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Training supports wheat’s dramatic rise in Zambia


December 6, 2013

Source: CIMMYT

Zambian wheat breeder Lutangu Makweti participated in the 2012 wheat improvement course at CIMMYT headquarters in Mexico. His experience inspired him to pass on his knowledge to others and launch new breeding work in his country.

Like many in his circumstances worldwide, Zambian wheat breeder Lutangu Makweti had received university instruction in the agronomic sciences and understood the genetic theory behind crop improvement. He’d even had some practical experience. But a modern, large-scale crop breeding program is like an intricate engine where theory must mesh with complex operational logistics. Supported by his former employer, Seed Co. Limited (the leading African seed company), Makweti jumped at the chance to attend the 2012 CIMMYT course on wheat crop improvement.

One of 23 course participants from wheat-producing countries throughout the developing world, Makweti was profoundly impressed by what he learned from the coordinated classroom lectures and field practicums. “My attitude towards work has really changed and even my fellow breeders dealing with other crops have noticed that,” he said, in an unsolicited message of gratitude from his home base in Lusaka. “I now speak with confidence on wheat issues. I’ll never forget (how this training) made a difference in my career.”

The value of training: Knowledge gained and shared

Because of the growing demand for wheat-based products by Zambia’s expanding (and rapidly urbanizing) population, upon Makweti’s return Seed Co. tasked him to launch a breeding program targeting domestic markets. “This was the first time our company ventured into wheat crossings in Zambia,” Makweti said. “Before, all the breeding and crossing had been done in Zimbabwe and crosses were sent to Zambia for evaluation.” From a national output of just over 50,000 tons in 2000, Zambia boosted its wheat production to 250,000 tons in 2012 and national policymakers see it as a strategic crop.

In addition, Makweti also undertook outreach with smallscale farmers. “In Zambia, we only have irrigated wheat,” Makweti said, “but we started a rain-fed wheat breeding program and acquired a set of rain-fed wheat trials from the International Wheat Improvement Network (IWIN, led by CIMMYT), to help smallholder farmers join the wheat sector.”

Makweti and his colleagues chose 40 varieties from that seed collection and grew them in participatory trials; farmers selected those they considered outstanding.

Reflecting on his training experience, Makweti cited as especially valuable his interactions with the world-renowned wheat researchers who served as lecturers – people like retired CIMMYT wheat pathologist H. Jesse Dubin, University of Missouri Professor Perry Gustafson and retired University of Sydney Professor Bob McIntosh. “Scientists were at hand to help and answer all questions,” Makweti remarked. “They would stop to explain to us what and why we were doing the assigned activities.”

He also felt the course and the CIMMYT work ethic embodied important values, including planning and dedication, respect and teamwork among scientists and field workers, use of advanced technology and passion. “I have never seen such dedication to work as that exhibited by CIMMYT staff, be it a driver, a pollinator, scientists or a data collector,” he observed. “They take the work as a calling, a special duty for humankind.”

Moving up and making a difference

Testimonials like Makweti’s are not infrequent; since its beginnings in 1968, the wheat improvement course has evolved to provide more than 1,400 young scientists with the latest wheat breeding knowledge and skills. These now include trial design and management, scoring and selection, data analysis and use of DNA markers, to name a few disciplines. As did the cadres of specialists trained during the mid-20th century by Dr. Borlaug, many course alumni now occupy key positions in their research organizations or companies. They continue to network with CIMMYT and with fellow course participants and contribute greatly to the spread of improved crop varieties and farming practices.

The professional fortunes of Makweti took another turn in late 2012 when he met a Zambian research director at a conference on wheat in Africa (see box below) and was invited to join the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute as a crop breeder; an invitation he has since accepted. In addition to wheat, his expanded duties include managing a legume breeding program project under the USAID Feed the Future program, in collaboration with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). “Wheat research remains my area of interest,” he said,“and I hope to help the national program to increase the research even amidst financial constraints.”

 



More news from: CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center)


Website: http://www.cimmyt.org

Published: December 9, 2013



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