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In pursuit of a better world: crop improvement and the CGIAR.

Authors :
Kholová, Jana
Urban, Milan Oldřich
Cock, James
Arcos, Jairo
Arnaud, Elizabeth
Aytekin, Destan
Azevedo, Vania
Barnes, Andrew P
Ceccarelli, Salvatore
Chavarriaga, Paul
Cobb, Joshua N
Connor, David
Cooper, Mark
Craufurd, Peter
Debouck, Daniel
Fungo, Robert
Grando, Stefania
Hammer, Graeme L
Jara, Carlos E
Messina, Charlie
Source :
Journal of Experimental Botany; 7/10/2021, Vol. 72 Issue 14, p5158-5179, 22p
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

The CGIAR crop improvement (CI) programs, unlike commercial CI programs, which are mainly geared to profit though meeting farmers' needs, are charged with meeting multiple objectives with target populations that include both farmers and the community at large. We compiled the opinions from >30 experts in the private and public sector on key strategies, methodologies, and activities that could the help CGIAR meet the challenges of providing farmers with improved varieties while simultaneously meeting the goals of: (i) nutrition, health, and food security; (ii) poverty reduction, livelihoods, and jobs; (iii) gender equality, youth, and inclusion; (iv) climate adaptation and mitigation; and (v) environmental health and biodiversity. We review the crop improvement processes starting with crop choice, moving through to breeding objectives, production of potential new varieties, selection, and finally adoption by farmers. The importance of multidisciplinary teams working towards common objectives is stressed as a key factor to success. The role of the distinct disciplines, actors, and their interactions throughout the process from crop choice through to adoption by farmers is discussed and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00220957
Volume :
72
Issue :
14
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Experimental Botany
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
151368781
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erab226