This STDF project set out to strengthen the fruit industry in South Africa and Mozambique by establishing and maintaining pest-free areas and areas of low pest prevalence for fruit flies. By reducing the incidence of these pests, the project sought to protect production, safeguard market access and boost trade opportunities. The initiative was expected to benefit farmers, exporters and other value chain actors by increasing access to regional and international markets, generating employment and raising incomes.
Fruit flies* are among the most destructive horticultural pests, affecting a wide range of fresh fruits and fruit products. With increasing trade and global movement of people, these pests can easily cross borders and threaten local crops. Many importing countries require that fruit products be free from pests in line with regional and international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures.
Southern Africa’s growing fresh fruit industry depends on meeting these SPS requirements to compete in global markets. In Mozambique and South Africa, the STDF worked with stakeholders to develop a sustainable framework for pest-free areas and areas of low pest prevalence, aligned with international standards set by the International Plant Protection Convention.
Alongside effective fruit fly management systems, this approach is expected to protect and grow the fruit industry, improve market access in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the European Union, and create more jobs and income in both the public and private sectors.
The project also aims to generate lessons and case studies of regional value for neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Malawi and Eswatini, where horticulture is a key contributor to the economy.
Learn more:
*Target pests for this project were the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis), Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) and melon fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae).
Through/thanks to close public private partnership, the project successfully established the technical and institutional foundations needed to create and maintain pest-free areas (PFAs) and areas of low pest prevalence (ALPPs) for priority fruit fly species in South Africa and Mozambique, in line with IPPC standards. Key achievements include:
1. Established PFAs in South Africa and Mozambique
The whole of South Africa was established as a PFA for Melon flies while one PFA was recognized in South Mozambique. PFAs for Oriental fruit flies identified in the Western Cape and parts of the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Free State. Surveillance and monitoring systems were set up to confirm pest-free status in targeted zones, with regular trapping and inspections verifying the absence of the pest.
2. Scientifically-based evidence for specified low fruit fly prevalence levels
In Mozambique, 32 ALPPs were established for Melon flies and four ALPPs for Oriental fruit flies. In South Africa, two ALPPs for Mediterranean fruit flies where area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) was applied, and seven ALPPs for Oriental fruit flies. These provided scientifically verified, low pest levels that support systems approaches to facilitate trade when full pest freedom is not possible.
3. Operational database platform for determining fruit fly status
A dedicated database was developed to capture all trap locations, pest identification data, and catch numbers in real time. The platform enables National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) to monitor fruit fly status, generate pest reports, and share information with trading partners. This system enhances cross-border coordination between Mozambique and South Africa.
4. Identification protocol and diagnostic services
Identification protocols and tools for rapid, accurate recognition of target fruit fly pests and related species were developed and validated. In addition to this, online training modules made freely available, plus in-person fruit fly identification courses, building long-term capacity for pest surveillance and management.
5. Financial model for sustaining PFAs and ALPPs
A financial model was developed to demonstrate the advantages of establishing and maintaining PFAs and ALPPs, helping governments and industry make informed investment decisions that protect and expand export markets.
To build on the results of this project and ensure long-term impact, the following recommendations are proposed:
- Adopt a more integrated approach in future projects by expanding the geographic reach and engaging a broader range of actors across the fruit industry, including small-scale farmers and households. Future initiatives could also consider monitoring other pests beyond fruit flies. This would help sustain results and support continued market access. A multi-donor collaboration, coordinated through SADC, could help drive this.
- Ensure a robust sustainability plan is in place to support continued monitoring and control activities beyond the project’s completion. This includes working with key beneficiaries, such as the Government of Mozambique, to explore options for ongoing funding and equipment purchases after the STDF extension period.
- Strengthen political commitment to the timely submission of official notifications for pest-free areas (PFAs) and areas of low pest prevalence (ALPPs). One option could be to set clear internal timelines for submitting notifications once the necessary scientific evidence is available.
- Promote continued use of project tools by raising awareness of the online monitoring database and identification protocol among relevant stakeholders.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and uptake of best practices by developing practical guidance based on the project’s experience in establishing PFAs and ALPPs. This could contribute to the wider body of international guidance and support similar efforts in other regions.
- Broaden the sterile insect technique programme supported by the IAEA by incorporating wider baiting and monitoring systems, including predictive modelling based on climate. This type of expansion would require strong government support, especially in terms of mobilizing national laboratories and technical infrastructure.