To promote agricultural mechanization in Africa based on the baseline survey

Duration

• December 1st , 2017 – November 30th , 2019 (2 years)

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, D.R. Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 1^st year
  - Prepare and customize survey questionnaire
  - Baseline survey on the current status of agricultural mechanization
  - Data analysis
  - Workshop/Planning Meeting
  - Monitoring and Evaluation
• 2^nd year
  - Standardization of genetic resources management system of participating countries
  - Workshop/Planning Meeting

To enhance capacity on the technology of genetic resource management

Duration

• December 1st, 2016 – November 30th, 2018 (3 years)

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia

Activities

• 1^st year
  - Enhancement of capacity on conservation, management of genetic resources and evaluation of genetic resources in participating countries
  - Workshop/Planning Meeting
• 2^nd year
  - Standardization of genetic resources management system of participating countries
  - Workshop/Planning Meeting

To develop Management Technique for non-ruminant Livestock

Duration

• December 1st , 2016 – November 30th, 2019 (3 years)

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 1^st year
  - Set up the pilot village and project (Hatchery, Breeding, Farmer cooperative management, Product sales plan)
  - Workshop
• 2^nd year
  - Capacity Building of experts and stakeholders on chicken management technique and marketing
  - Project scale up
  - Workshop/Planning Meeting
• 3^rd year
  - Establishment of a small scale layers model complex
  - Workshop
  - Monitoring and Evaluation
  - Backstopping

To increase of agricultural productivity through the enhancement of national agriculture extension services in Africa

Duration

• November 1st , 2016 – October 31th, 2018 (2 years)

Participating countries

• Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Malawi, Senegal, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 1^st year
  - Establishment of system on production of good seeds of major crops and its dissemination
• 2^nd year
  - Adaptation of the system on production of good seeds of major crops and its dissemination

To promote agricultural mechanization in Africa based on the baseline survey

Duration

• December 1st , 2017 – November 30th , 2019 (2 years)

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, D.R. Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 1^st year
  - Prepare and customize survey questionnaire
  - Baseline survey on the current status of agricultural mechanization
  - Data analysis
  - Workshop/Planning Meeting
  - Monitoring and Evaluation
• 2^nd year
  - Standardization of genetic resources management system of participating countries
  - Workshop/Planning Meeting

To enhance capacity on the technology of genetic resource management

Duration

• December 1st, 2016 – November 30th, 2018 (3 years)

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia

Activities

• 1^st year
  - Enhancement of capacity on conservation, management of genetic resources and evaluation of genetic resources in participating countries
  - Workshop/Planning Meeting
• 2^nd year
  - Standardization of genetic resources management system of participating countries
  - Workshop/Planning Meeting

To enhance the development and dissemination of improved rice varieties in Africa

Duration

• January 1st , 2017 – December 31st , 2019 (3 years)

Participating countries

• Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, D.R. Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 1^st phase
  - Evaluation of Korean germplasm for agronomic performance in Africa
  - Development of breeding lines from crosses with Korean and African cultivars
  - Production of double-haploid lines
  - Evaluation and selection of elite rice lines in the participant countries
  - To support field test and enhancement of the research capability of the partner countries

To reduce postharvest losses and improve quality of horticultural crops through application/implementation of improved postharvest handling manual

Duration

• February 1st , 2018 – January 31st , 2021 (3 years)

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Comoros, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 1^st year
  - Application of the postharvest manual in the target area
  - Workshop
• 2^nd year
  - Adaption of development manual
  - Workshop
• 3^rd year
  - Dissemination of Practical manual
  - Planning Meeting
  - Monitoring and Evaluation

To develop Management Technique for non-ruminant Livestock

Duration

• December 1st , 2016 – November 30th, 2019 (3 years)

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 1^st year
  - Set up the pilot village and project (Hatchery, Breeding, Farmer cooperative management, Product sales plan)
  - Workshop
• 2^nd year
  - Capacity Building of experts and stakeholders on chicken management technique and marketing
  - Project scale up
  - Workshop/Planning Meeting
• 3^rd year
  - Establishment of a small scale layers model complex
  - Workshop
  - Monitoring and Evaluation
  - Backstopping

To increase of agricultural productivity through the enhancement of national agriculture extension services in Africa

Duration

• November 1st , 2016 – October 31th, 2018 (2 years)

Participating countries

• Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Malawi, Senegal, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 1^st year
  - Establishment of system on production of good seeds of major crops and its dissemination
• 2^nd year
  - Adaptation of the system on production of good seeds of major crops and its dissemination

To build capacity of young scientist on agriculture research and extension and strengthen research network among KAFACI member countries

Duration

• August 2017 ~ July 2019

Participating countries

• Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rewanda, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Research Project list

• 1. Basic Agricultural Science
  - Collection and genetic profiling of sunflower, rape seeds, soybean, linseed and safflower germplasm in Kenya
  - Enhanced local barley genetic improvement through introgression of useful traits from distant sources (Tunisia)
• 2. Horticulture
  - Development and dissemination of appropriate postharvest technologies of major horticultural crops for small scale farmers in Rwanda
  - Investigation of low cost on farm cold storage techniques for adoption by small scale tomato farmers in Zimbabwe
• 3. Livestock
  - Production, assessment and valorization of rice and sugarcane agricultural and agro industrial byproducts as food for ruminants in the department of Dagana (Senegal)
  - Development of Hydroponic fodder system for poultry feed (Zimbabwe)
• 4. Agricultural Extension
  - Sensitization of Small scale farmers and pesticides sellers on appropriate handling practices of agro-based pesticides in Ghana
  - Improving networking among participating countries for enhancing information sharing through innovative technologies(ICT)/methods information communication (Nigeria)
• 5. Food crops
  - Development of high yielding rice varieties tolerant/resistant to blast, drought, and low nitrogen (Uganda)
  - Intensification of farming techniques resilient to global warming: maize/cow pea association in real situation of farming in northern Côte d’Ivoire

Enhance management between member countries for efficient promotion of KAFACI project and network activities

Duration

• 1 year

Activities

• - Support research for agricultural development
  - Support coordination of KAFACI workshop, meeting, training
  - Support management of KAFACI web site
  - Publish KAFACI publications (annual report, brochures, etc.)
    Managing network between KAFACI member countries

CFP list

• 1^st CFP (June 2016 ~ May 2017)
  - Mr. Isaiah Samukupe, Scientific and Industrial Research Development Centre (SIRDC), Zimbabwe
• 2^nd CFP (March 2018 ~ February 2019)
  - Mr. Moses Buregyeya, National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda

To enhance capacity on the technology of genetic resource management

Duration

• December 1st, 2014 – November 30th, 2016 (2 years)

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, DR Congo Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 1^st year
  - Enhancement of capacity on conservation, management of genetic resources and evaluation of genetic resources in participating countries
  - Workshop/Planning Meeting
• 2^nd year
  - Standardization of genetic resources management system of participating countries
  - Workshop/Planning Meeting

To enhance the capacity of extension agents through sharing the knowledge and experience of agricultural extension program and approaches among KAFACI member countries

Duration

• December 1st , 2014 – November 30th , 2016 (3 years)

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 1^st year
  - Training Workshop on the Enhancement of Capacity Building of Extension Workers
• 2^nd year
  - Research and Analysis of the Current Status of Agricultural Extension in Each KAFACI Member Country

To promote the role of governmental sector in spreading good seeds and appropriate cultivation practices to farmers, ultimately to increase the productivity for food security of the member countries

Duration

• October 2013 – September 2016

Participating countries

• Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Malawi, Senegal, Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Activities

• Dissemination of improved seeds and breeding technology
• Enhancement of national agricultural extension services in participating countries
• Regular monitoring and visit to local farmers

To disseminate agricultural technology through the publication of agricultural practices and calendars of major food crops

Duration

• October 2013 - November 2016

Participating countries

• Comoros, Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco, Tunisia

Activities

• Select target crop and technology
• Publication of agricultural practices and calendars of major crops
• Distribution of books and calendars to farmers
• Analyzing utilization and collection of comments

To enhance the capacity of extension agents through the introduction of good agricultural extension practices such as extension methods and dissemination tools

Duration

• December 2014 – November 2016

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Comoros, D.R Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Activities

• Lectures from recommended by Korea, renowned members of the academy and international agricultural organizations
• Knowledge and Information sharing on agricultural extension technics in representative countries
• Discussion on public extensions and policies.

To enable small and mid-size farmers to utilize available local resources and disseminate applicable rearing technologies to other farms in the member countries

Duration

• December 2014 – November 2016

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Morocco, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Activities

• Development of manual on poultry rearing
• Baseline survey about current status including analysis on the status of chicken technology
• Establishment applicable practical technologies for commercialization of farmers
• Supports ultimately on enabling small and mid-size farmers to utilize available local resources and disseminate applicable rearing technologies to other farms in the member countries

To increase the productivity of poultry meat and to improve national food security in Comoros

Duration

• May 2013 – April 2016

Activities

• Development and implementation of an innovative poultry hatchery technology
• Installation of poultry hatchery equipment
• Training of farmers on management of poultry hatchery

To reduce the postharvest loss and improve commercial value of fruits and vegetables

Duration

• January 2015 – December 2016

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Comoros, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Activities

• Analysis of existing technology and success cases of postharvest management
• Establishment of network on postharvest technology
• Establishment of postharvest management system in postharvest industry
• Dissemination of postharvest management technology for selected fruits and vegetables

To broaden rice gene pools with high-yield potential through crosses with Korean and African germplasm for use in African breeding programs
To enhance African rice breeding capacity with anther culture technology

Duration

• January 2013 – December 2015

Participating countries

• Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda

Activities

• Characterize Korean germplasm for yield and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress
• Develop breeding lines from crosses of Korea and African cultivars
• Develop advanced line and conduct comparative yield trial with local cultivars
• Train on anther culture breeding

To increase the capacity of leading country and participating countries on molecular breeding and develop the South-South cooperation model

Duration

• December 2014 – November 2016

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 1st year
  • Capacity building of leading or advanced countries on molecular breeding
    - Training of trainers (TOT)
    - Knowledge diffusion
• 2nd year
  • Capacity building of participating countries on molecular breeding
    - Investigation on situation of molecular breeding of participating countries
    - Training
    - Suggestion for the South-South cooperation model under the KAFACI framework

To select the elite seeds suitable for the region-specific environments of participating countries and establish the dissemination strategy

Duration

• December 2014 – November 2016

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, Zimbabwe

Activities

• Baseline survey on the current production and technology of cassava and evaluate local adaptability
• Establishment of network on cassava production
• Select 3 to 5 elite cassava varieties
• Development of good agricultural practice manual for cassava

To contribute food security by increasing the domestic production of maize

Duration

• July 2013 – June 2016

Activities

• Evaluation and registration in the national catalog of new varieties developed through research
• Breeder and foundation seeds of registered varieties
• Seed certification
• Strengthening the capacity of seed producers

To increase the capacity of leading country and participating countries on molecular breeding and develop the South-South cooperation model

Duration

• December 2014 – November 2016

Participating countries

• Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 1st year
  • Capacity building of leading or advanced countries on molecular breeding
    - Training of trainers (TOT)
    - Knowledge diffusion
• 2nd year
  • Capacity building of participating countries on molecular breeding
    - Investigation on situation of molecular breeding of participating countries
    - Training
    - Suggestion for the South-South cooperation model under the KAFACI framework

To generate inbred lines, with the aid of DNA markers, from locally collected maize germplasm.
To facilitate production of hybrids and OPVs using the generated inbred lines.

Maize is the main staple for 12.6 M people in Angola. Production, however, is very low level at 500 kg/ha as available maize varieties, which came from a pool of foreign germplasm, are very susceptible to various pests and diseases common in the country.

As such, productive maize varieties well adapted to diverse agroecological zones of the country are needed to increase crop yields. Producing maize inbred lines using local germplasm can help address this problem.

Through this project, and with the aid of DNA markers in diversity assessment, inbred lines can be generated in 3-5 years. Field trials, where characterization, evaluation and selfing of accessions will be made, will be conducted twice a year at the Chianga Research Station in Huambo province.

Activities

• Utilization of DNA markers in assessing genetic diversity of maize accessions
• Production of inbred lines from identified high-potential accessions
• Determination of specific and general combining abilities of homozygote lines and testing of crosses
• Station and on farm testing of outstanding single cross hybrids
• Recurrent selection, with backcrossing, for yield disease and insect resistance of outstanding

Partners (2)

• Institute Invesiticao Agronomica (Angola)
• National Academy of Agricultural Science (Korea)

To accelerate the development of high-yielding rice cultivars from Korean and Cameroon germplasm using anther culture technique

At present, rice productivity in Cameroon is very low at 1-2 t/ha. Low productivity is caused by the lack of highyielding rice cultivars, poor cultural management practices, poor seed quality and low inputs, among others.

This project aims to develop new improved rice cultivars with high yield and grain quality by using temperate japonica and Tongil-type rice germplasm, a strategy that led to the Green Revolution in Korea during 1970s.

Korean temperate japonica cultivars adapted to tropical conditions were developed by NICS. These cultivars will serve as trait donors for high yield, stress tolerance and enhanced grain quality. This three-year project shall adopt the anther culture technique to generate breeding population from crosses between the best Cameroon cultivars and the Korean japonica/tongil-type germplasm. These elite selections will be disseminated to farmers through participatory varietal election to facilitate transfer and early adoption of new varieties.

Activities

• Attendance of two Cameroon researchers to the rice breeding training course at NICS, Korea
• Identification and provision of Korean germplasm, including japonica and Tongil-type varieties/lines, adapted to tropical conditions of Cameroon
• Seeding and evaluation for yield and yield components of japonica and Tongil-type germplasm under Cameroon conditions
• Artificial crossing of Cameroon varieties with the best Korean lines

Partners (2)

• Delegation of Regional Agriculture and Rural Development of Center (Cameroon)
• National Academy of Crop Science (Korea)

To accelerate the development of high-yielding rice cultivars for the Democratic Republic of Congo

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, rice consumption is fast growing, costing the country for rice imports. Current rice production remains low and development of high-yielding rice cultivars is one the main concerns to boost up the rice production.

In support of this aim, this project aims to tap Korean germplasm and anther culture technology to speed up the development of high yielding rice cultivars for DR Congo. This three-year project will focus on generating the large-scale anther culture breeding population from crosses between Korean and selecting high-yielding rice lines for irrigated rice cultivation. Formation of breeding task forces is another important endeavor of this project to make our breeding networks more successful through KAFACI.

Activities

• Attendance of two Cameroon researchers to the rice breeding training course at NICS, Korea
• Identification and provision of Korean germplasm adapted to tropical conditions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, including japonica and Tongil-type varieties/lines
• Evaluation for yield and yield components of rice germplasm under local conditions
• Artificial crossing of Congo varieties with the best Korean lines

Partners (2)

• National Ministry of Agriculture (DR Congo)
• National Academy of Crop Science (Korea)

To enhance agricultural productivity through the application of improved agricultural technologies that promote sustainable management of soil and water resources

Ethiopia’s economic growth is heavily dependent on the growth of the agricultural sector, and the country cannot meet its large food deficit through rainfed farming. The difference in yield between irrigated and non-irrigated lands is greatest during seasons of drought and above-normal water evaporation. By tapping the potential water sources of the country, irrigation will be very important to achieve the national goal of food security and poverty reduction through increased agricultural production and productivity.

Although irrigation has long been practiced at different farm levels in the country, an efficient and well managed irrigation water practice is lacking. There are very few or no information available on appropriate irrigation water and crop management practices for the rapidly expanding small scale irrigated farms. Determining optimal irrigation water and soil management options for multifaceted soil and water problems of irrigated agriculture is, therefore, vital. This project will be implemented for three years to address these needs.

Activities

• Determination of crop water requirement and crop coefficient for selected crops
• Determination of crop response to soil moisture stress at different growth stages of selected crops

Partners (2)

• Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (Ethiopia)
• National Academy of Agricultural Science (Korea)

To increase tomato production in Ghana through germplasm collection, evaluation and selection for disease and pest resistance, high yield and fruit quality

The tomato sector in Ghana has failed to reach its potential despite government interventions. Average tomato yield remains low, typically under ten tons per hectare. This is caused by sub-optimal cultivation practices, planting of low quality local varieties and indiscriminate use of pesticides.

This project will focus on tomato germplasm collection, evaluation and selection of elite lines with good horticultural characteristics and disease resistance. Other activities include integrated pest management, cross combination, production of guides and factsheets, and training of farmers in handling tomato seeds.

It is expected that this project will help foster a meaningful collaboration and partnership with the Republic of Korea and aid in increasing tomato production in Ghana by 50% (from 10 tons/ha to 20-30 tons/ha)

Activities

• Collection and assembly of tomato germplasm from RDA-South Korea, Burkina Faso-USA, AVRDC-Taiwan and Ghana
• Characterization and evaluation of germplasm for disease and pest resistance, yield and fruit quality
• Confirmation of disease and pest resistance in selected tomato cultivars using molecular markers
• Seed multiplication of elite cultivars and distribution to farmers

Partners (2)

• Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (Ghana)
• National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science (Korea)

To introduce and adapt a mechanized rice farming system

Traditionally, Gabon imports most of its agricultural products. There will be more focus in the future on food crops rather than cash crops like coffee or cocoa as the country imports 85% of its food. Gabon must produce significantly, through agricultural mechanization, in order to achieve self-sufficiency.

Mechanization can help save on labor as the country capitalizes on the high potential of its land and water resources. Moreover, mechanization can play an important role in improving agricultural productivity, particularly for crops that require large areas.

Rice is becoming a major crop in Gabon, with rice consumption growing faster than any other staple crop. For a country endowed with arable land potential of 445000 hectares, it is indeed worthwhile to pursue a project on mechanizing rice cultivation.

Most cultivation operations in the country are done manually, thus, the aim of this project is to improve these cultivation techniques to expand local production capacity and reduce production costs and imports. In this project, mechanization technologies from Korea will be evaluated for applicability in expanding rice production in Gabon.

Activities

• Provision of assistance in equipment assembly and modification
• Comparative evaluation between mechanized (0.5 ha) and conventional rice cultivation (0.5 ha)
• Mechanization of rice weeds control and harvesting

Partners (2)

• Office National du Developpement Rural (Gabon)
• National Academy of Agricultural Science (Korea)

To develop and apply post-harvest technologies for horticultural crops such as tomato, mango and guava

This research project has two complementary studies. The first study will develop and apply post-harvest storage technologies for horticultural produce with regards to maturity stage, potential shelf life and response to temperature. It targets to reduce post-harvest losses from 40% to 5%. The results will also serve as basis for recommendations on appropriate tomato varieties to be grown by the farmers with regards to suitable storage conditions for prolonged shelf life.

The second study will develop and apply preservation and processing technologies for horticultural crops, particularly tomatoes. It aims to reduce post-harvest losses, which results from overproduction, by ensuring that at least 90% of excess produce is preserved and/or processed. This can lead to increased out-of-season availability and consumption of tomatoes, improved farm-household nutrition, improved storage capacities and increased storage periods. Marketing of tomatoes can also be increased as it will be easier to improve packaging and labeling for more attractive products. The project is also expected to provide relevant information and basis for recommendations on suitable tomato varieties for preservation and value addition through processing.

Activities

• Development of post-harvest storage technologies for horticultural produce with regards to maturity stage, potential shelf life and response to temperature
• Development of processing technologies for horticultural crops, specifically tomatoes, with regards to product yield and quality

Partners (2)

• Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (Malawi)
• National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science (Korea)

To develop an effective and safe platform for the production of animal recombinant pharmaceutical proteins using a plant expression system

The Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute, fever-causing viral disease that affects humans and domestic animals such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and camels in most countries of the African continent. Unfortunately, no safe and efficient vaccines for veterinary use are available and a possible outbreak in Morocco will have a dramatic socio-economic impact.

Advancements in molecular biology have led to the development of new areas like plant molecular farming (PMF). This project aims to produce large-scale veterinary vaccines (immunogenic proteins) using the hairy root system to overcome potential incidence of RVF in Morocco. Korean expertise and support on biotechnology, more specifically on PMF, will improve the capabilities of INRA scientists and accelerate the integration of biotechnology tools in agricultural research.

Activities

• Production of an efficient vaccine against the RVF virus
• Sequencing of RVF genes and development of vector constructs
• Development and patenting of an efficient hairy root system for biopharmaceutical production
• Expression of immunogenic proteins from the RVF virus in the plant hairy root system
• Publication of at least three scientific papers

Partners (2)

• National Institute of Agronomic Research (Morocco)
• National Academy of Agricultural Science (Korea)

To improve rice quality to export standard

Rice is both a staple food and a cash crop in Nigeria where all agro-ecological zones are suitable for rice cultivation. However, production is not enough and annual rice importation costs about $500 M, about 70% of the country’s total food imports. Rice paddy production in 2009 was 4.08 metric tons, and the combined installed capacity of small, medium and large scale rice processing mills is about 50% of the paddy production output.

To provide an expanded domestic market for paddy producers and encourage increased paddy production and related employment and wealth creation, processing infrastructures for value addition that meets international product quality standards need to be established. This can be achieved by conducting an accelerated research, through this project, on appropriate infrastructures and technologies, promotion of such infrastructures and technologies and human capacity development.

Activities

• Design and layout of harvest, storage and post-harvest loss assessment experiments
• Sourcing and evaluation of cost-effective machines for harvesting and post-harvest processing
• Validation of the effectiveness of technologies and machines on farm
• Sourcing and evaluation of value-added products from rice and wastes from harvesting and milling
• Training of farmers on mechanization, best post-harvest practices and value addition

Partners (2)

• National Food Reserve Agency (Nigeria)/li>
• National Academy of Agricultural Science (Korea)

To participate in the national program to achieve rice self-sufficiency by increasing rice production using new rice varieties with high yield, good grain quality and adapted to Senegalese conditions

Senegal imports around 2/3 of its rice requirements, hence, the government developed a national program to achieve rice self-sufficiency by 2012. This project is a complementary initiative to this government program.

Through this project, nine Korean rice varieties will be evaluated for agronomic characters and will be crossed with local check varieties to develop new lines. Markers for high yield, good grain quality and cold tolerance shall be used to identify the best lines. Participative varietal selection will be adopted to enhance dissemination and transfer of technology to Senegalese farmers. Moreover, this project will facilitate an organized exchange of new technologies between Korea (RDA) and Senegal (ISAR). An impact assessment of the new varieties on farmers’ rice production shall be done to measure the project’s success.

Activities

• Evaluation of the agronomic characters of nine Korean rice varieties in the Senegal River Valley
• Incorporation of desired agronomic characters of Korean varieties into local check varieties
• Marker assisted breeding for best varieties with high yield, good grain quality and cold tolerance
• Development and dissemination of new varieties with high yield and good grain quality
• Achieving twice a year rice planting and production per year using new cold tolerant varieties
• Impact assessment of new varieties in farmers’ rice production

Partners (2)

• Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research (Senegal)
• National Academy of Agricultural Science (Korea)

To enhance the introduction and promotion of commercial soybean production in rainfed and irrigated farms in Sudan

To introduce and promote commercial soybean production in Sudan, this project will develop improved and high-yielding soybean varieties suitable for rainfed and irrigated farming in the country. Major activities include the development of improved soybean varieties suitable for rainfed and irrigated farming and development and evaluation of soybean crosses and germplasm collection.

The project will be conducted in ten rainfed and irrigated areas where environmental conditions and farming systems exhibit potential for growing soybean. Promising varieties from each farming system will be released as new improved varieties, and introduced and distributed to local farmers. Farm variety demonstration and soybean food processing shall also be conducted in collaboration with local extension staff and farmers

Activities

• Evaluation of 33 soybean germplasm
• Development of soybean crosses and advanced backcross populations
• Evaluation of soybean varieties under rainfed and irrigated farming
• Verification and demonstration of the performance of improved soybean varieties on farm
• Distribution of seeds of improved varieties to local farmers
• Quality analysis of soybean oil and protein content
• Statistical analysis of phenotypic and genotypic data

Partners (2)

• Ministry of Agriculture (Sudan)
• National Institute of Crop Science (Korea)

To Improve Drought Tolerance
To estimate the levels of nucleotide diversity and linkage disequilibrium, and develop informative SNP DNA markers towards drought tolerance improvement in olives

Olive cultivation plays a vital role in the social and economic life of Tunisia as it accounts for nearly 15% of the total value of final agricultural production. International trade in olive oil takes up 50% of total agricultural exports and 5.5% of aggregate exports.

The arid and semi-arid areas in Tunisia are subjected to variability in soil moisture dynamics, especially during summer periods characterized by low air humidity, high solar radiation and high rate of evapo-transpiration. Due to the high genetic diversity of the species, olive cultivars have varying levels of drought tolerance and response to water stress.

Hence, this project shall apply the linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping method in evaluating the response to physiological stress of commercial olive varieties

Activities

• Selection of a significant number of cultivars representative of Tunisia’s geographic olive areas
• Physiological characterization and molecular analysis
• Statistical analysis and validation of results of field trials
• Application of SNPs as molecular markers on olive progenies and other Tunisian cultivars

Partners (2)

• Institution for Agricultural Research and Higher Education (Tunisia)
• National Academy of Agricultural Science (Korea)

To develop aflatoxin resistant maize varieties with desired characters and contribute to poverty alleviation and food security through increased production and productivity of maize

Aflatoxins are highly toxic and carcinogenic compounds produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus on crops such as maize. In maize production, the host resistance strategy has gained prominence because of advances in the identification of natural resistance traits. However, maize resistance to aflatoxin contamination is polygenic and complex, therefore, markers need to be identified to facilitate the transfer of resistance traits into agronomically viable genetic backgrounds while limiting the transfer of undesirable traits.

In Uganda, major maize areas are still planted to unimproved, susceptible and low yielding varieties, and the productivity of some earlier released varieties is decreasing due to new challenges such as drought and low soil fertility compounded by high input costs. This project shall develop and release at least two improved aflatoxin resistant maize varieties with higher yields, tolerance to drought, resistance to storage weevils and foliar diseases, and adapted to mid-altitude maize ecology.

Activities

• Determination of the diversity and prevalence of Aspergillus spp. in maize growing areas of Uganda
• Determination of the genetic basis of resistance to A. flavus in diallel crosses between locally adapted and exotic inbred lines
• Farmer participatory approaches to evaluate aflatoxin resistant hybrids

Partners (2)

• National Crops Resources Research Institute (Uganda)
• National Academy of Agricultural Science (Korea)

To maximize smallholder farmers’ soybean production through mechanization

Soybean production in Zimbabwe has declined in the past decade, and the country is now a net importer of soybeans and soybean products. Shortage of farm machinery on most farms is a major constraint to soybean productivity, especially for smallholder farmers who constitute about 75% of total farming population. Introducing soybean production technologies such as mechanization will be beneficial as it brings forth higher yields and more efficient land utilization.

This project seeks to enhance national food security through increased agricultural production, and increase the overall export potential of produce from Zimbabwe's farming communities as a contribution towards self sustenance. The thrust of the project entails identifying Korean mechanization technologies and tapping RDA experience and expertise towards adapting them in Zimbabwe. This three-year project has four distinct phases that include research and development, preliminary trials, pilot farm trials and dissemination of project outputs.

Activities

• Comparative analysis between conventional and advanced technologies
• Performance evaluation and modification of technologies to suit local conditions
• Soybean cultivation using a mechanized system
• Provision of affordable equipment for agriculture-led industrialization
• Application of advanced post-harvest technologies
• Evaluation of the efficiency of new technologies

Partners (2)

• Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (Zimbabwe)
• National Academy of Agricultural Science (Korea)

To provide the necessary basis for developing breed improvement as well as conservation program facilitating the compilation, organization and dissemination of information on the status of country based indigenous farm animal genetic resources.

Duration

• December 2012 – December 2015

Participating countries

• KAFACI member countries

Project Activities

• Planning meeting, 22-24 July 2013, Nairobi, Kenya
• Workshop, 10-11 November 2015, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Develop a web-based electronic platform
• Publish table book

Output

• Country based domestic animal genetic resource information system homepage: http://dagris.info
• Publish illustrated indigenous animal book (scheduled in early 2016)

Outcome

• Development the system which has facility and functionality to capture comprehensive and reliable information on genetic characteristics, productivity and utilization on African livestock.
• Integration of the network of livestock genetic resources among African countries.

To build capacity of young scientist on agriculture research and extension and strengthen research network among KAFACI member countries

Duration

• October 2019 ~ April 2020

Participating countries

• Ghana, Uganda *3 scientists are from Uganda

Progress

• On June 25 2019, KAFACI sent the plan of 2019 Young Scientist Pilot Research Project to all the member countries through
  RPs and FPs and requested CVs and project proposals of candidates
• KAFACI requested proposals for 3 specified topics and 3 general topics:
  ① Research on Improvement of Productivity and Quality for Wheat and Barley in Response to Global Warming.
  ② Development of Safety Management Technology on Organic Pollutants; and Technical Process on DNA Barcoding of Plant Parasitic Nematode.
  ③ Technical Process on DNA Barcoding of Plant Parasitic Nematode.
  ④ Open Research Proposal (three people)
  
• A total of 92 project proposals from 14 countries were received during the application period from June 25 to July 15, 2019.
  
• KAFACI selected three candidates under each specified project and two under general topic. However, one of the candidates from
  Kenya failed to take up the offer due to personal reasons.
  
• The selected young scientists had an orientation during the first week of their arrival. Then they were deployed to their various research institutes in the second week (October 21st).
  
• The four scientists are currently conducting research at RDA and they already submitted their interim reports on February 3 2020.
  

To build capacity of young scientist on agriculture research and extension and strengthen research network among KAFACI member countries

Duration

• August 2017 ~ July 2019

Participating countries

• Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rewanda, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Research Project list

• 1. Basic Agricultural Science
  - Collection and genetic profiling of sunflower, rape seeds, soybean, linseed and safflower germplasm in Kenya
  - Enhanced local barley genetic improvement through introgression of useful traits from distant sources (Tunisia)
• 2. Horticulture
  - Development and dissemination of appropriate postharvest technologies of major horticultural crops for small scale farmers in Rwanda
  - Investigation of low cost on farm cold storage techniques for adoption by small scale tomato farmers in Zimbabwe
• 3. Livestock
  - Production, assessment and valorization of rice and sugarcane agricultural and agro industrial byproducts as food for ruminants in the department of Dagana (Senegal)
  - Development of Hydroponic fodder system for poultry feed (Zimbabwe)
• 4. Agricultural Extension
  - Sensitization of Small scale farmers and pesticides sellers on appropriate handling practices of agro-based pesticides in Ghana
  - Improving networking among participating countries for enhancing information sharing through innovative technologies(ICT)/methods information communication (Nigeria)
• 5. Food crops
  - Development of high yielding rice varieties tolerant/resistant to blast, drought, and low nitrogen (Uganda)
  - Intensification of farming techniques resilient to global warming: maize/cow pea association in real situation of farming in northern Côte d’Ivoire

Enhance management between member countries for efficient promotion of KAFACI project and network activities

Duration

• 1 year

Activities

• - Support research for agricultural development
  - Support coordination of KAFACI workshop, meeting, training
  - Support management of KAFACI web site
  - Publish KAFACI publications (annual report, brochures, etc.)
    Managing network between KAFACI member countries

CFP list

• 1^st CFP (June 2016 ~ May 2017)
  - Mr. Isaiah Samukupe, Scientific and Industrial Research Development Centre (SIRDC), Zimbabwe
• 2^nd CFP (March 2018 ~ February 2019)
  - Mr. Moses Buregyeya, National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda

To reduce postharvest losses and improve quality of horticultural crops through application/implementation of improved postharvest handling manual

Duration

• February 1st , 2018 – January 31st , 2021 (3 years)

Participating countries

• Cameroon, Comoros, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 1^st year
  - Application of the postharvest manual in the target area
  - Workshop
• 2^nd year
  - Adaption of development manual
  - Workshop
• 3^rd year
  - Dissemination of Practical manual
  - Planning Meeting
  - Monitoring and Evaluation