Presentations

Plant virome ecology in African farming systems:  assessing food security “Alternate hosts for the viruses in weeds and non-maize crops”

Tackling the MLN Challenge through R4D – Initiatives by CIMMYT and Partners

Status and progress of research on maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND) in Kenya

The global food price crisis has worsened the food security situation for many developing countries especially those that are net food importers. In September 2012, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) raised fears of a repeat of the 2007-2008 world food price crisis (as illustrated in Figure 1) that was characterized by sharp increases in the prices for cereals. High food prices are once again threatening to push millions of people into hunger around the world. ( Click to download the file below for the full article) .

Since the global food price crisis of 2007/08, the price of major food commodities in Uganda has continued to rise.The price of maize grain, for example increased by 90% - from UGX 400 in 2007 to about UGX 750 per kg in 2008 (Figure 1). In 2010 the price of maize grain reduced to UGX 390 but later hiked by 250% to UGX 1,400 in mid-2011. Since then the price has remained above UGX 1,000 per kg. In case of beans, the retail price reached UGX 1,300 per Kg in 2008, and hit the record high of about UGX 2,500 in the second quarter of 2011 and has remained above UGX 2,000 per kg. (Click to download the file below to read the full article).

The SIMLESA strategy emphasises leveraging science and technology by using existing scientific evidence to enhance evaluation, adaptation and delivery of profitable options to smallholders. However, for SIMLESA to achieve its overall objective of spreading the impacts of its outputs widely within the five participating countries and beyond, integration of mechanisms that facilitate effective knowledge and technology transfers or spillovers is critical.

Participatory National Seed Sector Assessment For The Development Of An Integrated Seed Sector. Development (Issd) Programme In Tanzania Synthesis ReportFINAL DRAFT April 25 2014. Commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Plant tissue culture which involves culture of explants on nutrient media under sterile conditions is one of the proven biotechnology applications that has hugely impacted on crop improvement. Notable of these applications have been: micro propagation, germplasm preservation, generation pathogen-free plants, embryo rescue, haploid production and genetic engineering. It suffices to note that the afore mentioned applications in tissue culture are commonplace in other parts of the world, where agricultural production is critical. Basing on the positive contribution of tissue culture in other parts of the world itÔÇÖs adoption and/or application can be useful in the ECA region, where crop production is below optimal owing to severe biotic constraints.

This situation analysis report documents the existing tissue culture capacity in terms of human resources and physical infrastructure. This situation analysis covered six of the 10 ASARECA member countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia. To my knowledge, this is first comprehensive situation analysis report on the current state of tissue culture in the ECA region. Through this analysis, a number of challenges and opportunities were identified. This compilation presents valuable information that will help scientists, donors and policy makers make informed-decisions on issues related to tissue culture application within the ECA region. Besides, this information also helps define and develop intervention programmes and their management. This compilation could also benefit students and lectures in identifying appropriate research and/or institutions for undertaking collaborative training on tissue culture.