The Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), a non-profit intergovernmental organisation, hosted two high-level visits at its corporate office this month, reaffirming its commitment to supporting The Gambia and Bangladesh in sustainable development, food security, and improved livelihoods.
Dr Fatou Bensouda, Chair of CABI’s Executive Council and High Commissioner for The Gambia to the UK, and Tanvir Mohammad Azim, Executive Council Member for Bangladesh and Commercial Counsellor at the Bangladesh High Commission in London, were briefed on CABI’s Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) and ongoing projects with Member Countries.
Dr Bensouda, accompanied by Abu Jawara, First Secretary at The Gambia High Commission, was introduced to CABI’s work in partnership with the Gambia’s National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI). Plans include using Horizon Scanning tools to establish a quarantine pest list and deploying biological controls against the papaya mealybug and fall armyworm. Training resources and awareness materials will also be shared with plant health stakeholders across The Gambia.
“Our collaboration with CABI aligns well with The Gambia’s economic growth strategy, particularly in climate-smart agriculture and rural development,” said Dr Bensouda. “Together, we aim to promote sustainable food systems and better livelihoods.”
During Azim’s visit, joined by Kazi Shameem, Counsellor (Maritime) at the Bangladesh High Commission, discussions focused on strengthening Bangladesh’s plant health systems. CABI’s risk mapping and predictive modelling initiatives have helped Bangladesh monitor around 270 pests and pathogens, contributing to compliance with International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs).
CABI has also provided training to over 4,000 extension workers in Bangladesh through its Academy and is supporting the integration of PlantwisePlus resources into agricultural education at the Agriculture Training Institute (ATI). A national facility for rearing biocontrol agents such as Trichogramma is also under development.
Azim said, “We are proud of our longstanding collaboration with CABI. These initiatives are vital for sustainable agricultural growth, improved market access, and national food security.”
The visits included overviews of CABI’s digital resources, including the CABI Digital Library and the Juno Evidence Alliance, which supports evidence-based decisions in agriculture.
CABI’s leadership emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation with Member Countries through broader regional partnerships and South-South collaboration, reflecting one of the main themes of this year’s Member Country Consultation meetings.
Member governments direct CABI’s strategic priorities through regular Review Conferences and Executive Council meetings. Dr Bensouda, as Executive Council Chair, also serves on CABI’s Board of Directors.
