1. Context and rationale

   The conservation, characterization and transformation of genetic resources are crucial to meeting the needs of breeders for present and future generations. The chance of satisfying demand can only be obtained with a high level of genetic diversity. “Orphan” refers to plants cultivated underutilized on small scales, without cultivation techniques proven by scientific research and not subject to industrial processing. But considering the agronomic and nutritional potential, the promotion of these crops can contribute to sustainable development and food and nutritional security.
   
   
   To achieve the productivity and transformation objectives, a team made up of 6 universities including 5 African universities and a Belgian university as part of a call for projects launched by the European Union entitled “Call-NDCI - MOBAF – 2023 (Intra- Africa Academic Mobility Scheme) successfully tendered. For Africa, they are the Nangui Abrogoua University in partnership with the University of Abomey-Calavi (Benin), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and technology (Kenya), Ebonyi state university (Nigeria), University of Zimbabwe and the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium).
   
   The general objective of the project is to train competent executives at Masters and Doctorate level as well as trainees in genetic improvement of plant species and processing of agricultural products. This is part of an intra-African mobility scheme in partner universities. Modern agricultural systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) depend on 1% of the diversity of crops available to feed 60% of the population. The alarming food and nutrition security problem caused by population growth in SSA and compounded by the negative effects of climate change on agri-food systems calls for innovative approaches to combat food and nutrition insecurity in the region. Yet the SSA is endowed with a high diversity of species known as orphan crops that have the potential to address food shortages caused by climate change due to their adaptability and nutritional value in agricultural systems at low inputs. Unfortunately, despite their potential, they have benefited from very limited modern scientific and technological advances. Training PhD and Masters students as well as interns in suitable institutions that can employ graduates is a solid approach to supporting the promotion of orphan cultures.
   
   The ORPHAN project entitled "Mobility of highly qualified scientists and entrepreneurs on orphan crops in higher education for solutions to climate change in Africa" ​​aims to: 1) Train 12 high-level PhD holders, 32 Masters graduates, 10 academic staff and 10 interns with skills in plant breeding, food technology and nutrition to address current and future challenges related to climate change and agri-food systems with a focus on promising orphan plant species from Africa; 2) Harmonize training and research programs on improving the value chain of orphan crops for food and nutritional security in Africa; 3) Enhance the national – regional – international collaboration and programmatic agenda that promotes research on orphan crops and training for innovative agriculture in Africa through interregional mobility. ORPHAN will be implemented from 2024 to 2027.
   
   It is in this context that a call for applications was launched on May 22, 2024 to select Master and Doctorate students in the specialties of genetics, agronomy and nutrition. This call ended on July 12, 2024.
   These terms of reference specify the practical arrangements for this workshop.

2. Objective

   The main objective of this workshop is to officially start the OPHAN CROPS project by selecting the students who responded to the call for applications.

3. Expected result

   At the end of this workshop, 12 PhD students and 16 Masters students are selected for their training in the corsortium’s target universities.

4. Date

   To Aug. 26, 2024 At Aug. 30, 2024

5. Place

   University of Nangui ABROGOUA

6. Participant

   The workshop will bring together 75 participants on the first day and 35 on the last two days.

Contact

1. Prof Kevin Kouamé Koffi: +225 0709872698
2. Dr (MC) Roger Brou Konan: +225 0707660190
3. Dr Michelle Chia Angui: +225 0707548323
4. Madame Lasme Koffi Mariette: +225 0707834270