In East Africa, the highlands are the primary locations for potato cultivation, where they are grown alongside other crops on small farms. Potatoes play a crucial role in food security for these communities, serving as a bridge during lean periods between the harvests of other staples. They also provide a source of income for smallholder farmers. The cultivation cycle of potatoes is relatively short, mostly occurring during the rainy season.
With rising incomes and urbanization, potato consumption in East Africa is expected to increase. The International Potato Center (CIP) aims to deliver improved potato varieties that are nutritious, high-yielding, and resilient to climate change. This is part of a broader effort involving partnerships with National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) and small agricultural businesses, crucial for CGIAR's crop breeding strategy. These partnerships focus on developing new crop varieties through collaborative efforts, transitioning the ownership of the breeding process to national and regional entities.
In regions like East Africa, the industrial processing of potatoes is burgeoning, with companies requiring specific varietal traits for products like French fries and crisps. This necessitates breeding programs to consider both the needs of smallholder farmers and the processing industry. The International Potato Center (CIP), in collaboration with the Accelerated Breeding Initiative, is working to align these needs through the categorization of market segments.
The Accelerated Breeding Initiative employs a methodology that emphasizes partner involvement in the breeding process. Product Design Teams (PDTs), comprising representatives from various sectors, define the priorities for national and regional breeding strategies. In East Africa, a potato breeding network has been established, focusing on traits such as resistance to diseases and short dormancy periods, essential for the region's potato cultivation future.
Through collaborative efforts, the network has also explored consolidating processing markets and potential export opportunities. This partnership model, supported by USAID and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, exemplifies a new approach to international crop breeding, with national partners playing a leading role. The goal is to set up Product Design Teams for each relevant crop by the end of 2024, significantly expanding the partnership model across various crops and countries.
Source: CIP