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As part of the West African Food System Resilience Program (PRSA/FSRP), CORAF recently concluded a series of regional training workshops aimed at strengthening the skills of players in national agricultural research systems (NARS) in biotechnology and bioinformatics. The workshops, which took place from July 10 to 20 and December 11 to 22, 2023 at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the Université Cheikh Anta Diop (FST/UCAD) in Dakar, brought together over 50 participants, including researchers, students and engineers from Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Senegal and Togo.

These participants had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and develop practical skills in key scientific fields, notably biotechnology and bioinformatics. These regional training courses are in line with the strategy of CORAF and the FSRP project to strengthen the skills of researchers and players in national agricultural research systems.

"We seek to strengthen our national agricultural research systems, in particular the National Specialization Centers with cutting-edge scientific expertise. This initiative is part of our strong commitment to accelerate agricultural development in West and Central Africa by providing practical knowledge and concrete tools to shape the future of research," emphasized Dr. Niéyidouba Lamien, Program Manager at CORAF and coordinator of the PRSA/FSRP project's Regional Component 2.  

With a total commitment of 50 participants for the two training courses, CORAF, through the West African Food System Resilience Program (PRSA/FSRP), has succeeded in reaching its target. This holistic approach aims to equip the region with the skills needed to meet agricultural and food challenges in an innovative and sustainable way.

"The aim of the course was to train researchers from the sub-region in the new sequencing technologies and the use of genomic data to help them improve agricultural productivity and better equip their varietal improvement projects," emphasized Prof Diaga DIOUF, expert trainer at UCAD.

Training modules covered crucial topics such as the basic concepts and application of biotechnological methods and tools in agriculture, modern methods for diagnosing plant and animal diseases, and tools for genetic improvement of crops and animals. In addition, sessions were devoted to the analysis of sequencing data and the exploitation of genetic databases. Participants thus acquired in-depth knowledge of the use of modern methods in agricultural research, enhancing their ability to contribute to more resilient food systems.

Through this training, CORAF renews its commitment to strengthening the capacities of national agricultural research systems (NARS) in West and Central Africa, and to creating a community of researchers better equipped to face the current challenges of the agricultural sector.