Scientists have agreed to increase inputs in discovering and conserving yam diversity and aim to upscale the progress made over the years in yam research as a crop widely consumed in Africa. They reached this consensus during a yam genetics and omics research workshop at IITA–CGIAR in Ibadan from 9 to 11 November.
The three-day event, attended by 50 participants, was organized by a research group linkage program sponsored by the Alexander von Humboldt (AvH) Foundation and gave scientists from Germany, IITA, and the University of Ibadan the opportunity to deliberate on vital areas of yam research, including diversity and evolution, conservation of genetic resources, yam breeding, bioactive agent and drugs research, and practical sessions on gene expression analysis.