Sorghum & Finger millets Breeding Process and capacity improvement conducted during 2024 in Zimbabwe

Capacity building: • Digitalisation of breeding programs enhanced efficiency and quality in breeding data collection & management. • Trained trialists built confidence in user-friendly tools & approaches availed for efficient planning and implementation of trials. • Financial staff & program leaders capacitated on grant management and budgetary controls. • Networking amongst the member countries which enables NAREs to build relationships that can continue beyond the project. Importance of increased collaboration: • Product Profile Development: Successful development of product profiles and market segments for our crops.• Expanded Outreach: Increased financial support has enabled the program to reach a wider audience of farmers and stakeholders.• Enhanced Product Promotion: Increased product promotion through demonstrations and seed fairs has led to greater adoption of our varieties.• Germplasm Regeneration: The program has been able to regenerate parent material for long-shelved varieties such as SV5 and SV6. • Introduction of New Materials: The introduction of new genetic materials shared with network member countries has been facilitated by increased collaboration. • Expanded Evaluation Network: Evaluations have been conducted in multiple locations, both on-farm and on-station. • Procurement of Essential Tools: The availability of financial support from the project has enabled the procurement of necessary tools and equipment.