How CABI helped Zambia revive maize seed exports and strengthen plant health systems
Zambia’s maize seed trade faced crisis in 2020 when shipments were rejected over phytosanitary concerns, risking millions and reputation. With CABI’s rapid scientific support, the country restored trade, strengthened plant health systems, and built resilience. The case highlights how collaboration, evidence, and swift response can safeguard markets and livelihoods sustainably.
The seed of its own destruction? Seedborne diseases and the seed trade
In 1989, farmers in Florida, Indiana and South Carolina began noticing a disease that was rapidly spreading through their watermelon crops1. Large, dark lesions and bruises appeared on the fruit and leaves exhibited brown discolouration; all that remained of severely infected fruit was a pulpy, inedible mess. In damp conditions the disease proliferated quickly and…