In Africa, the threat of climate change is particularly felt in the drylands where water scarcity and unpredictable rainfall patterns are a major challenge to food security. Dryland Cereals and Legumes (DCL) crops, especially sorghum, Millets, pigeon peas, Chickpeas, Groundnuts, cowpeas, play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change in these areas. This is why the recent meeting on drought-tolerant crops in East and West Africa, held in Accra, Ghana was a significant event.
The meeting was organized by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) and its partners, and co-hosted by the Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Ghana’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agriculture Research Institute. The aim of the meeting was to review the progress made towards a common vision and co-design of regional crop improvement programs. The participants also reflected on recent achievements and lessons learned, especially within the AVISA project.
Egerton University was well represented at the meeting, led by Professor Kimurto Paul Kimurto (Project PI) from the Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Crops, Horticulture, and Soils & Director Marketing and Resource Mobilization together with Dr. Miriam Charimbu, an expert in crop protection, who provided valuable insights into the discussions. Egerton will contribute to the One CGIAR program consisting of CIMMYT, IITA, Biodiversity-CIAT among others on drought tolerant breeding and physiology, product profiles, seed systems and crop protection in collaboration with KALRO-Katumani as Kenyan program partners together with seed companies, processors and private sector.
One of the keynote presentations, by Zakari Turaki, on Millets for food and nutritional security and mitigating climate change, was a wake-up call for the participants. The presentation highlighted the dire situation of food insecurity, hunger, and poverty in the region and the important role that millets can play in addressing these challenges. During the meeting UN declaration as 2023 being the UN Year Millets and should be celebrated globally as food, feed, nutrition and climate change mitigation.
Another key presentation by Steve van der Merwe on Africa’s Seed Supply Nexus: The good, the bad, the ugly, and how to drive sustainable change was also well-received. The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the seed supply situation in Africa, highlighting the challenges and opportunities. The participants were able to contribute to the discussion and share their diverse experiences.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the participants to showcase their academic and project posters. This was a platform for them to present their work and exchange ideas and best practices.
In conclusion, the meeting on drought-tolerant crops in East and West Africa was a valuable opportunity for participants to review progress, reflect on lessons learned, and collaborate in the co-design of regional crop improvement programs. The discussions and presentations provided a clear indication of the critical role that drought-tolerant crops, especially cereals and legumes, play in mitigating the effects of climate change in Africa. The meeting also emphasized the need for continued collaboration and cooperation between different stakeholders to ensure food security and resilience in the face of climate change.
One CGIAR East and Central Africa were represented by Dr Harish and Dr Gangarao of CIMMYT Nairobi. The Countries included Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi and Sudan in ESA, WCA included Ghana, Senegal, Mali, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria
