projected that Africa’s present population of about 1.3 billion will increase to about 2.5 billion by 2050. This development will in turn lead to a rapid escalation of food demand,” said Dr Fonkou. He said that Africa would then have to increase its food production by 70 percent by 2050 to be able to feed its population. “Because invasive species are transboundary in nature, there is need to strengthen partnership and regional coordination and collaboration in order for the effective management and control of invasive species,” said Dr Fonkou.