admin
Tariro Stacey Gatsi
ZIMBABWE’S agricultural research team recently stole the limelight at the African Plant Breeders Association (APBA) conference held in Morocco where plant breeders, researchers, students, private companies and policymakers met to network, exchange knowledge, discuss research findings and showcase achievements.
Kutsaga plant breeder Dr Kumbirai Ivyne Mateva said the country’s participation at the conference in deserved special appreciation.
“Their participation reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s strong commitment to agricultural research, capacity building, and the cultivation of partnerships to address the continent’s challenges,” said Dr Mateva.
Esteemed individuals demonstrated exemplary leadership expertise and unwavering dedication to advancing crop improvement and the seed sector in Africa, added Dr Mateva.
Plant breeding associations such as the Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association (ZPBA) and the African Plant Breeders Association (APBA) are committed to practical solutions, capacity building, and problem-solving, leading to long-term strategic development in the plant improvement field, Dr Mateva highlighted.
By leveraging the expertise and dedication of scientists, students and professionals, Africa is on its way to revolutionising crop improvement and enhancing the seed sector, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural practices, food, nutrition security and improved livelihoods across the continent, he added.
He said the Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association (ZPBA) had secured the bid to host the next APBA conference in 2025 after beating the Nigerian Plant Breeders Association.
Dr Mateva said Kutsaga Chief Executive Officer and ZPBA president Dr Frank Magama indicated that Zimbabwe was excited and ready to host the event in the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Said Dr Magama: “We received significant support from the Government of Zimbabwe, specifically the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.”
Efforts are currently underway to attract potential donors for the 2025 conference.
Established in 2016, ZPBA is a non-political, not-for-profit professional association comprising Zimbabweans involved or interested in plant breeding and related fields. Its diverse membership includes biotechnologists, geneticists, molecular biologists, seed technologists, seed agronomists, seed inspectors, genetic conservation specialists, plant propagators and more. It aims to improve people’s lives through enhanced plants generated by plant breeding.
Meanwhile, Dr Mateva further observed that Zimbabwean agricultural scientists took centre stage with at least six participants giving oral or poster presentations, several participating in high level panel discussions and chairing, as well as delivering keynote addresses.
Added Dr Mateva: “Professor Julia Sibiya was elected new president of APBA, which demonstrates her leadership qualities and recognition within the plant breeding continental community. Additionally, Mr Dean Muungani assumed the role of the new general secretary, which further highlights Zimbabwe’s influence in the organisation.”
The conference also recognised the remarkable achievements of two renowned Zimbabwean scientists, he said.
These accolades underscore the profound impact Zimbabwean scientists have made in advancing agricultural research and development on the continent.
Online Reporter