Maize Breeders Network (MBNet) of Eastern and Southern Africa
Countries of Eastern and Southern Africa Must Streamline Approval
of New Crop Varieties Needed by Small-Scale Farmers
Statement of the Maize Breeders Network (MBNet) of Eastern and Southern Africa
Given that:
Maize is the most important cereal crop in sub-Saharan Africa;
Maize yield in eastern and southern Africa averages just 1.2 MT/hectare—less than one-third of the world average;
95% of maize produced in Africa is grown by small and medium-scale farmers who cultivate 10 hectares or less;
Sustainable increases of maize yield are essential to improving the incomes and livelihoods of small-scale farmers and alleviating poverty and hunger;
Crop breeders are continuously developing new higher yielding, disease-resistant and drought -tolerant varieties of maize needed by small-scale farmers to increase yields;
Some government regulatory systems delay the release of new varieties, with approval systems often extending to three years. This delay denies farmers access to new improved seeds. This problem further aggravates food insecurity and poverty among small-scale farm households.
Therefore, MBnet urges the governments of Eastern and Southern Africa:
To find ways to remove barriers and reduce bureaucracy around approval of new crop varieties without sacrificing the legitimate interests of users. Given the urgency of Africa's food situation, governments should seriously consider whether they want crop varieties that could significantly help reduce hunger and poverty to remain under testing for three full years.
To streamline the process of data collection and analysis by regulators, which may now be slowing variety release. Examples exist, such as the granting of pre-release status of a variety, which can occur in Kenya after just one year of multi-location testing, and full release after two years. Pre-release status allows seed companies and researchers to make other preparations for commercialization.
To facilitate continuous interaction among national regulatory agencies within the region to hasten cross-border germplasm sharing and testing.
The Maize Breeders for Africa Network (MBnet) is a technical exchange initiative among maize scientists within the eastern and southern Africa region. The network works with members with active maize breeding programs. These programs must show the willingness and ability to deliver improved maize varieties to farmers in the region. The network was launched in April 2003 and comprises members from Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Its activities are funded by AGRA.
To learn more about MBnet, go to: http://www.africancrops.net/maizenetwork