Infrastructure/equipment Upgrading to Speed up Varietal Improvement Process

• The Infrastructure support by CIMMYT at Egerton University have been upgraded to improve the efficiency of breeding operations. At the ATC-Koibatek Research station, research field for chickpea breeding and seed multiplication expanded, upgraded by 2.5 acres (1ha) and fenced. Expanded area is used by multi-crops and diverse scientists and students and training extension and farmers. • These upgrades enabled the development of 15 F2 chickpea crosses between Kenya x Australian lines for Medium maturity chickpea (DCML) market segment, multiplication of 100 genotypes from Ethiopia, multiplication of 1 ton of foundation seed of Chania Desi 1 and Chania Desi 2, • At Egerton station, a sick plot for screening chickpea genotypes against Ascochyta Blight (AB) was established and will be used as Regional AB screening facility for all Market segments. • On Capacity building, 2 students were supported in their Msc research in chickpea and pigeonpea, also 2 are ongoing. • Also, improved research farms have been used to train 6 extension staff from 3 counties (Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nakuru) and holding agronomy and variety demos attended by over 250 farmers. Program scientists have also trained partners in chickpea-legume integration in Mwea rice irrigation scheme.