Strengthening agricultural mechanization and breeding programs for sustainable agriculture

Sustainable agricultural mechanization contributes significantly to the development of value chains and food systems as it has the potential to render pre-planting, postharvest, processing, and marketing activities and functions more efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly. However, to fully realize the benefits of mechanization, proper machinery maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance, which is needed for both productivity gains and climate change adaptation.

The IITA–CGIAR Research Farm Unit (RFU), in a collaborative effort with the CGIAR Genetic Innovation Breeding Resource Initiative team, hosted a Crops to End Hunger (CtEH) maintenance workshop at IITA’s headquarters in Ibadan from 23 to 27 September. This event was a platform for representatives from various CGIAR centers and National agricultural institutions across Africa to come together and share their expertise.

The workshop mapped out comprehensive strategies and a work plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of CtEH’s investment in infrastructure and equipment, supporting breeding programs to deliver improved varieties faster to farmers in Africa. Breeding and Research Services (BRS) Global Shared Services Lead Gustavo Teixeira led this meticulous planning process.

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