On last January 18th, GBioS received a delegation from Sasakawa Africa Association, including Hon. Prof. Ruth K. Oniang’o, Fumiko Iseki, and Dr Deola Naibakelao. Sasakawa African Association is an organization involved in Bringing Green Revolution in Sub-Saharan Africa. To meet its goals SAA has set itself well-defined missions: Working in partnership with public and private stakeholders, in particular extension advisory services, to influence the transformation of African agriculture; Empowering farmers and especially smallholders to sustainably increase productivity in response to market demand. This mission joins that of GBioS which is generating knowledge on plant genetic resources and using it to improve people’s lives.
Prof. Enoch ACHIGAN DAKO, Director of GBioS spared no effort to reveal the Laboratory of Genetics, Horticulture and Seed Science to visitors. From the production farm to the microscopy unit, from the molecular biology unit to the seed genebank, he clearly explained the Laboratory’s interests and its impact on local populations. He also emphasized the research agenda of the laboratory. These include the reduction of the production cycle of Synsepalum dulficium; the implementation of new production practices in Moringa; the improved production practices of pineapple and the use of biological fertilizers for intensive ecological agriculture transition.