Global crop improvement networks to bridge technology gaps

Abstract

To ensure future food security, there is an urgent need for improved co-ordination of agricultural research. While advances in biotechnology hold considerable promise, significant technology gaps exist that may reduce their impact. Examples include an incomplete knowledge of target breeding environments, a limited understanding and/or application of optimal crop management practices, and underfunded extension services. A better co-ordinated and more globalized approach to agricultural research through the implementation of Global Crop Improvement Networks (GCIN) is proposed. Such networks could underpin agricultural research and development by providing the following types of services: (i) increased resolution and precision of environmental information, including meteorological data, soil characteristics, hydrological data, and the identification of environmental 'hotspots' for a range of biotic, abiotic, and socio-economic constraints; (ii) augmented research capacity, including network-based variety and crop management trials, faster and more comprehensive diagnosis of emerging constraints, timely sharing of new technologies, opportunities to focus research efforts better by linking groups with similar productivity constraints and complementary skills, and greater control of experimental variables in field-based phenotyping; and (iii) increased communication and impacts via more effective dissemination of new ideas and products, the integration of information globally to elicit well-timed local responses to productivity threats, an increased profile, and the publicity of threats to food security. Such outputs would help target the translation of research from the laboratory into the field while bringing the constraints of rural communities closer to the scientific community. The GCIN could provide a lens which academia, science councils, and development agencies could use to focus in on themes of common interest, and working platforms to integrate novel research approaches on crop adaptation and rural development.

Climate-smart agriculture global research agenda: scientific basis for action

“…They also include networks for research and extension supported by Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa. Participatory breeding by farmers and other stakeholders will eventually be an essential way to advance this agenda [83,84].…”

Role of magnesium fertilisers in agriculture: plant–soil continuum

“…One of the major challenges for agriculture will be to maintain the crop yields in harsher environments (e.g. seasonal drought, heat and excess light energy) and/or enhance crop yields in more resourceefficient systems (Reynolds et al 2012). Minimising the 'yield gap' and increasing yield stability under different stress conditions are of strategic importance to guarantee food for the future (Cattivelli et al 2008).…”

Modelos de intermediación en la extensión agrícola

“…A pesar de los diferentes enfoques existentes (lineal o sistémico), Reynolds et al (2012) mencionan que se requiere cerrar las brechas entre la investigación agrícola y las necesidades de las comunidades rurales. Para ello, dentro del sistema de extensión agrícola existen organizaciones intermediarias que tienen como objetivo central mantener vínculos que generen beneficios entre productores y usuarios del conocimiento.…”

“…Despite the different approaches (linear or systemic), Reynolds et al (2012) report that is required to close the gaps between agricultural research and the needs of rural communities. To do this, within agricultural extension system there are intermediary organizations that have as main objective to maintain links that generate profits between producers and users of knowledge.…”

“…Para Cash (2001), los sistemas de extensión agrícola tienen dos retos comunes: vincular la ciencia a la toma de decisiones (horizontal), y la ciencia y la toma de decisiones a diferentes niveles de operación (vertical). El primer reto se relaciona con un enfoque lineal asociado a la perspectiva del cambio tecnológico (Stoneman and Diederen, 1994), mientras que el segundo tiene mayor relación con la innovación tecnológica bajo una orientación que Lundvall (2011) denomina sistema de innovación.A pesar de los diferentes enfoques existentes (lineal o sistémico), Reynolds et al (2012) mencionan que se requiere cerrar las brechas entre la investigación agrícola y las necesidades de las comunidades rurales. Para ello, dentro del sistema de extensión agrícola existen organizaciones intermediarias que tienen como objetivo central mantener vínculos que generen beneficios entre productores y usuarios del conocimiento.…”