Intervention Package 5

Transboundary pests and diseases (TPD) pose a major threat to global and ASEAN food security, especially with climate change and other factors at play. Examples include fall armyworm, rice planthoppers, Fusarium Tropical Race 4, cassava witches' broom disease, African swine fever, avian influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and Japanese encephalitis. TPDs not only impact agriculture but can also have significant public health consequences. Additionally, crop pests and diseases contribute up to 40% of losses for major food crops globally, leading to economic losses of over USD 220 billion annually. The movement of people, seeds, and animals, along with trade and climate change, are increasing the risks of pest and disease outbreaks. To address these challenges, integrated preventive measures, early warning systems, long-term solutions, and knowledge of integrated pest management principles are crucial. Furthermore, there is a need to consider the specific needs, constraints, and incentives of women in technology design and scaling approaches to ensure inclusivity and resilience.

The emergence and spread of plant and animal diseases, food safety concerns, and antimicrobial resistance are transboundary issues that require coordinated regional surveillance and management strategies. Climate change further highlights the need for a regional approach to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of food supply chains. Risk-based approaches and solutions are being piloted, with potential for adaptation and trial in other AMS.

Across regional to global scales, millions of agri-food value-chain actors will benefit from boosted agrifood productivity, trade, and livelihoods (≥50% women and ≥8% from ethnic minority groups) arising from effectively controlling transboundary pests and diseases (TPD). IP5 aims to improve prevention, control, and management of plant and animal TPD and food safety across AMS, using regional food systems and One Health approach.

1. Regional exchange of information, knowledge and technology improved among ASEAN countries

2. Increased synergy in strategies to effectively prevent, respond and manage transboundary pests/ diseases

3. Risk assessment mapping and communication capacity strengthened and used more widely

4. One Health, collaboration between plant/animal and human health sector strengthened

5. Increased private sector engagement in developing eco-friendly technologies for pest and disease control 

6. Scalable solutions developed to improve early detection and reduce pest and disease risks

7. More harmonized quarantine and phytosanitary regulations with focus on technical components, policies and trade of eco-friendly pesticides/technologies

• Analysis on status of monitoring, early warning, and control strategies of major animal and plant pests and animal diseases in the SEA region in collaboration with National partners and organizations (e.g. Plant Protection Organizations, NPPOs, Department of Livestock Services) and relevant regional organizations and private sector

• Developing ASEAN roadmap in coordination with relevant national and regional stakeholders for harmonization of quarantine and phytosanitary regulations in the region with focus on technical components. 

• Build evidence based on the effective use of Biocontrol Agents (BCAs) and a roadmap to harmonize policy and trade of proven, safe, BCAs

• ASEAN-CGIAR collaboration to develop, strengthen capacity and promote innovative diagnostic, surveillance and eco-friendly management strategies (including risk analysis and One Health) of primary animal and plant P&D in the region.

• Develop an enabling environment for the private sector to invest in developing value chains of eco-friendly animal and plant  P&D management technologies

• Develop and test solutions targeting specific value chains and commodities

The IP will be benefiting value chain actors, SMEs, and authorities involved in controlling transboundary plant and animal P&D. Innovations will be co-designed with AMS partners, and a scaling-readiness strategy will ensure equitable and inclusive diffusion of solutions.