Enhancing the capacity of local communities to access crop genetic diversity for climate change adaptation

Farming communities in Benin are being challenged by shifting, unpredictable rainy seasons, higher temperatures, and longer droughts. In recent years, the two previously distinct maize planting seasons have merged into just one in many locations. Climate changes are also contributing to increased pest and disease pressures. The objective of this research was to analyze the impacts of climate change on food security crops in Tori-Bossito, and to identify potentially adapted maize genetic resources from local farmers, the Benin national genebank, other countries’ genebanks and genebanks hosted by international organizations. The study combined participatory action research and learning approach with GIS tools to develop climate profiles (both current and 2050) for each accession, and to identify suitable varieties.