BPAT - Breeding Program Assessment

Interesting article about an important issue

Bananas play a critical role in ensuring food security and supporting the livelihoods of small farmers in Africa. As a staple food, bananas provide essential nutrients and calories to millions of people, making them a vital component of the diet in many African countries. For smallholder farmers, banana cultivation is a significant source of income and employment, offering economic stability and opportunities for growth. The versatility of banana farming, adaptable to various climates and soil types, allows for widespread cultivation, supporting rural communities and fostering agricultural development. Despite challenges such as disease vulnerability, bananas remain indispensable for food security and the economic well-being of small farmers across the continent.

Our BPAT assessors Chris Lambrides, Yilma Kebede, Andre Drenth and Joshua C. visited the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) facilities in and earlier this year, to explore enhancements for breeding programs. This research institute aims to develop disease-resistant and climate-resilient banana varieties, thereby ensuring food security and improving the livelihoods of people in Africa.

The BPAT assessors have visited breeding programs at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Hyderabad, India, during the month of July. They assessed the breeding programs for , , , , and , in particular reviewing progress made on recommendations from the 2020 BPAT assessments.

Nicole Jensen
Chris Lambrides
Mark cooper
Philomin Juliana

Dr Clare Mukankusi CIAT and Dr Stanley Nkalubo NARO recently undertook BPATs of their common bean breeding programs. Their strong collaboration is leading to excellent outcomes for common bean farmers in Uganda and other regions of east Africa 🫘🫛

BPAT team visits the IITA Cassava breeding team in Sendusu Uganda

BPAT assessment of Africa Rice, end November 2023.

BPAT Team Update 📆

This year our team has grown considerably with 2 new professional staff members, Nimali and Jessica.

Please see our full team and their roles which now make up our valuable team here in Brisbane!

BPAT team witnessed the outstanding rainout shelter facility at IRRI HQ Los Banos, Philippines.

BPAT team’s recent visit to the IRRI breading team in Los Banos, Philippines. Great plant breeding discussions were had.

CIMMYT’s MLN (Maize Lethal Necrosis) screening nursery at the KALRO Naivasha campus in Kenya.