African dryland network to help farmers with climate smart crops

In view of climate change impact on soil and crops, about eight dryland crops in Nigeria have been slated for improvement intervention in order to support farmers facing weather related challenges.

The crops to be improved upon in order to withstand climate change vagaries are sorghum, pearl millet, cowpea, groundnut, chickpea, pigeon pea and finger millet. Said Dr. Maryam Dawud a plant breeder for Lake Chad Research Institute.

To achieve this, the African Dryland Crop Improvement Network ( ADCIN) has brought together 200 plant researchers across the 18 countries of the black continent to work together towards providing breeding solutions for farmers facing drought, heat, rainfall patterns and other associated dryland Agricultural challenges.

The Dryland network according to privileged information from a reliable source had already supported African scientists through visiting awards, students' awards with group training and infrastructural support.