DISPEST_2 aims at strengthening and integrating the research initiated in 2019-2023 by DISPEST. In this respect DISPEST_2 will (a) include SUA-Tanzania and EMU-Mozambique as a project partners, (b) focus on a larger number of agricultural pests (two in DISPEST, five in DISPEST_2), (c) consolidate the South-South training courses for officers from the National Plant Protection Organisations (initiated in 2022 in South Africa and now to be organised also in Tanzania and Mozambique) and (d) promote integrated and South-South coordinated PhD and MSc programs on ecological modelling and climate change. The fundamental research of DISPEST_2, will translate in applied actions for the establishment of Pest Free Areas and Areas of Low Pest Prevalence in South-East Africa. These actions, by facilitating national and international trade of agricultural products will have direct, beneficial impact on the income generated by agriculture and indirect, beneficial effects at the societal level.