- training events and materials supported by GIPB
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An e-learning pre-breeding course under development by GIPB/FAO and Bioversity InternationalEnhanced crop productivity underlies development in many countries, through the combination of genetic improvement and better management practices that ultimately provide improved nutritional status and/or generate greater income for growers and consumers. Effective genetic improvement relies on an appropriate genetic base, technical expertise, and enabling policy and institutional environments.
The decision to develop an e-learning course in pre-breeding evolved out of needs perceived by both Bioversity International and GIPB/FAO to improve the capacity of institutions and scientists to better access and utilize the genebanks of our crop genetic resources. While both organizations have successfully trained scientists in plant breeding and genetic resources management, there was a perceived need to improve the effectiveness of the efforts by reaching more people more effectively. E-learning courses can fulfil this need.
The FAO Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building Division has been developing e-learning materials for FAO Member States in various technical areas within its core mandate. FAO has collaborated with external partners since 2001 to develop and deliver a series of extensive self-paced e-learning courses as part of its efforts to: i) build awareness and understanding; ii) provide on-the-job training for technical staff; iii) make available tools, methodologies, guidelines and learning materials; and iv) support face-to-face training and other capacity building activities. The courses use state-of-the-art technologies to create an interactive, self-paced learning environment while meeting the needs of low bandwidth users and those working on older systems. The curricula are delivered free of charge on CD and over the World Wide Web.
Target Audiences
Primary audience: Genebank curators / Plant breeders (practicing and in training) working in National and International Agricultural Research Institutions and in private crop improvement companies
Secondary audience: Undergraduate, MSc and PhD graduates working in crop science and plant breeding / Extension specialists, technicians, etc / BS, MSc and PhD students in crop science and plant breeding / University lecturers working in universities’ faculties of crop science and similar faculties.Click here to download the detailed curriculum outline.
- regional consultations on the PBBC survey results
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GIPB publicly launched four consultations, aimed to analyse the results of the worldwide assessment done by GIPB, FAO and partners on national plant breeding and related biotechnology capacity (PBBC). The survey database and final reports can be found on the PBBC website. The main objective of this consultation process, that wishes to involve stakeholders at various levels, is to discuss and recommend appropriate strategies to strengthen capacity to use plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA).
Four discussion and analysis processes were carried out in four regions, namely Latin America, South and Sout-eastern Asia, Western Asia and Northern Africa and sub-saharan Africa.
For more information and to access the documentation please click here. - GIPB publications
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Full reports
Full reports are documents produced by the national consultants responsible for the plant breeding and related biotechnology capacity (PBBC) survey in their countries or regions. Based on the consultant's knowledge and the results of the survey, a section in the national report is provided with recommendations to strengthen the national capacity to use plant genetic resources, including an indication on how the recommendations can be implemented. Go to the publication page of the PBBC database to download the Full reports.
Country briefs
The purpose of these briefs is to summarize the current status of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in countries, with particular emphasis on plant breeding and related agricultural biotechnology. Knowing the history of the NARS' development and its current status allows the identification of potential areas and types of intervention. The intention is also to outline options for strengthening national capacity to use plant genetic resources. The information presented in these documents comes from the PBBC surveys conducted in the various countries. Go to the publication page of the PBBC database to download the Country briefs.
Regional analyses
Four regional consultations have been completed or are being organized in order to analyze in detail the results of the worldwide assessment done by GIPB, FAO and partners on national plant breeding and related biotechnology capacity. These consultations are intended to broaden awareness on data and trends pointed out in the surveys. They will allow to further discuss and recommend appropriate strategies to strengthen capacity to use plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) in the selected region. egional reports have been produced to lead to a joint analysis of country reports and to recommendations of actions to strengthen national capacity in the use of PGRFA in the region, and have been validated by the participants to the discussions. Click here to download the report for Latin America and the Caribbean or the report for South and South-Eastern Asia. - fellowships and grants supported by GIPB
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25 June 2009
GIPB announces the winners of two grants to study and analyze the state of knowledge on breeding for durable resistance to rusts threatening crop production in the developing world.
The purpose of the grants is to bring together and present the state-of-the-art of knowledge on breeding for durable resistance to diseases of substantial risk to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.). The call for proposals went out in early 2009 as a coordinated effort between GIPB and CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvment Center). Both of these organizations place high priority on genetic solutions to controlling the devastating effects of plant pathogens, effects that are projected to become more unpredictable and more severe as a consequence of global climate change. - GIPB advocacy material
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The multi-lingual materials so far produced focus on getting partners and policy-makers familiar with GIPB as a global partnership platform and as a repository of plant breeding capacity knowledge. Other materials describe specific areas where plant breeding has policy implications. To download the advocacy material please click on the links below.
GIPB informative materials:
GIPB Business Plan 2009-2013
GIPB leaflet - english - español - français
GIPB brochure
GIPB poster
GIPB worldwide assessment of plant breeding and related biotechnology capacity (PBBC) - the PBBC database
Position leaflets:
Plant breeding and climate change - english - español - français
Plant breeding and options in bioenergy - english - español - français
Plant breeding and food security - english - español - français
Plant breeding impacts and current challenges - english - español - français - GIPB business plan - 2009-2013
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GIPB is pleased to announce that the Business Plan is now available online.
This Business Plan is the result of a collaborative and proactive effort started in 2007 when the GIPB initiated a stakeholder consultation process to formulate the organizational and implementation framework for the Initiative for the period 2009-2013. A first Task Force discussed propositions and recommendations for longer-term strategies, outputs, outcomes and priority activities to be pursued by the GIPB. The consolidated set of recommendations from Task Force 1 were used as the starting point for Task Force 2, that recommended strategies for: a) the implementation of the five GIPB objectives in the period 2009-2013, and b) the organization and management of GIPB, including implementation of the international partnership platform, governance, secretariat services, monitoring and evaluation.
