Africa’s Vegetable Genebank opens, in Tanzania

The World Vegetable Center officially opened Africa’s Vegetable Genebank on 19 March 2024, at its regional center for Eastern and Souther Africa, in Arusha, Tanzania. This state-of-the-art facility replaces a seed repository that was established in 1992, later upgraded into a genebank in 2017. The new infrastructure was constructed and equipped with generous funding from the Republic of China (Taiwan) through the TAVI project. The guest of honor was Gerald Mweli, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, United Republic of Tanzania. Other esteemed guests included His Excellency Wiebe de Boer, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Tanzania; His Excellency Ambassador Allen Chenhwa Lou, Representative of the Republic of China (Taiwan); Justify Shava, Head of SADC Plant Genetic Resources Center (SPGRC); alongside Gabriel Rugalema, WorldVeg Associate Director General for Africa, and Regional Director Eastern and Southern Africa; and Marco Wopereis, WorldVeg Director General.

The inauguration of the genebank marks an important milestone for WorldVeg and its work on ensuring the collection, conservation, characterization, regeneration, and data management of vegetable germplasm. The facility includes seed processing and drying facilities, an acquisition room, climate-controlled seed storage, and a seed testing laboratory, providing a robust foundation for safeguarding and utilizing vegetable genetic resources. This initiative not only preserves valuable plant genetic material, but also facilitates research, breeding and development efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience.

H.E. Wiebe de Boer, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Tanzania; and H.E. Ambassador Allen Chenhwa Lou, Representative of the Republic of China (Taiwan)

This initiative will not only benefit farmers and researchers in Africa but also contribute to global efforts aimed at addressing challenges such as climate change, pests, and diseases affecting vegetable production. The partnership between the World Vegetable Center and the Republic of China (Taiwan) exemplifies the potential for cooperation and innovation in agricultural research and development. It demonstrates how strategic investments and collaborative efforts can lead to tangible outcomes that positively impact communities and enhance sustainable agriculture.

Distinguished guests were guided through a tour of Africa’s Vegetable Genebank facility, where they had the opportunity to see firsthand the infrastructure for seed processing and drying, climate-controlled seed storage, and seed testing laboratory. Knowledgeable staff members led by Sognigbe N’Danikou, WorldVeg scientists for traditional African vegetables, provided insights into the importance of preserving vegetable germplasm and the role of the genebank in supporting agricultural research and development efforts. There were also various exhibitions showcase diverse vegetable germplasm collections, including displays highlighting different genera, species, and varieties of added-value vegetables. Interactive demonstrations and presentations offer visitors a deeper understanding of the genetic diversity and nutritional value of indigenous vegetables and the importance of conservation efforts.

This inauguration event ended with a special session on ‘The critical importance of investing in rescuing and conserving vegetable biodiversity in Africa’, lead by Maarten van Zonneveld, WorldVeg Head of Genetic Resources, who presented an overview of the TAVI project and its contribution to the rescue and conservation of vegetable germplasm in Tanzania, Eswatini, Madagascar, and Benin, and Sognigbe N’Danikou who presented the African Vegetable Biodiversity Rescue Plan and its relevance to Africa’s Vegetable Genebank.

See also:

Taiwan helps launch largest vegetable gene bank in Africa. Nation donated NT$200 million to project under Taiwan Africa Vegetable Initiative