“These scientists can now make quicker decisions about plant breeding, leading to higher nutrient content,” said Howard-Yana Shapiro, chief agricultural officer with Mars Incorporated in a an article on SciDev.Net.

Shapiro was speaking about the first batch of 21 graduates from the African Plant Breeding Academy (hosted by the World Agroforestry Centre in Nairobi, Kenya) who are expected to make a major contribution to food security in their respective countries.

“I have very high expectations that the intensive training they received in genetics, statistics and plant breeding will produce enormous benefits for their countries through new DNA technology and improved cultivars for farmers,” said Rita Mumm, Director of the Illinois Plant Breeding Center and facilitator of the training.

The academy is an initiative of the African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC) which is seeking to sequence the genomes of 101 traditional African plants. ‘Orphan crops’ are those which have received little scientific attention despite having importance in the diet and nutrition of local communities.

Tony Simons, Director General of the World Agroforestry Centre explained that the academy will train 250 African plant breeders over the next 5 years. He explained how, in particular, female scientists will be encouraged to participate.

“Gender has a major role in food production and marketing,” explained Simons. “We seek to promote equality and build synergy where men, women, boys and girls work as equals together enhancing science and technology opportunities for development.”

Read the full story: New plant breeders trained to transform ‘orphan’ crops

Find out more about the African Plant Breeding Academy

See a segment on orphan crops in Al Jazeera English’s Innovate Africa program (from 07.05-13.50 minutes): http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/innovate-africa/2014/11/transforming-food-20141117151248500352.html