1) The document summarizes the first year of a USAID project aimed at controlling the spread and impact of maize lethal necrosis (MLN) in sub-Saharan Africa.
2) Key achievements included developing standardized MLN surveillance protocols, training surveillance teams, and conducting surveys that found no presence of the virus in southern Africa.
3) Challenges included delays in surveillance due to crop seasons, low buy-in from some countries' plant protection organizations, and a need for more financial support to continue surveillance regularly.
FMD-PCP workshop IZSLT - Update on the Implementation of the Global FMD Contr...EuFMD
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On Behalf of GF-TADs FMD Working Group
Development of a Progressive Management Pathway to assist National and Intern...EuFMD
Step-wise approaches are increasingly used for the reduction, elimination and eradication of a range of major livestock and zoonotic diseases including:, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)
Rabies, African Animal Trypanosomosis (AAT)
PCPs provide systemic frameworks for planning and evaluating field interventions and enable realistic disease control objectives to be defined and achieved.
van Schagen - Walking the impact pathway: The CIALCA Experience in Mobilizing...CIALCA
Presentation delivered at the CIALCA international conference 'Challenges and Opportunities to the agricultural intensification of the humid highland systems of sub-Saharan Africa'. Kigali, Rwanda, October 24-27 2011.
Pre-emptive control measures against MLN spread into West & Central AfricaCIMMYT
Pre-emptive control measures against MLN spread into West & Central Africa, presented at the International Conference on “MLN Diagnostics and Management in Africa,” organized by AGRA (Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa) and CIMMYT, 12-14 May, 2015
The role of the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA)Francois Stepman
The role of the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA)
Amare Ayelew , Program Manager, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Roundtable of aflatoxin experts on
“Building a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of food and feed”
Brussels, Monday 25th January 2016
Boosting Uganda’s Investments in Livestock Development (2019-2023): Introduci...ILRI
Presented by Dan Tumusiime (MAAIF), Bernard Bett (ILRI), Emily Ouma (ILRI), Samuel Oyola (ILRI), Rosemary Sang (KEMRI), Cornelia Silaghi (FLI), Martin Groschup (FLI), Martin Barasa (VSF-G), Ard Nijhof (FUB) and Cristian Raileanu (FLI) at the #BuildUganda Stakeholder Meeting, Kampala, Uganda, 7 June 2019
Rusike - Supply and demand drivers of grain legumes in highlands of central a...CIALCA
Presentation delivered at the CIALCA international conference 'Challenges and Opportunities to the agricultural intensification of the humid highland systems of sub-Saharan Africa'. Kigali, Rwanda, October 24-27 2011.
Modeling framework to inform control of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in E...ILRI
Poster prepared by Pacem Kotchofa, Barbara Wieland, Michel Dione, Edward Okoth, Bryony Jones, Zoe Campbell, Erick Rutto, Karl Rich, Guy Ilboudo, Nicoline de Haan, Andrea Apolloni, Raphael Duboz for the Virtual Livestock CRP Planning Meeting, 8-17 June 2020. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: ICARDA.
Jim Hansen, CCAFS Flagship 2 Leader, IRI
Presentation during an event on strengthening regional capacity for climate services in Africa, Victoria Falls,27 October 2015
An Overview on Regional Agricultural Biotechnology Network of Near East and...RABNENA Network
An Overview on Regional Agricultural Biotechnology Network of Near East and North Africa (RABNENA), Magdi Latif, FAO Knowledge and Capacity for Development Division
FMD-PCP workshop IZSLT - Update on the Implementation of the Global FMD Contr...EuFMD
Update on the Implementation of the Global FMD Control Strategy & 2nd Edition of the PCP Principles - Samia Metwally
On Behalf of GF-TADs FMD Working Group
Development of a Progressive Management Pathway to assist National and Intern...EuFMD
Step-wise approaches are increasingly used for the reduction, elimination and eradication of a range of major livestock and zoonotic diseases including:, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)
Rabies, African Animal Trypanosomosis (AAT)
PCPs provide systemic frameworks for planning and evaluating field interventions and enable realistic disease control objectives to be defined and achieved.
van Schagen - Walking the impact pathway: The CIALCA Experience in Mobilizing...CIALCA
Presentation delivered at the CIALCA international conference 'Challenges and Opportunities to the agricultural intensification of the humid highland systems of sub-Saharan Africa'. Kigali, Rwanda, October 24-27 2011.
Pre-emptive control measures against MLN spread into West & Central AfricaCIMMYT
Pre-emptive control measures against MLN spread into West & Central Africa, presented at the International Conference on “MLN Diagnostics and Management in Africa,” organized by AGRA (Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa) and CIMMYT, 12-14 May, 2015
The role of the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA)Francois Stepman
The role of the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA)
Amare Ayelew , Program Manager, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Roundtable of aflatoxin experts on
“Building a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of food and feed”
Brussels, Monday 25th January 2016
Boosting Uganda’s Investments in Livestock Development (2019-2023): Introduci...ILRI
Presented by Dan Tumusiime (MAAIF), Bernard Bett (ILRI), Emily Ouma (ILRI), Samuel Oyola (ILRI), Rosemary Sang (KEMRI), Cornelia Silaghi (FLI), Martin Groschup (FLI), Martin Barasa (VSF-G), Ard Nijhof (FUB) and Cristian Raileanu (FLI) at the #BuildUganda Stakeholder Meeting, Kampala, Uganda, 7 June 2019
Rusike - Supply and demand drivers of grain legumes in highlands of central a...CIALCA
Presentation delivered at the CIALCA international conference 'Challenges and Opportunities to the agricultural intensification of the humid highland systems of sub-Saharan Africa'. Kigali, Rwanda, October 24-27 2011.
Modeling framework to inform control of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in E...ILRI
Poster prepared by Pacem Kotchofa, Barbara Wieland, Michel Dione, Edward Okoth, Bryony Jones, Zoe Campbell, Erick Rutto, Karl Rich, Guy Ilboudo, Nicoline de Haan, Andrea Apolloni, Raphael Duboz for the Virtual Livestock CRP Planning Meeting, 8-17 June 2020. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: ICARDA.
Jim Hansen, CCAFS Flagship 2 Leader, IRI
Presentation during an event on strengthening regional capacity for climate services in Africa, Victoria Falls,27 October 2015
An Overview on Regional Agricultural Biotechnology Network of Near East and...RABNENA Network
An Overview on Regional Agricultural Biotechnology Network of Near East and North Africa (RABNENA), Magdi Latif, FAO Knowledge and Capacity for Development Division
• In teen it is very essential that they should learn to have self-control, it is the time they would love to do things that they like most though at times may be bad . A true teen is the one who will be successful if he/she is able to have self control and learns to judge between good and bad. It is natural that as a teen tent to tempted in many circumstances, in those situations and moments just think of the parents certainly they will understand better choice of life that they need to fulfill which are often forbidden
Nhận diện những nguy cơ đe dọa an ninh mạng từ những vụ tấn công lịch sử vào hệ thống mạng tại Việt Nam và những con số thống kê báo động đỏ.
Thông tin liên hệ tư vấn hệ thống an ninh mạng:
Công ty Cổ phần Tin học Lạc Việt
Hotline: (+84.8) 38.444.929
Email: info@lacviet.com.vn
Website: http://www.lacviet.vn/
It is very important aspect of teaching profession, understanding every child and their problems that they face with. In those moments how do they find you. Are you a teacher who understands importance of every child ,their problem and guide them This is one of the best qualities of a teacher to be a person of understanding. This quality surly will help a teacher to be very effective. Understanding every child with their limitation and making them to discover their best at the early age is a great quality of a inspirational teacher
Presented by Irmgard Hoeschle-Zeledon, IITA, at the PCT/SAG (Program Coordination Team/Science Advisory Group) Meeting, Arusha, Tanzania, 22-23 June 2017
Presentation conducted at 2016 Biodiversity Information Management and Foundational Biodiversity Information Programme Forum. Detailing the Biodiversity Information Management at SANBI, GBIF and Biodiversity for Development components
10 March 2022. The 3rd Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Biennial Review (BR) Report was endorsed by the assembly of African Heads of State and Government during 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government in February 2022. In the 3rd BR cycle, 51 countries (out of 55) reported performance across 46 indicators.
CCAFS East Africa CANA Training PresentationCANAAFRICA
This a presentation by CCAFS East Africa during the CANA partners training.
The presentation highlights the different areas the program works in across East Africa.
INTRODUCTION, BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES OF THE MEETINGFAO
http://www.countrystat.org/ Present the innovations of the CountrySTAT system using the FENIX platform. Future technological developments: the concept of the Open Data Network for sharing agriculture and food security information
FAO‐ECTAD network and control strategy for ASFILRI
Presented by Bouna Diop and Sam Okuthe at the Closing workshop of the BecA‐ILRI‐CSIRO‐AusAID project on Understanding ASF epidemiology as a basis for control, Nairobi, Kenya, 2‐3 October 2013
ICRISAT Governing Board 2019 PC meeting: Drylands in transition - Update on t...ICRISAT
A brief update on the progress towards self-funded socio-economics programs and programming of Urban dietary behaviour change and nutrition-sensitive value chains, establishment of comprehensive country donor lists (Kenya, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, India); Ongoing conversation with BMGF, EU, IFAD – for details see list of pipeline projects managed by SMC.
Similar to Summary report: USAID MLN diagnostics and management project (20)
Transforming Maize-legume Value Chains –A Business Case for Climate-Smart Ag...CIMMYT
CIMMYT Senior Cropping Systems Agronomist Christian Thierfelder presented on climate-smart agriculture in southern Africa in a webinar titled Climate Resilient Agriculture Success Stories – Making a Case for Scale Up.
Slide 1: Title Slide
Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Slide 2: Introduction to Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Definition: Extrachromosomal inheritance refers to the transmission of genetic material that is not found within the nucleus.
Key Components: Involves genes located in mitochondria, chloroplasts, and plasmids.
Slide 3: Mitochondrial Inheritance
Mitochondria: Organelles responsible for energy production.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): Circular DNA molecule found in mitochondria.
Inheritance Pattern: Maternally inherited, meaning it is passed from mothers to all their offspring.
Diseases: Examples include Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and mitochondrial myopathy.
Slide 4: Chloroplast Inheritance
Chloroplasts: Organelles responsible for photosynthesis in plants.
Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA): Circular DNA molecule found in chloroplasts.
Inheritance Pattern: Often maternally inherited in most plants, but can vary in some species.
Examples: Variegation in plants, where leaf color patterns are determined by chloroplast DNA.
Slide 5: Plasmid Inheritance
Plasmids: Small, circular DNA molecules found in bacteria and some eukaryotes.
Features: Can carry antibiotic resistance genes and can be transferred between cells through processes like conjugation.
Significance: Important in biotechnology for gene cloning and genetic engineering.
Slide 6: Mechanisms of Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Non-Mendelian Patterns: Do not follow Mendel’s laws of inheritance.
Cytoplasmic Segregation: During cell division, organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts are randomly distributed to daughter cells.
Heteroplasmy: Presence of more than one type of organellar genome within a cell, leading to variation in expression.
Slide 7: Examples of Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Four O’clock Plant (Mirabilis jalapa): Shows variegated leaves due to different cpDNA in leaf cells.
Petite Mutants in Yeast: Result from mutations in mitochondrial DNA affecting respiration.
Slide 8: Importance of Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Evolution: Provides insight into the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
Medicine: Understanding mitochondrial inheritance helps in diagnosing and treating mitochondrial diseases.
Agriculture: Chloroplast inheritance can be used in plant breeding and genetic modification.
Slide 9: Recent Research and Advances
Gene Editing: Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 are being used to edit mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA.
Therapies: Development of mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) for preventing mitochondrial diseases.
Slide 10: Conclusion
Summary: Extrachromosomal inheritance involves the transmission of genetic material outside the nucleus and plays a crucial role in genetics, medicine, and biotechnology.
Future Directions: Continued research and technological advancements hold promise for new treatments and applications.
Slide 11: Questions and Discussion
Invite Audience: Open the floor for any questions or further discussion on the topic.
A brief information about the SCOP protein database used in bioinformatics.
The Structural Classification of Proteins (SCOP) database is a comprehensive and authoritative resource for the structural and evolutionary relationships of proteins. It provides a detailed and curated classification of protein structures, grouping them into families, superfamilies, and folds based on their structural and sequence similarities.
Introduction:
RNA interference (RNAi) or Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing (PTGS) is an important biological process for modulating eukaryotic gene expression.
It is highly conserved process of posttranscriptional gene silencing by which double stranded RNA (dsRNA) causes sequence-specific degradation of mRNA sequences.
dsRNA-induced gene silencing (RNAi) is reported in a wide range of eukaryotes ranging from worms, insects, mammals and plants.
This process mediates resistance to both endogenous parasitic and exogenous pathogenic nucleic acids, and regulates the expression of protein-coding genes.
What are small ncRNAs?
micro RNA (miRNA)
short interfering RNA (siRNA)
Properties of small non-coding RNA:
Involved in silencing mRNA transcripts.
Called “small” because they are usually only about 21-24 nucleotides long.
Synthesized by first cutting up longer precursor sequences (like the 61nt one that Lee discovered).
Silence an mRNA by base pairing with some sequence on the mRNA.
Discovery of siRNA?
The first small RNA:
In 1993 Rosalind Lee (Victor Ambros lab) was studying a non- coding gene in C. elegans, lin-4, that was involved in silencing of another gene, lin-14, at the appropriate time in the
development of the worm C. elegans.
Two small transcripts of lin-4 (22nt and 61nt) were found to be complementary to a sequence in the 3' UTR of lin-14.
Because lin-4 encoded no protein, she deduced that it must be these transcripts that are causing the silencing by RNA-RNA interactions.
Types of RNAi ( non coding RNA)
MiRNA
Length (23-25 nt)
Trans acting
Binds with target MRNA in mismatch
Translation inhibition
Si RNA
Length 21 nt.
Cis acting
Bind with target Mrna in perfect complementary sequence
Piwi-RNA
Length ; 25 to 36 nt.
Expressed in Germ Cells
Regulates trnasposomes activity
MECHANISM OF RNAI:
First the double-stranded RNA teams up with a protein complex named Dicer, which cuts the long RNA into short pieces.
Then another protein complex called RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex) discards one of the two RNA strands.
The RISC-docked, single-stranded RNA then pairs with the homologous mRNA and destroys it.
THE RISC COMPLEX:
RISC is large(>500kD) RNA multi- protein Binding complex which triggers MRNA degradation in response to MRNA
Unwinding of double stranded Si RNA by ATP independent Helicase
Active component of RISC is Ago proteins( ENDONUCLEASE) which cleave target MRNA.
DICER: endonuclease (RNase Family III)
Argonaute: Central Component of the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC)
One strand of the dsRNA produced by Dicer is retained in the RISC complex in association with Argonaute
ARGONAUTE PROTEIN :
1.PAZ(PIWI/Argonaute/ Zwille)- Recognition of target MRNA
2.PIWI (p-element induced wimpy Testis)- breaks Phosphodiester bond of mRNA.)RNAse H activity.
MiRNA:
The Double-stranded RNAs are naturally produced in eukaryotic cells during development, and they have a key role in regulating gene expression .
Richard's entangled aventures in wonderlandRichard Gill
Since the loophole-free Bell experiments of 2020 and the Nobel prizes in physics of 2022, critics of Bell's work have retreated to the fortress of super-determinism. Now, super-determinism is a derogatory word - it just means "determinism". Palmer, Hance and Hossenfelder argue that quantum mechanics and determinism are not incompatible, using a sophisticated mathematical construction based on a subtle thinning of allowed states and measurements in quantum mechanics, such that what is left appears to make Bell's argument fail, without altering the empirical predictions of quantum mechanics. I think however that it is a smoke screen, and the slogan "lost in math" comes to my mind. I will discuss some other recent disproofs of Bell's theorem using the language of causality based on causal graphs. Causal thinking is also central to law and justice. I will mention surprising connections to my work on serial killer nurse cases, in particular the Dutch case of Lucia de Berk and the current UK case of Lucy Letby.
Cancer cell metabolism: special Reference to Lactate PathwayAADYARAJPANDEY1
Normal Cell Metabolism:
Cellular respiration describes the series of steps that cells use to break down sugar and other chemicals to get the energy we need to function.
Energy is stored in the bonds of glucose and when glucose is broken down, much of that energy is released.
Cell utilize energy in the form of ATP.
The first step of respiration is called glycolysis. In a series of steps, glycolysis breaks glucose into two smaller molecules - a chemical called pyruvate. A small amount of ATP is formed during this process.
Most healthy cells continue the breakdown in a second process, called the Kreb's cycle. The Kreb's cycle allows cells to “burn” the pyruvates made in glycolysis to get more ATP.
The last step in the breakdown of glucose is called oxidative phosphorylation (Ox-Phos).
It takes place in specialized cell structures called mitochondria. This process produces a large amount of ATP. Importantly, cells need oxygen to complete oxidative phosphorylation.
If a cell completes only glycolysis, only 2 molecules of ATP are made per glucose. However, if the cell completes the entire respiration process (glycolysis - Kreb's - oxidative phosphorylation), about 36 molecules of ATP are created, giving it much more energy to use.
IN CANCER CELL:
Unlike healthy cells that "burn" the entire molecule of sugar to capture a large amount of energy as ATP, cancer cells are wasteful.
Cancer cells only partially break down sugar molecules. They overuse the first step of respiration, glycolysis. They frequently do not complete the second step, oxidative phosphorylation.
This results in only 2 molecules of ATP per each glucose molecule instead of the 36 or so ATPs healthy cells gain. As a result, cancer cells need to use a lot more sugar molecules to get enough energy to survive.
Unlike healthy cells that "burn" the entire molecule of sugar to capture a large amount of energy as ATP, cancer cells are wasteful.
Cancer cells only partially break down sugar molecules. They overuse the first step of respiration, glycolysis. They frequently do not complete the second step, oxidative phosphorylation.
This results in only 2 molecules of ATP per each glucose molecule instead of the 36 or so ATPs healthy cells gain. As a result, cancer cells need to use a lot more sugar molecules to get enough energy to survive.
introduction to WARBERG PHENOMENA:
WARBURG EFFECT Usually, cancer cells are highly glycolytic (glucose addiction) and take up more glucose than do normal cells from outside.
Otto Heinrich Warburg (; 8 October 1883 – 1 August 1970) In 1931 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology for his "discovery of the nature and mode of action of the respiratory enzyme.
WARNBURG EFFECT : cancer cells under aerobic (well-oxygenated) conditions to metabolize glucose to lactate (aerobic glycolysis) is known as the Warburg effect. Warburg made the observation that tumor slices consume glucose and secrete lactate at a higher rate than normal tissues.
Observation of Io’s Resurfacing via Plume Deposition Using Ground-based Adapt...Sérgio Sacani
Since volcanic activity was first discovered on Io from Voyager images in 1979, changes
on Io’s surface have been monitored from both spacecraft and ground-based telescopes.
Here, we present the highest spatial resolution images of Io ever obtained from a groundbased telescope. These images, acquired by the SHARK-VIS instrument on the Large
Binocular Telescope, show evidence of a major resurfacing event on Io’s trailing hemisphere. When compared to the most recent spacecraft images, the SHARK-VIS images
show that a plume deposit from a powerful eruption at Pillan Patera has covered part
of the long-lived Pele plume deposit. Although this type of resurfacing event may be common on Io, few have been detected due to the rarity of spacecraft visits and the previously low spatial resolution available from Earth-based telescopes. The SHARK-VIS instrument ushers in a new era of high resolution imaging of Io’s surface using adaptive
optics at visible wavelengths.
(May 29th, 2024) Advancements in Intravital Microscopy- Insights for Preclini...Scintica Instrumentation
Intravital microscopy (IVM) is a powerful tool utilized to study cellular behavior over time and space in vivo. Much of our understanding of cell biology has been accomplished using various in vitro and ex vivo methods; however, these studies do not necessarily reflect the natural dynamics of biological processes. Unlike traditional cell culture or fixed tissue imaging, IVM allows for the ultra-fast high-resolution imaging of cellular processes over time and space and were studied in its natural environment. Real-time visualization of biological processes in the context of an intact organism helps maintain physiological relevance and provide insights into the progression of disease, response to treatments or developmental processes.
In this webinar we give an overview of advanced applications of the IVM system in preclinical research. IVIM technology is a provider of all-in-one intravital microscopy systems and solutions optimized for in vivo imaging of live animal models at sub-micron resolution. The system’s unique features and user-friendly software enables researchers to probe fast dynamic biological processes such as immune cell tracking, cell-cell interaction as well as vascularization and tumor metastasis with exceptional detail. This webinar will also give an overview of IVM being utilized in drug development, offering a view into the intricate interaction between drugs/nanoparticles and tissues in vivo and allows for the evaluation of therapeutic intervention in a variety of tissues and organs. This interdisciplinary collaboration continues to drive the advancements of novel therapeutic strategies.
Summary report: USAID MLN diagnostics and management project
1. Summary Report : USAID MLN
Diagnostics and Management Project
Francis Mwatuni/BM Prasanna
CIMMYT, Nairobi, Kenya
Presentation to the Annual Review and Planning meeting -
ICRAF Nairobi – Oct 18th -19th 2016
2. Maize an important food crop in the
Region
2
Consumption per capita is 98kg in
Kenya ( FAO, 2014)
3. Introduction
• The disease has affected many farmers in the east
African region since causing yield loses between 50% -
100%.
• Kenya and Uganda have both registered MLN as a threat
to food security in their country reports.
4. Introduction
• Between 2011 and 2014, MLN was reported by
most countries in east Africa, including Kenya,
Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic
Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan and
unconfirmed reports in Burundi
5. Current MLN mitigation strategies
• Development and deployment of MLN
tolerant/resistant germplasm,
• Agronomic mitigation practices, crop rotations
(especially with legumes), vector control and
• Preventing further spread of MCMV from
endemic to non-endemic areas
6. Project Objectives
a) Prevent the spread of MLN, especially Maize
Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMV), from the MLN-
endemic countries in eastern Africa to non-endemic
countries in sub-Saharan Africa;
b) Support the commercial seed sector in the MLN-
endemic countries in producing MCMV-free
commercial seed and promote the use of clean hybrid
seed by the farmers; and
c) To establish and operate a MLN Phytosanitary
Community of Practice in Africa, for sharing of
learning, MLN diagnostic and surveillance protocols,
and best management practices for MLN control in
Africa.
7. 1
3
2
4
5
6
7
8
Target countries
1. Ethiopia
2. Uganda
3. Kenya
4. Rwanda
5. Tanzania
6. Malawi
7. Zambia
8. Zimbabwe
MLN-endemic countries
Non-endemic countries
Need to control the
spread and impact of
MLN in sub-Saharan
Africa
Project Implementation Areas
8. Achievements, lessons learnt and Challenges
• The Y1 achievements are outlined against the
planned activities as per the set objectives
• Lessons learnt as a project implementation team
• Challenges encountered in the Y1 implementation
period
9. Prevention of spread of MCMV through seed
from the endemic to non-endemic areas/countries
in SSA.
Develop, validate and deploy standardized MLN survey
and sampling protocols and digital surveillance tools in
the endemic countries
• MLN surveillance and sampling protocols were finalized
and adopted
• The protocols are also now available with the NPPOs in
the MLN-endemic countries in eastern Africa for use.
• Digital survey forms have been developed and already
used in southern Africa for MLN surveillance.
10. Enabling Tools & Technologies:
survey + sampling
Traditional New Options
• Smartphone / tablets (GPS, Camera, Electronic
Form, Barcode scanner)
•Automatic data transfer
Standardized geo-referenced field surveys across
countries
Field to database now possible in near real-time
• GPS + Paper forms
• Manual data entry
11. MLN Surveillance
• Components developed
– Standardized surveys / sampling +
diagnostics (already implemented
in Southern Africa)
– Data management system
– Web portal
14. Conduct systematic and intensive MLN surveys and
sampling in five MLN-endemic annually for
understanding the scale and impact of MLN in these
countries (and link this data to MLN web portal)
• Existing survey initiatives in each country were
evaluated and gaps identified.
MLN Survey
Initiative
Period Donor(s) Survey
Protocols in
use
Lead Institution Collaborators Current status
KENYA
MLN
Surveillance
under KAPAP
March to May 2015 KAPAP project KAPAP
developed
checklist
KALRO / KEPHIS Icipe, County govts. MCMV and SCMV
were detected in
all the 9 counties.
SCMV was not very
prevalent like
MCMV
MLN
surveillance for
Coastal Kenya-
KEPHIS
Feb 2016 Government
Kephis
developed
checklist
KEPHIS County
governments of
TaitaTaveta,
Mombasa, Kilifi
and Tana River
MCMV and SCMV
detected in all the
counties surveyed
TANZANIA
MLN
Surveillance in
farmers’ fields -
Mikocheni
June 2015 – 2016 USAID through
iAGRI
Developed
by the MARI
Mikocheni
Agricultural
Research
Institute.
Iowa SU,
SUA,Sellian, Llonga
na WEMA
Fifteen districts in 5
zones; Northern,
Southern Highlands
Lake, Central, ,
Western and
Eastern.
MLN
surveillance in
farmers' fields-
IITA
May -June 2015 USAID through
iAGRI
IITA
developed
IITA CIMMYT Completed in 11
districts in (sub-
humid and semi
arid districts)
15. MLN surveillance in endemic countries
• Surveillance teams from the five target countries
were trained on modern tools for MLN
surveillance and diagnostics (June 29-30, 2016).
16. MLN surveillance in endemic countries
• Surveillance teams to collate and share the MLN
surveillance information for posting in the developed
MLN web portal.
• All the information will be accredited to the source
17. Conduct targeted MLN surveys to ascertain MCMV
status the commercial seed production and farmers’
Southern Africa
Training of the surveillance teams in the MLN non-
Endemic countries in southern Africa.
• Training Workshop on MLN Surveillance and
Sampling Protocols were conducted at CIMMYT-
Harare on 3rd and 4th March 2016
• MLN survey teams for each of the three countries
were constituted
• Sub grant Agreements (SGA) for the NPPOs of the
three countries signed by mid April 2016.
• MLN surveillance is complete in the three south
African countries for Y1.
20. MLN Surveillance Reports from the project
target countries in southern Africa
Region of survey No. of
farmers’
fields
surveyed
No. of seed
production
fields
surveyed
No. of Agro
Seed Dealers
surveyed
Maize
Trial fields
surveyed
MLN status
(Agristrip test)
ZAMBIA
Southern Province 43 4 1 2 Negative
Central (East) and Luapula 39 1 3 3 Negative
Lusaka, Eastern 52 3 1 Negative
Central(west) and Copperbelt 29 1 1 3 Negative
Total 163 6 8 9 All Negative
ZIMBABWE
Mash central and part of west 68 Negative
Midlands, part of west and part of East 76 Negative
Mash East, Manicaland, Masvingo 77 Negative
Total 221 All Negative
23. Develop and disseminate a well-designed check-list
based on harmonized protocols/best management
practices for MLN pathogen-free seed production
• AATF and AGRA have so far jointly held three consultative
meetings, one each in Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia
Consultative meeting participants,
Arusha Tanzania June 23rd 2016
24. Harmonized Checklists
• Harmonized checklists for MLN-free commercial seed production have
been finalized for Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia
• Consultative meeting for Rwanda and Uganda scheduled for Nov 2016
25. Validate and facilitate access to accurate, rapid
and affordable MLN diagnostic kits and service
to the commercial seed sector
• Validation of the sensitivity, accuracy and robustness of
available MLN diagnostic options were done by
CIMMYT
• Seed companies urged to approach CIMMYT for linkage
to Immunostrips providers
• Kenya Seed Company has been linked to the
immunostrips for use in their internal surveillance
programs. Program ongoing
• Survey shows ELISA preferred for Seed testing in MLN
endemic countries
• Planned training for technicians from seed companies on
surveillance and testing using immunostrips (Y2)
26. Establish a pilot CoP in the MLN-endemic
countries
• The MLN Phytosanitary Community of Practice (CoP)
was established and the first face-to- face meeting was
held on 29th February 2016
CoP members -
1st meeting
27. Establish a pilot CoP in the MLN-endemic
countries
• The CoP membership is currently 35
• The first virtual meeting for the CoP was held on
3rd May 2016 and the second one will be held on
4th Aug 2016.
• A CoP communication platform has been
developed - Google groups (email based and
launched on 21st July 2016)
28. Design and implement M&E and
Communications plans, with specific indicators
• An M&E implementation plan for the project in
place and finalized after discussion with
relevant stakeholders.
• A communications plan has been designed and
is being implemented.
29. Project sub-grants, collation, synthesis and
submission of annual technical and financial
reports
• Sub-grant proposal and reporting templates were
customized for the project. Sub-grantees populated them
as per identified activities.
• The sub-grant proposals from the project partners were
rigorously evaluated, sub-grant amounts negotiated, and
awarded by the Project Leader.
• Technical reporting format was designed and sent to
partners
• Technical reports received from four partners
30. Development of a dedicated MLN web portal
and MLN information management system
• The development of a dedicated MLN web
portal and information management system is
been completed and ready for the launch.
• The Web portal will provide a one stop centre
for all MLN related information.
• Discussions are ongoing with collaborators to
provide their data on various topics for the MLN
web portal.
31. Training/capacity building of Phytosanitary and
Extension Agencies in the MLN-endemic
countries on MLN surveillance surveys,
sampling and data management.
• The NPPOs in the MLN-endemic countries (Ethiopia,
Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda) have been
trained on MLN surveillance using modern tools
(including MLN diagnostics and modern surveillance
tools)
• Participants were trained on how to collect and collate
relevant information/data on MLN surveillance for
incorporation in the upcoming MLN web portal
• Practical sessions were organized for sampling and
testing for MLN-causing viruses at the MLN screening
facility in Naivasha.
32. Training on MLN Surveillance and testing
Sampling
demonstration -
ODK App
practical use -
Naivasha
Testing using
Immunostrips
MLN Symptom
Identification
33. Lessons learnt
• Need to facilitate the NPPOs in supplementing their
MLN surveillance budgets, especially for those NPPOs
with budget challenges. This will ensure quality MLN
data collection, analysis and upload on the MLN web
portal.
• Basic support (infrastructure and transport) are required
by some of the NPPOs for implementing proper
surveillance and diagnostics work.
34. Lessons learnt
• Few seed companies are taking up initiatives for
self-regulation for MLN-free seed production.
• Virtual meetings are not so ideal when it comes to
CoP communications.
• Need to explore new and cost-effective methods of
communications
35. Lessons learnt
• Need to facilitate the NPPOs in supplementing their
MLN surveillance budgets, especially for those NPPOs
with budget challenges. This will ensure quality MLN
data collection, analysis and upload on the MLN web
portal.
• Follow-up programs to be designed for proper
implementation of planned surveillance activities.
• Basic support (infrastructure and transport) are required
by some of the NPPOs for implementing proper
surveillance and diagnostics work.
36. Lessons learnt
• Time allocated was not adequate for the planned
activities, especially training and monitoring of
commercial seed producers
• Logistical challenges in targeting seed growers for
training. Seed companies contract both large- and
small-scale farmers for seed production.
37. Challenges
• Delays in MLN surveillance activities in southern
Africa due to closing of maize cropping.
• Poor response by partners/stakeholders in online
survey activities on important issues related to the
Project.
• Reluctance by some institutions to provide MLN
surveillance data to be incorporated in the designed
MLN web portal.
38. Challenges
• Poor continuity of MLN surveillance in some endemic
countries after initial training due to low level of buy-in
by NPPOs.
• Some NPPOs may need financial support to undertake
these activities on a regular basis.
• The CoP needs to have more number of active members
to generate discussion on various topical issues relevant
for the project activities
• Uncoordinated MLN-related activities in the region but
these are largely due to several initiatives from different
donors