From groundbreaking research to a potato breeding renaissance in Rwanda; from a new corporate strategy to the illustrious careers of outstanding scientists, 2019 was a year of impact, reflection and reinvention. Dive into our ten most read stories of the year and learn how CIP is paving the wave for a more food secure world in the decade to come.
Rooting out hunger in Malawi through better potato varieties
Late blight disease devastated potato crops in Malawi. Now, model farmers are showing people in their communities how five improved disease-resistant potato varieties will deliver when traditional varieties fail.
Q&A with Jim Bradeen on the role of crop wild relatives and food security
Genetic variation is needed to improve the resilience of future potato varieties. University of Minnesota Head of Plant Pathology, Dr. Jim Bradeen, shares insights on understanding the role that the genetic diversity of crop wild relatives can play in global food security.
Study endorses processing of biofortified sweetpotato-based baby food in reducing malnutrition
Orange-fleshed sweetpotato infuses childhood with nutrition. Research indicates that baby food made from biofortified sweetpotato has great potential for reducing vitamin A deficiency in young children.
Policy, people and potatoes in Kenya
Only 4 to 5 percent of seed potato planted in Kenya is certified. New regulations for the production and sale of planting material for potato and other vegetatively-propagated crops in Kenya aim to help farmers plant better seeds.
From smallholders to entrepreneurs, growing farmer resilience through farmer business schools
A farmer renaissance in the Philippines has transformed smallholders into market players. An innovative Farmer Business School approach equips enterprising farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to add value to their crops and offer new products to the local market.
Four agricultural innovations putting women ahead
Agricultural innovations are helping build more inclusive food systems in Africa. These 4 innovations are helping women improve their families’ nutrition and incomes.
CIP revises its strategy and corporate plan to deliver impact at scale
A rising demand for food in low- and middle-income countries opens up opportunities for farms and related businesses. CIP’s revised corporate strategy aims to help ensure hundreds of millions of resource-constrained, small-scale farmers, processors and marketers benefit from these opportunities while addressing environmental and other challenges.
Rwanda set to release first new potato varieties in almost three decades
Rwanda saw a resurgence in its potato breeding program with the planned release of five new potato varieties with higher yield potential and resistance to late blight than the ones currently grown. They will be the first new potato varieties released in the country in almost 30 years.
Biotech potato keeps Late Blight disease in check, new study finds
A study conducted in Uganda by CIP and the Ugandan National Agricultural Research Organization found that potatoes with resistance genes from the potato’s wild relatives are completely resistant to late blight disease, offering new hope for farmers.
CIP bestows scientist emeritus status on three outstanding researchers
Our most read story of the year was about celebrating the scientific contributions of three scientists: Dr. David Ellis, genebank director emeritus, Alberto Salas, an agronomist who collected much of the genebank’s potatoes and wild relatives, and Dr. Andre Devaux. CIP’s former regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
