A new study led by the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) has sought to set out a framework and method for assessing the performance and responsiveness of an invasive species system. The proposed methodology was piloted in Kenya. The objective was to engage with key actors within an invasive species system using a participatory approach to determine the strengths, weaknesses and functioning of the invasive species system. The approach enabled the identification of opportunities and challenges from various actor’s perspectives as the country continues to fight invasive species such as the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and tomato leafminer (Phthorimaea (Tuta) absoluta).

CABI scientists in Kenya and the United Kingdom, after conducting a desk review to identify the invasive species system and its component parts, developed a range of indicators and participatory tools to measure system performance in areas such as risk analysis, surveillance, quarantine and emergency response.

The resources were used in a stakeholder workshop in Kenya to help facilitate key stakeholders active within the invasive species system to conduct a self-assessment of system performance and responsiveness. Follow-up key informant interviews also took place.

The study was carried out in collaboration with colleagues from Umma University and the University of Nairobi in Kenya as well as the Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, and the Kenya Forest Research Institute.

Workshop participants recommended that an invasive species management strategy should be developed — adopting a multispecies approach — followed by the establishment of a permanent body responsible for regulating the system. Kenya's National Climate Change Council provides a potential model. It's also recommended this coordinating body should be a government agency to ensure policy is backed up by law and that it should be supported by an overarching interministerial committee whose sole mandate is to tackle invasive species.

Frances Williams, lead author of the study published in CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, said, “This study provides a framework for a country-level assessment of responsiveness to invasive species. The insights gained will contribute towards the use of various toolkits designed to help countries effectively manage invasive alien species and support key actors in the next steps towards embedding invasive alien species as significant national priorities.

“However, there is an urgent need for global cooperation and coordination, and an international mechanism for invasive species prevention, detection and control," Williams said.

The study found that overall in Kenya, the lack of both finance and a clear mandate for leadership in this area were major barriers to effective system performance. Kenya also lacks a central coordinating body to guide invasive species management.

The researchers found that the system in Kenya has some strengths — including a large pool of qualified technical staff to undertake the functions of the system. However, the participants said better networking and communication is needed between stakeholders.

Participants added that Kenya is better at detection than prevention. Some functions, such as diagnostic services, were identified as operating slightly above average. Others, such as emergency response, were perceived to be operating below average.

Co-author Dr. Ivan Rwomushana said, “For countries that already have National Invasive Species Strategies and Action Plans (NISSAPs), the findings can support its implementation, as well as supporting the relevant part of the country’s National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

“For countries without a NISSAP, the results of the approach we present would provide a good basis for developing a NISSAP. The approach also complements the use and implementation of toolkits that have been developed for the prevention and management of invasive alien species.”

Dr. Rwomushana added that the proposed framework for a national assessment would provide key information that may contribute to such international efforts while also offering an opportunity for countries to learn from each other to improve areas of weakness.

“This would ultimately help shift the balance towards the prevention of, instead of reaction to, new invasive species incursions in the first instance,” he said.

A recent research paper by Dr René Eschen and others, ‘Towards estimating the economic cost of invasive alien species to African crop and livestock production,’ published in CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, found that invasive alien species cost Africa’s agricultural sector an estimated $65.6 billion per year.

In response to this research, H.E Ambassador Madam Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment of the African Union Commission, highlighted the development of a Strategy for Managing Invasive Species in Africa as the Commission's contribution to having invasive species systems strengthened across member states.

The 2021-2030 strategy provides a framework for all relevant stakeholders at the continental, regional and national level can use to sustainably prevent and eradicate invasive species in Africa.

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Full paper reference

Williams, F., Constantine K.L., Ali, A.A., Karanja, T.W., Kibet, S., Lingeera, E.K., Muthike, G., Rwomushana, I., Godwin, J., Day, R. "An assessment of the capacity and responsiveness of a national system to address the threat of invasive species: a systems approach." CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 2, 42. (October 30, 2021). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43170-021-00062-7

The paper is available on open access.

Funding acknowledgment

CABI is an international intergovernmental organization, and we gratefully acknowledge the core financial support from our member countries (and lead agencies) including Australia (Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research), Canada (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), China (Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), the Netherlands (Directorate-General for International Cooperation), Switzerland (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation) and the United Kingdom (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).

This study was facilitated by CABI’s Action on Invasives Programme is supported by the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and The Netherlands Directorate-General for International Cooperation.