8 results
NERICA: Higher Yields, Resilience, and Profitability for African Farmers. NERICA varieties mark a pivotal shift in African agriculture. Bred by crossing native landraces with Asian rice, they deliver higher yields and robust resistance to pests and diseases compared to conventional varieties. Their innate resilience to nutrient and water limitations makes them a strategic asset for enhancing farmers' productivity and profitability while reducing reliance on staple food imports. With lowland NERICA tailored for valleys and floodplains with sporadic water stress, and upland NERICA ideal for hilltops and elevated plateaus facing more frequent challenges, this technology is reshaping farming landscapes across Sub-Saharan Africa. It empowers farmers with a reliable, high-yielding resource that not only boosts food security but also drives economic stability in the region.
Resilient and Nutrient-Rich OFSP for Better Agriculture The technology of "Drought and Virus Tolerant Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato" holds paramount significance in Sub-Saharan Africa. It addresses critical agricultural challenges by providing cultivars of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) tailored to combat drought, heat stress, and viral infections. These specially bred OFSP varieties offer rapid harvest maturity, completing their growth cycle within 90 days, which is particularly beneficial in regions with uncertain rainfall patterns towards the end of the growing season. Furthermore, the introduction of OFSP varieties resistant to a range of viruses and destructive insects has significantly bolstered crop resilience. This technology not only enhances food security but also contributes to economic sustainability for communities in the region.
Cultivate superior banana varieties for abundant yields and enhanced food security. Traditional banana varieties in the Great Lakes region, particularly in Uganda, have experienced stagnated production with yields as low as 5-30 tons per hectare annually, far below their potential of 70 tons. This decline is primarily attributed to the susceptibility of East African Highland bananas to various pests and diseases. Compounding the issue are challenges posed by declining soil fertility and drought. The result is food shortages, putting vulnerable communities at risk of hunger. The introduction of disease-resistant hybrid banana varieties represents a pivotal solution. These hybrids exhibit higher resistance to black leaf streaks, nematodes, and bunchy top disease, offering the promise of enhanced productivity and food security.
Harvest More, Feed Better, Farm Smarter The technology of "Dual-purpose Varieties for Crop and Livestock Integration" holds paramount importance, particularly in African drylands. The productivity of natural pastures and rangelands in these regions is diminishing due to overgrazing, soil degradation, and the impact of climate change. In the face of increasing livestock numbers, there is a growing need for crop residues that can be utilized as animal feeds. Traditional millet and sorghum varieties have proven inadequate as they lack the desired grain-to-stover ratio for both human and animal nutrition. Additionally, they possess higher lignin content, which reduces digestibility, and may contain tannin, leading to a bitter taste.
Enhance farm's resilience with DTMA and WEMA maize varieties, ensuring consistent yields even in unpredictable weather. DTMA and WEMA are specially bred maize varieties designed to thrive in regions prone to water scarcity. They play a crucial role in enabling farmers to navigate unfavorable rainfall conditions, significantly enhancing productivity and reducing the risk of crop failure.
Fueling Health with Iron-Rich Beans In Sub-Saharan Africa, poor nutrition, particularly iron and zinc deficiencies, poses significant health challenges. Iron deficiency leads to anemia, developmental issues, and adverse pregnancy outcomes, while zinc deficiency weakens the immune system. The consumption of biofortified high-iron bean varieties enhances micronutrient intake, leading to improved health. Biofortification, achieved through conventional breeding or biotechnological methods, plays a vital role in increasing nutritional value. The recent introduction of biofortified high-iron bean (HIB) varieties represents a promising technology to enhance nutritional security and overall human health.
Enhancing cassava yields and quality for greater food security in Africa. Improved cassava roots with higher dry matter and starch content are crucial for farmers. These qualities determine how cassava can be used, whether for making flour, chips, or industrial materials. In Sub-Saharan Africa, cassava crops often have low levels of these important traits due to limited accessible varieties. Enhancing root quality is a significant opportunity for the future, benefiting both food security and the agri-food industry. Breeding cassava for these traits is essential to meet local and regional market demands. This leads to higher economic yields for farmers, providing more food and income from the same area of land.
Reduce wheat losses due to Hessian fly and increase yield The Hessian Fly Resistant Wheat Varieties technology addresses a critical threat to wheat production in North Africa and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. The Hessian fly, a destructive pest, causes substantial losses by laying eggs on wheat leaves, leading to larvae that form protective structures. These resistant wheat varieties offer a natural defence, providing the most effective control method. By adopting this technology, farmers can safeguard their crops from severe damage, ensuring stable wheat production. Crop surveillance and extension messaging further optimize the use of these invaluable varieties, securing food security in affected regions.