Sustainable agricultural mechanization contributes significantly to the development of value chains and food systems as it has the potential to render pre-planting, postharvest, processing, and marketing activities and functions more efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly. However, to fully realize the benefits of mechanization, proper machinery maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance, which is needed for both productivity gains and climate change adaptation.
The IITA–CGIAR Research Farm Unit (RFU), in a collaborative effort with the CGIAR Genetic Innovation Breeding Resource Initiative team, hosted a Crops to End Hunger (CtEH) maintenance workshop at IITA’s headquarters in Ibadan from 23 to 27 September. This event was a platform for representatives from various CGIAR centers and National agricultural institutions across Africa to come together and share their expertise.
The workshop mapped out comprehensive strategies and a work plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of CtEH’s investment in infrastructure and equipment, supporting breeding programs to deliver improved varieties faster to farmers in Africa. Breeding and Research Services (BRS) Global Shared Services Lead Gustavo Teixeira led this meticulous planning process.
During the workshop, CGIAR Head of Breeding Programs John Derera and IITA Head of Breeding Programs Hapson Mushoriwa provided a comprehensive overview of the breeding programs under IITA and CGIAR. They emphasized the critical role of investments in the CtEH initiative and stressed the importance of proper maintenance to ensure long-term sustainability. Both leaders highlighted that continued investment and strategic management are essential for the success of these breeding programs in addressing food security challenges.
The workshop established key guidelines that will serve as a reference framework and sustainability strategy for institutions to adopt, fostering collaboration with other research organizations. These outcomes from the workshop are set to be applied across various institutions, ensuring the mid and long-term utilization of CtEH investments. This will reinforce breeding programs and promote sustainable agriculture by effectively delivering CGIAR innovations to smallholder farmers, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience.
IRRI Regional Breeding, Seed System, and Product Management Lead, Ajay Panchbhai, stressed the importance of revising operating manuals and standard operating procedures: “These documents must be adapted to ensure they are easily understood by institutional operators, enabling more effective implementation and adherence to guidelines, ultimately improving operational efficiency while contributing to the breeding programs and agricultural advancements,” he emphasized.
The five-day event was highlighted by discussions that developed high-level guidelines for understanding how different institutions operationalize maintenance and cost recovery mechanisms.
Contributed by Anita Akinyomade
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