MAKERERE | CROP IMPROVEMENT 

Over 200 Masters (MSc) and PhD students across Africa have so far benefitted from the Makerere University Regional Centre for crop Improvement (MaRCCI).

This is according to the Director of the Centre Dr. Richard Edema.

The five-year World Bank Funded Centre, offers PhD programme in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology as well as an MSc in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems.

Speaking during the 3rd annual advisory board meeting held at Lake Victoria Serena Resort Hotel in Kigo, Edema said over 200 students have so far gone through the Centre, graduated and gone back to their countries.

Edema explained that with the support from the World Bank, the Centre has been able to put up new buildings and acquired strong equipment in addition to improving infrastructure and recruiting more skilled staff at the Agricultural Research Institute in Kabanyoro.

He said the Centre's research programme was designed to support the training programme and to cooperate with national and regional breeding efforts.

Dr Richard Edema (L), the Director MaRCCI chatting with Prof Dr. Albert Zwenhamo Chiteka, a senior breeder, this was after their 3rd annual board meeting.

“It is currently supporting two crops, cowpea and sorghum as model crops to demonstrate best-breeding practices to both students in the PhD and MSc training programs as well as scientists in the region,” he said.

The meeting which was conducted both physically and virtually to the members who were overseas, attracted members across the region.

According to Edema, the Centre is currently helping to mentor and train the next generation of scientists who will be able to produce new varieties that yield highly and perform well in turf conditions given the climate change, so that Uganda can get bumper harvest which can secure a hunger free economy and make the country develop into commercialised agriculture.

The Board chairman Yonnah Baguma observed the need for MaRCCI to develop an arm which can help to commercialise the different innovations which can impact society to enhance its sustainability.

Citing NARO, Baguma said an arm helped NARO to enhance sustainability of a number of projects.  

The Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Prof. Bernard Bashaasha said that the Centre has so far attracted 59% of its resources meaning it has achieved a lot.