On April 2nd to 8th, at the invitation of the Plant Production and Protection Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), a delegation of five representatives led by Prof. Liu Wende, Deputy Director General of IPPCAAS, visited Kenya to promote the implementation of the China-FAO South-South Cooperation Project on the Sustainable Fall Armyworm Management. During the visit, they discussed and formulated implementation plans with Dr. Xia Jingyuan, Special Advisor to the Director General of FAO, Jean Claude, program officer of FAO, Stanley Kimereh, the coordinator of the Kenyan chapter of the project, Copperfield Banini, the coordinator of the Ghanaian chapter of the project, among others. Leaders of FAO-Kenya Center, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), and other relevant institutions participated in discussions and exchanges.

The IPPCAAS delegation was warmly welcomed by various local departments in Kenya. During the discussions, Prof. Liu Wende introduced the overview of IPPCAAS, and Dr. Zhang Tiantao introduced the current situation and experience of monitoring and controlling fall armyworm in China. Dr. Xia Jingyuan emphasized that China has accumulated abundant experience in the control of fall armyworm and has become a successful model for the world. He hoped to promote these advanced control technologies and products to African countries through the South-South cooperation project. Focused on the occurrence and management of fall armyworm, maize lethal necrosis disease, maize mycotoxins, and other pests and diseases, the delegation gained a deep understanding of Kenya's agricultural production situation through exchanges and discussions with local peers. The delegation also visited demonstration fields in Kenya, exchanged views with local technicians and farmers on the occurrence and control measures of fall armyworm and other pests and diseases, so as to provide guidance.

In addition, under the coordination mechanism of the Secretariat of FAO Global Action for Fall Armyworm Control, project coordination groups were established for Kenya and Ghana. Prof. Yang Daibin and Associate Prof. Zhang Tiantao were appointed as chief scientists to lead the implementation of projects in Ghana and Kenya, respectively.

Through this visit, the IPPCAAS scientists participated in the formulation of the 2024-2025 two-year target plan and the 2024 specific work plan, substantially promoting the implementation of the China-FAO South-South Cooperation project on the Sustainable Fall Armyworm Management. By engaging in extensive exchanges with various implementing institutions of the South-South initiatives, China and African countries have enhanced technological cooperation in plant protection, which holds significant importance in promoting green agricultural development, ensuring food security, and maintaining regional stability for both sides.