IITA-CGIAR advances analytical skills and innovation in agricultural research

The need to enhance the analytical capabilities of the CGIAR research community and advance breeding programs to perform key breeding activities, including making crosses, harvesting, and advancing planting materials to spur agricultural advancement, came into sharp focus at the CGIAR Breeding Analytics training held at IITA Ibadan from 28 to 30 October.

The training facilitated by IITA Breeding Data Manager, Simon Imoro, equipped participants - breeders, biometricians, data managers, and students with advanced analytical skills to support CGIAR breeding programs and networks. Participants gained competence in using the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) and Biometrical Genetics Workflow (BioFlow) platforms, enabling them to optimize breeding processes and enhance program efficiency.

IITA Director of Strategic Planning and Chief of Staff, Ibnou Dieng, emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration among CGIAR breeding centers and programs while strengthening partnerships with National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS). He stressed that these joint efforts are essential for deploying EBS and BioFlow, enhancing germplasm development, and building the capacity needed to advance breeding programs.

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