Global Workshop Boosts Agricultural Innovation Efforts

By Blake Jackson

In October, Cornell University became a hub for agricultural advancement, hosting a pivotal workshop for global plant breeders and social scientists. This event, part of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Crop Improvement (ILCI), marked a significant step in global efforts to enhance crop breeding.

Sixteen distinguished scientists from agricultural research centers across continents - including Burkina Faso, Costa Rica, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Senegal, and Uganda - participated. This diverse group focused on advancing crop improvement strategies through interdisciplinary collaboration.

The workshop offered a variety of resources, such as gender-inclusive research design and access to Cornell's extensive library. It was a unique opportunity for participants to engage in hands-on sessions, drilling down on critical projects and exploring collaborative solutions. Martina Occelli, co-lead of ILCI’s Priority Setting team, emphasized the importance of these sessions in solving real-world agricultural problems.

Among the participants was Belarmino Amadeu Faife Divage from Mozambique. His work on the cowpea value chain exemplifies the workshop's focus on practical, impactful research. Cowpeas, crucial for both human and livestock nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa, are a model for resilience and adaptability in challenging climates. Divage's research into consumer and grower preferences informs vital plant breeding programs.

The workshop's approach was holistic, encouraging consideration of economic, environmental, and nutritional factors in crop improvement. This comprehensive perspective was evident in the diverse range of crops and programs represented by the researchers.

Notable participants included Ibrahim Mayanja from Uganda, focusing on sorghum and millet traits in dryland areas, and Naomi Mvula and John Kafwambira from Malawi, working on enhancing cowpea adoption. Their work, aimed at understanding market preferences and developing targeted varieties, is crucial in regions facing food insecurity.

This event at Cornell signifies a pivotal moment in agricultural research. It highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling global food security challenges, blending scientific expertise with a deep understanding of local needs. As these scientists return to their respective countries, they carry with them new insights and strategies, ready to make a lasting impact on the world's agricultural landscape.

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