The PPG addresses well-documented and economically significant phytosanitary constraints affecting the safe trade of vegetatively propagated crops (VPCs), particularly cassava, banana and potato, across East Africa. It builds on the recently established RTB-East Africa Germplasm Exchange Laboratory (RTB-EAGEL), a regional facility co-developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the International Potato Center (CIP) and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to strengthen phytosanitary capacity and facilitate the safe movement of planting material. The PPG's purpose is to conduct a thorough assessment of the major constraints to the commercial production of phytosanitary-safe planting materials for cassava, banana and potato across the four target countries. Building on this assessment, it will evaluate the future role of RTB-EAGEL, including its pathway towards ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for plant pathology diagnostics, identify priority seed multipliers and high-demand varieties, engage stakeholders through a regional validation workshop, and support the development of a full project proposal for submission to STDF or other interested donors. The PPG is expected to generate the evidence base and stakeholder alignment needed to design a high-quality project proposal.
Cassava, banana and potato are among the most important food security and commercial crops in East Africa. Because they are propagated in the region through cuttings, suckers and tubers rather than botanical seed, pests and diseases can easily spread through planting material, while widespread informal cross-border seed exchange further increases phytosanitary risks. Demand for improved planting material continues to grow, and these crops are expected to generate significant economic value across Sub-Saharan Africa over the coming decades. For example, IFPRI projects that new plantain production could be valued at US$33 billion and cassava at US$21 billion. However, the supply of phytosanitary-safe planting material is failing to keep pace with demand. Certified seed potato supply currently meets only around 4% of regional demand, while weak diagnostic capacity and the continued spread of pests and diseases constrain productivity, trade and market access. Strengthening SPS systems will therefore help improve the safe movement of planting material while supporting food security, rural livelihoods and regional trade.
