Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

- Duration: 5 years, Partners: CIAT & WUA, Budget: US$ 5,861, Funder: The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR))

Objectives of the project

(i) Improving food security and reducing poverty among smallholder farmers and rural communities - the project will supply more valuable and healthy bean varieties to smallholder farmers through PABRA bean production corridors and marketing systems

ii)      Managing natural resources and producing food more sustainably, adapting to climate variability and mitigating climate change - the project will develop breeding capacity in Africa for adaptation of crops to climate change; short CT implies less use of biofuel (wood/charcoal and crop residues), therefore less deforestation and more use of crop residues to restore soil fertility and for animal feed.

iii)    Enhancing human nutrition and reducing risks to human health - the project will develop beans with higher bioavailable Fe and Zn for improved health of African women and children, and reduce exposure to harmful cooking fuels

iv)    Improving gender equity and empowerment of women and girls - the project empowers women and girls, in particular, by improving their Fe and Zn nutrition status and general health and well-being. Women will have a more productive time.

v)      Fostering more inclusive agrifood and forestry market chains, engaging the private sector where possible - the project links into the PABRA bean corridor marketing strategy and PABRA provides the links to engage the private seed sector and create more business for micro, small, and medium enterprises/job creations through inputs and marketing.

(vi) Building scientific and policy capability within our partner countries - the project will train next generation African plant breeders in new crop breeding strategies involving modern technologies and optimum mating designs