Participatory plant breeding (PPB) is an approach that involves farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders in the breeding process to develop crop varieties that are better suited to local conditions and meet the needs of farmers. Here are a few success stories of participatory plant breeding:
1. Rice breeding in West Africa: In West Africa, the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) has successfully implemented participatory plant breeding programs for rice. By involving farmers in the selection and evaluation of new rice varieties, AfricaRice has developed varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases, tolerant to drought and flooding, and have improved grain quality. This has led to increased rice yields and improved food security for smallholder farmers in the region.
2. Potato breeding in the Andes: In the Andean region of South America, the International Potato Center (CIP) has been working with farmers to develop improved potato varieties through participatory plant breeding. By involving farmers in the selection process, CIP has developed varieties that are resistant to late blight, a devastating disease that affects potatoes. These resistant varieties have helped farmers reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides and increase their potato yields.
3. Wheat breeding in India: In India, the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) has implemented participatory plant breeding programs for wheat. By involving farmers in the selection and evaluation of new wheat varieties, BISA has developed varieties that are resistant to diseases, have higher yields, and are better suited to local agro-climatic conditions. These improved varieties have helped farmers increase their wheat production and income.
4. Bean breeding in Central America: In Central America, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) has been working with farmers to develop improved bean varieties through participatory plant breeding. By involving farmers in the breeding process, CIAT has developed varieties that are resistant to diseases, have higher yields, and have improved nutritional qualities. These improved bean varieties have helped smallholder farmers increase their bean production and improve their nutrition.
These success stories highlight the importance of involving farmers and other stakeholders in the breeding process to develop crop varieties that are better adapted to local conditions and meet the needs of farmers. Participatory plant breeding has the potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture, food security, and poverty reduction.