Support for the Development of National Capacities for Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

Project – TCP/SFS/3601 Food and nutrition insecurity remain major barriers to the development of Southern Africa. The primary challenge being faced concerns the sustainable production of greater quantities of high quality and diversified foods. Yet, rural farming communities still rely heavily on local crops despite the wide range of crops being farmed in the region. The use of integrated agro-ecological farming, which draws upon crop and livestock production methods, as well as fishery and forestry practices, among other techniques, has the potential to address food and nutrition security concerns in the region. However, there is a need to raise community awareness and develop farmers’ understanding of sustainable integrated farming practices. Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) are crucial for sustainable production, forming a biological foundation for food security and supporting the livelihoods of many population groups. Moreover, they are the most important raw material to plant breeders and the most essential input to farmers seeking to improve the quality and quantity of their produce. In the SADC, there is an urgent need to make better use of the genetic diversity conserved in gene banks throughout the region. This can be achieved by pre-breeding for specific traits and strengthening human capacity in hands-on plant breeding. The interface between gene banks and breeders has not been adequately addressed in the region and is therefore the focus of this project.