CABI has pledged renewed support to Mauritius to boost agricultural resilience and improve food security. CABI’s Plan to Boost Food Security and Agriculture focuses on assisting smallholder farmers across the island. CABI scientists from Nairobi met with Mauritian government officials, private sector stakeholders, academics, NGOs, and farmer representatives. They discussed opportunities for collaboration in sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Monica Kansiime and her team presented several ways CABI could assist Mauritius in accessing vital tools. These tools include the BioProtection Portal, Pest Risk Analysis Tool, and CABI’s knowledge products. The team focused on plant health, capacity building, and pest control. During the visit, workshops and field visits were arranged. These visits allowed for understanding local challenges such as invasive species and crop pests.
Dr. Preeaduth Sookar, Assistant Director of Agricultural Services, emphasized the importance of CABI’s expertise. He highlighted areas such as pest preparedness, pesticide risk reduction, and sustainable pest management. Stakeholders also identified key priorities for future agricultural initiatives. These include youth engagement through digital agriculture and other modern tools. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on sustainable production. Stakeholders also called for incentives to increase biofertilizer and biopesticide adoption.
CABI’s Plan to Boost Food Security and Agriculture is critical to helping Mauritius strengthen its agricultural sector. They will also help enhance food security across the nation. Mauritian agriculture can greatly benefit from CABI’s support, especially in pest management and capacity building. With greater engagement from youth and the private sector, the agricultural landscape in Mauritius will continue to grow sustainably.
