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Herald Reporter

ZIMBABWE will host the next African Plant Breeders Association (APBA) conference in 2025 to discuss improving crops and enhance the seed sector.

This will lead to sustainable agricultural practices, food and nutrition security, and improved livelihoods across the continent. 

The acceptance of the Zimbabwean bid to host the next conference was announced during the just ended APBA 2023 conference in Morocco last month.

Plant breeding associations such as the Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association (ZPBA) and the African Plant Breeders Association (APBA) are committed to practical solutions, capacity building, and problem-solving, leading to long-term strategic development in the plant improvement field.

The conferences provide a unique platform for plant breeders, researchers, students, private companies, and policymakers to network, exchange knowledge, discuss research findings, and showcase achievements.

Kutsaga chief executive and president of ZPBA, Dr Frank Magama, indicated that efforts are underway to attract potential donors for the 2025 conference.

“Zimbabwe is excited and ready to host the event in the magnificent Victoria Falls. We received significant support from the Government of Zimbabwe, specifically the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority,” he said.

Zimbabwean agricultural scientists who participated in Morocco in high level discussions who deserve special recognition were Dr Claid Mujaju who gave a keynote address on seed systems and germplasm conservation, Dr Vimbai Chimonyo, Ms Ronica Mukaro, Dr Godwill Makunde, Dr Lenin Musundire, Dr Godfrey Chigeza, Prof John Derera, Prof Pangirai Tongoona, Dr Oswell Ndoro, Dr Rufaro Madakadze, Dr Mujaju and Prof Julia Sibiya participated in a panel discussion. 

Following proceedings were students like Mr Tinovonga Gonhi as well as seasoned professionals like Dr Catherine Ziyomo, Dr Sydney Mavengahama, Dr Kingstone Mashingaidze, and Ms O. Mavankeni.

Prof Sibiya was elected as the new president of APBA, demonstrating her leadership and recognition within the plant breeding continental community while Mr Dean Muungani assumed the role of the new general secretary, further highlighting Zimbabwe’s influence in the organisation.

“I am truly grateful to the APBA members for placing their trust and confidence in me to serve as the next president for the 2023-2025 term. 

“I do not take the responsibility lightly and I promise to work with the plant breeders from all countries, institutions, private and public sector in finding solutions to the global challenges we are facing in the agricultural sector and contribute to solving the food security issues. I’m looking forward to working with the ZPBA in organising the 4th APBA Conference in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe,’’ she said.

The conference also recognised the remarkable achievements of two renowned Zimbabwean scientists. Prof Pangirayi Tongoona received an award for his outstanding contributions to training plant breeders in Africa, leadership, and research.

Dr Rufaro Madakadze was honoured for her significant role in establishing APBA and her unwavering support for plant breeding training in Africa. These accolades underscore the profound impact Zimbabwean scientists have made in advancing agricultural research and development on the continent.

Four Zimbabwean scientists who were elected or received awards include Prof Sibiya, a leading plant breeding expert, and the current Dean and Head of School (Acting) of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa.

Mr Muungani, who is currently serving as a product manager for grain crops at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), is a Zimbabwean expert in plant breeding and seed systems.

 He was instrumental in the formation of the ZPBA in 2016 serving as its president from 2018 to 2019, and the formation of the APBA in 2019 and has been serving as an executive committee member. He was recently elected to the position of general secretary for the APBA at the recently concluded biennial congress in Marrakech, Morocco.

“I am deeply grateful to the APBA for granting me this remarkable opportunity. I am equally thrilled by the news that the ZPBA will be hosting the esteemed APBA conference in Zimbabwe. 

“This highly anticipated event provides our scientists with an invaluable opportunity to gain insights from cutting-edge global research in plant breeding and related fields, while also fostering connections with renowned scientists from around the world. 

“Moreover, it offers international scientists a chance to explore Zimbabwe’s scientific advancements and tourism attractions,” he said.

Prof Pangirayi Tongoona is a highly accomplished and influential figure in plant breeding and genetics. He played a key role in the release of three maize hybrids in 2017 while leading the plant breeding team at WACCI, UG. 

Prof Tongoona has been invited as a visiting researcher to renowned institutions such as Michigan State University, Cornell University, Purdue University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Botswana.

“I am thrilled that the ZPBA has emerged victorious in its bid to host the esteemed APBA conference in 2025, set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria Falls. 

“This triumph opens the door to a momentous occasion where researchers from across Africa and beyond will convene to exchange their extensive knowledge and experiences in genetics and crop improvement. Moreover, the conference promises to be a catalyst for bolstering tourism in Zimbabwe, showcasing its rich offerings to an international audience.”

Dr Rufaro Madakadze serves as a lead in capacity building and technical support in the seed systems programme at AGRA. 

She is a horticultural scientist specialising in seed science with a strong background in crop sciences, acquired through her studies at Michigan State University and the University of Guelph, Ontario. 

Dr Madakadze’s career includes teaching crop sciences at the University of Zululand, South Africa, and the University of Zimbabwe, where she also served as the chairperson of the Department of Crop Science.

“I was thrilled to receive the award, as it recognised the work I love: building capacity to empower African institutions and people, ultimately enhancing smallholder farmer food security and incomes. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to this cause, both in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and across the continent, through my work at AGRA,” she said.