ZANZIBAR, June 29 -- THE strephit Project (Strengthening Plant Health Services in Tanzania for enhanced food safety) plays a critical role in improving agricultural productivity, protecting crops from pests and diseases, and ensuring safe food systems that support both local consumption and international trade in Zanzibar.

The initiative, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with development partners including the European Union, is designed to strengthen plant health surveillance, early detection systems, and rapid response mechanisms, all of which are essential in safeguarding food security and farmers livelihoods across the islands.

Through the project, Zanzibar is building str...