Contributions

Trait identification and prioritization. Breeding programs informed by demand from farm-to-fork, crop phenology, agroecological needs and suitable investment policies have greater opportunity to develop varieties that will expand production niches, enhancing adoption and market penetration.

Capacity for research to delivery. NARES in target countries and agri-food systems vary in capability to generate and deliver innovations, being weakest in West Africa and strongest in Asia²⁴⁸. By exploring opportunities for mentorship between junior and senior scientists, in collaboration with universities and initiatives such as WACCI, FP4 will develop leadership and technical skills to improve research from planning to execution and delivery.

R4D enablers. Women-based and or -dominated self-help groups are closely associated with R&D processes for these crops. This improves access to vulnerable members of communities and builds meaningful and long-lasting relationships with communities for R4D activities¹⁰.