Innovation and plant breeding in West Africa - IAVAO

In order to tackle different challenges, plant breeding today needs to take into consideration their complex nature. As a major factor in numerous different social and cultural organizations, it must help to feed a rapidly growing population, especially in West Africa. It should be adapted to diverse and changing environments without damaging them, while providing ecosystem services. The key focal area of the IAVAO dP thus centres on integrating an interdisciplinary approach into the design and effective implementation of plant breeding programmes that are both flexible and innovative, and address the complexity of the agro-ecological systems found in sub-Saharan areas.