Harmonizing the phytosanitary legislative framework in Central Africa
This project aims to strengthen and harmonize the phytosanitary legislative and regulatory framework in CEMAC Member States to facilitate trade of agricultural products. In addition, the project will enhance cooperation among CEMAC States in the phytosanitary field by establishing a coordination and cooperation mechanism between the public and private sectors and building NPPOs capacity to take charge of phytosanitary matters.
Agriculture is one of the main sectors in the economy of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) region. It contributes to more than 30% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employs more than 70% of the working force and accounts for 44% of exports in the region. CEMAC member states also export a wide variety of agricultural products to other international markets, including cocoa, coffee, cottonseed, bananas, rubber, sugar, tobacco and gum arabic.
Many plant health problems such as pests and plant diseases exist in this region. The intensity and frequency of these occurrences vary between states and crop groups. The combined effects of various pests, diseases and weeds constitute a limiting factor in the development of agriculture and the quality and safety of agricultural products in the CEMAC region.
To maintain and secure the place of agriculture in the CEMAC economy, the phytosanitary legal framework needs to be aligned with international standards.
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