Horticulture collaborative research support program (Hort CRSP): making an impact in Africa.

摘要

Horticulture CRSP PIs have been engaged in research and capacity building in many parts of Africa since 2009. We would like to highlight a few of these activities. Project #1: Extension of Appropriate Postharvest Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Postharvest Training and Services Center. This project combines training programs, adaptive research, and demonstrations of postharvest services. It also provides access to tools and supplies needed to reduce postharvest losses and improve market access and incomes for small women farmers in Tanzania. Project #2: Low Cost Pest Exclusion and Microclimate Modification Technologies for Small-scale Vegetable Growers. This project harnesses alternative pest management techniques, micro-climate modifications, and growers' education and training to improve small-scale vegetable production. A participatory approach is used to demonstrate efficacy of Eco-Friendly Nets (insect barrier nettings) at protecting vegetables against pests and associated viral diseases and floating row covers for improving crop micro-climate and enhancing yield and produce quality. Project #3: Seed Systems: Improving Seed Quality for Smallholders. This project uses ceramic drying beads to thoroughly dry and store vegetable seeds to maintain their viability and vigor over time. Project #4: Increasing the Capacity of Smallholder Farmers to Produce and Market Vegetable Crops. This project develops a participatory extension model to rapidly improve smallholder linkages to horticultural markets, which will be achieved by merging and supplementing two agricultural development models - Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and the Participatory Market Chain Approach (PMCA). Project #5: Sustainable Development of Horticultural Crops for Food Security, Income Generation and in Support of the Tourism Industry. This project increases food security and generates income for rural farmers through quality production of vegetables, enables access to appropriate germplasm and involves growers in the production, postharvest handling and commercialization of high value produce. A market-first, science based approach involving private sector buyers is used.