Roots, Tubers and Banana (RTB) Breeding builds upon capacities in African countries as well as those within CGIAR that were developed through extensive prior BMGF breeding investments such as (Accelerated) Breeding Better Bananas, GT4SP, NextGen Cassava, RTBFoods, SASHA, SweetGAINS, Africa Yam and Excellence in Breeding. Moreover, we will build upon assets, infrastructure and human talent posted at several CGIAR centers and national programs in SSA countries, research, development and extension programs, and advanced research institutions.
The three CGIAR centers (CIP, IITA, and CIAT) will work as one team united by a common vision and strong sense of purpose, and the progress achieved through multiple, extensive prior BMGF breeding investments. Furthermore, they have already worked together in the CGIAR Research Program RTB, participated at each other’s annual meetings and other scientific venues such as shared training events.