Vegetatively propagated crop (VPC) seed tends to remain true to varietal type but is bulky, often carries disease, and is slow to produce. So VPC seed needs to be handled differently than that of other crops, e.g., it tends to be sourced locally, often must be fresh, and it is less often sold on the market. Hence, a framework was adapted to describe and support interventions in such seed systems. The framework was used with 13 case studies to understand VPC seed systems for roots, tubers, and bananas, including differing roles and sometimes conflicting goals of stakeholders, and to identify potential coordination breakdowns when actors fail to develop a shared understanding and vision. In this article, we review those case studies. The framework is a critical tool to (a) document VPC seed systems and build evidence; (b) diagnose and treat coordination breakdown and (c) guide decision-makers and donors on the design of more sustainable seed system interventions for VPCs. The framework can be used to analyze past interventions and will be useful for planning future VPC seed programs. ARTICLE HISTORY

An essential part in the concept of any emerging bioeconomy includes the sustainable use of biomass as a resource for industrial raw materials. Focusing on the increasing demand for natural fibers, it will be necessary to identify alternative sources without compromising food security. Here, untapped potential lies in the use of plantain residues. Yet, it is unclear how or whether this can be activated. This article investigates the current situation in Ghana as a major plantain producer in Africa. Based on data collected with participatory tools, expert interviews, and group discussions, we (i) assess predominant plantain production structures, (ii) derive a stakeholder network map identifying institutional challenges, and (iii) discuss the potential starting points for linking the supply side with the national or international fiber market. Results indicate that there is substantial interest of private enterprises for high quality fibers. Despite traditional knowledge, after fruit harvest the fiber rich plantain pseudostems usually remain in the field. From an institutional point of view, key stakeholders and structures exist that could boost the establishment of a sustainable plantain based fiber value web. Key to such an endeavor, however, would be to pilot activities, including technology transfer of suitable innovations from other countries.

Plantain is considered as a major staple food in Central and Western Africa with a production estimated at approximately 8 million tons (Lescot, 2007). But almost all small producers do not have access yet or do not use the innovations from research, and yields are thus very low. CARBAP (African Research Centre on Banana and Plantain) is a novel example of a regional research partnership for plantains and bananas across Western and Central Africa and particularly Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria. It links researchers, creates novel platforms, undertakes training and disseminates materials. It encourages mass propagation by farmers - after training, some 10 million new disease-resistant plants were spread to farms over two years. (Résumé d'auteur

The influence of harvesting stages and drying methods on fruit and seed quality of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.] cultivar Asontem was studied to determine the optimum stage of harvest and suitable drying method. The fruit length and diameter progressively increased and reached its peak at 30 days after anthesis by recording 9.50 and 2.83cm respectively and subsequently decreased slightly. The higher seed moisture content (46.5%) was obtained at the early harvesting stage (10 day after anthesis (DAA) and decreased to as low as 22.1% at 50 DAA. Seed maturation and quality parameters were highly significant (p=0.05) at different harvesting stages. Maximum seed dry weight (4.1 g) occurred at 40 DAA regardless of the drying method. Maximum standard germination (77.0%) occurred at 50 DAA when seed moisture content was lowest (22.1%). The optimum stage for harvesting fruit of okra cultivar Asontem for high seed germinability was found to be 40 days after anthesis, followed by shade drying fruits before seed extraction.

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This study was conducted to assess the computer and Internet usage as supplementary educational material to enhance quality education; help improve educational management and planning; how students use the computers and internet to facilitate their learning; how teachers in the Tema Senior High Schools use the computers and Internet to teach and guide students. Stratified sampling method was used to select students and teachers. The results showed that a significantly high percentage of respondent teachers (92%) were computer literate and 78% of respondent students also had basic knowledge in computer. However, less than 15% of these teachers used the internet as an innovative way of improving teaching and learning. Over 30% of the teachers used the computer mainly for research work. Less than 40% of student respondents used the computer and the Internet facility for entertainment, whereas less than 25% used it for research and learning. Less than 40% of respondent students used the Internet for e-mail and browsing. It was revealed that Internet and computers have helped students to achieve new things such as finishing assignments, solving problems, learning history of other countries, improving typing skills, and chatting with friends. There is no clear interaction between teachers and students through the use of Internet facilities. The Internet was not used for guidance. Despite the limited use of computers by teachers in their teaching, many agree that the computer has changed the way students learn. One fourth of teachers have received some form of training in the use of computers, with quite minimal training in the pedagogical integration of ICT. It appears that integration of ICT in Ghanaian school systems is a major step in promoting innovation.