Nyankpala, Northern Region, Ghana – September 16, 2024
In a significant move towards enhancing maize production in Ghana, the CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), hosted a Maize Product Design Team (PDT) meeting. The gathering aimed to align maize breeding programs with the needs of local farmers and the broader maize value chain. Supported by the CGIAR under the Genetic Innovation: Accelerated Breeding Initiative (ABI), the meeting brought together various stakeholders, including breeders, farmers, processors, seed companies, and extension agents.
The PDT meeting underscored the importance of designing maize varieties that are resilient to climate change while meeting market demands. Participants worked collaboratively to refine the target product profiles (TPPs), which serve as blueprints for future breeding programs in Ghana. These profiles, focused on traits like drought tolerance, yield, and processing quality, ensure that new maize varieties cater to the needs of both rural and urban markets.
Director’s Address on Maize Variety Resilience
Speaking at the event, Dr. Francis Kusi, Director of CSIR-SARI, emphasized the importance of developing maize varieties that can withstand the impacts of climate change. “The recent drought has demonstrated the resilience of SARI’s maize varieties to drought,” Dr. Kusi remarked. He further urged participants to design product profiles that address emerging constraints in maize production across Ghana, calling for solutions that are adaptable to varying environmental challenges.
Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement
One of the key highlights of the meeting was its inclusive approach. Major stakeholders, including gender and youth representatives, were involved in discussions to ensure that the breeding process reflects diverse perspectives. A noteworthy participant, Charles Tia, CEO of B-Diet, a local food processing company, praised the collaborative effort. “I am happy about the inclusivity of major stakeholders in this exercise. Including processors and consumers at the early stage of the design process ensures that the needs and traits of customers in both urban and rural areas are well addressed,” he stated.
Achievements of the Meeting
- Improved Breeding Focus: The meeting highlighted the need for breeders to prioritize market-relevant traits such as drought resistance and yield potential.
- Market Segmentation: Participants identified specific maize market segments based on geographical and usage factors, ensuring that future maize varieties are well-suited to Ghana’s agroecological zones.
- Strengthened Partnerships: The meeting fostered collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders, laying the foundation for continued cooperation in maize breeding efforts.
Looking Ahead
The Maize PDT meeting represents a crucial step in enhancing food security, climate resilience, and economic growth through maize production. By focusing on both farmer preferences and market demands, CSIR-SARI and its partners are poised to develop maize varieties that are not only high-yielding but also tailored to the needs of consumers and processors alike. The collaboration established at this meeting will play a key role in the successful rollout of these climate-resilient maize varieties, ensuring sustainable agriculture for Ghana’s future.
