In the context of climate change: Genetic resource policy and management strategies; and Integrated seed sector development

Focus of the training programme
Professional breeding, commercialisation and globalisation of food markets have resulted in the simplification of the range of crops cultivated in agricultural systems. This has led to an erosion of genetic resources and caused major concerns over future food and nutrition security and the vulnerability of agricultural systems towards pests, diseases and climate change. Various research and development programmes have addressed the topic of farmers’ and communities’ roles in the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity. Together with the importance placed on the recognition of intellectual property rights, this topic is being pushed towards the top of international development and biodiversity conservation agendas. Seed is the carrier of all genetic information of plants and forms the basis of crop production. Seed is a key issue in addressing agricultural development and food security, but also a commodity that can promote economic development and entrepreneurship. The concept of integrated seed sector development recognises that within both the farmer- and community-based productions systems, and also the formal public and private systems, different values are upheld and different conditions apply, which generate their own limitations for seed sector development.

Aims and objectives
The objective of the one course of the training programme is to enhance participants’ capabilities to more effectively manage plant genetic resource conservation programmes and to use various strategies to support the sustainable use of genetic resources, whilst the objective of the other course is to strengthen participants’ knowledge and capabilities to support the concept of integrated seed sector development. In both courses relevant policies receive special attention.

Training methods
The training programme provides the opportunity to learn from the broad range of international experience that is represented not only by our trainers, but also by fellow participants. Working in a task-oriented, interactive and experience-based forum, we facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience through a variety of formats, including: lectures; case studies; group discussions; assignments and fieldwork. The programme concludes with the development of proposals and action plans which integrate all course topics and relate them to the reality of the participants’ working situations.

Who can participate?
The training programme is designed for mid-career professionals working in genetic resource conservation or seed sector development, from policy, research, education or development arenas. Participants may be employed by ministries, research institutes, universities, companies, NGOs or other organisations with an agricultural development orientation. Applicants should have at least an MSc or equivalent in training and experience. They should have at least three years of professional experience in a relevant field and be proficient in English.

Programme
The programme consists of two three-week courses offered in parallel tracks, namely: 1) Genetic resource policy and management strategies, and 2) Integrated seed sector development. Additionally, workshops on special topics are organised in which the participants of both courses will come together. Based on professional interests and institutional needs, participants have to make a choice in which course to participate. Preference needs to be indicated on the online application form under “What is the practical use of this course for your work?” After the selection of participants in March 2012, Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation will announce the final programme.

For more information and registration please visit the website