Cooperating to make the best use of plant genetic resources in West and Central Africa: A regional imperative (original) (raw)

Bioversity International is a research-for-development organization that provides scientific evidence of the role that on-farm and wild agricultural and forest biodiversity can play in a more nutritious, resilient, productive and adaptable food and agricultural system. Bioversity International is working towards a world in which smallholder farming communities in developing countries of Africa, Asia and the Americas are thriving and sustainable. Bioversity International focuses on rain-fed farming systems, primarily managed by smallholder farmers, in areas where large-scale agriculture is not a viable option. Its research influences policy decisions and investment in agricultural research, from the local level to the global level. Founded in 1974, the organization includes over 300 scientists and staff based in more than 15 countries with experts in the fields of plant science, agronomy, agroecology, nutrition, economics, forestry, geography, anthropology and many more related fields. www.bioversityinternational.org Bioversity International is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food secure future. CGIAR research is dedicated to reducing rural poverty, increasing food security, improving human health and nutrition, and ensuring more sustainable management of natural resources. It is carried out by the 15 centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in close collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector. www.cgiar.org West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF/WECARD) is one of the four sub-regional organizations that constitute the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). The mission of CORAF/WECARD is sustainable improvements to the competitiveness, productivity and markets of the agricultural system in West and Central Africa by meeting the key demands of the sub-regional research system as expressed by target groups. CORAF/WECARD is currently composed of 22 National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) of the following countries in West and Central Africa (WCA):