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The Establishment of an Immediate Rice Variety Development System using Anther Culture and Citizen Science

Bioresources

Republic of Zambia

The Establishment of an Immediate Rice Variety Development System using Anther Culture and Citizen Science

Collaboration Between Farmers and Scientists Enables Rapid Development and Dissemination of Rice Varieties!

Principal Investigator

- Prof.
  KONDO Takumi
  Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University
- Principal Agricultural Research Officer
  Mr. Musika CHITAMBI
  Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI)

ODA Recipient Country

Republic of Zambia

Research Institutions in Japan

Hokkaido University / University of Ryukyus/Tokyo University of Agriculture / Tohoku University / Rakuno Gakuen University / Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences

Research Institutions in Counterpart Country

Zambia Agricultural Research Institute / University of Zambia

Adoption fiscal year

FY 2022

Research Period

5 Years

Overview of the Research Project

Building an Immediate Rice Variety Development System through Anther Culture and Citizen Science
Similar to other Sub-Saharan African countries, Zambia has a majority of its population residing in rural areas, with a significant portion living in poverty. The country is experiencing a rapid increase in rice demand, presenting an opportunity to enhance farm income through the promotion of rice cultivation. In agricultural technology development, sustainability and alignment with the local natural, social and economic environment are crucial. This research aims to establish a system for immediate rice variety development and dissemination that adapts to the local natural, social and economic conditions. By combining citizen science by active participation of farmers who are capable innovator, anther culture and basic technology of breeding, we seek to create a system that addresses the evolving needs of the local natural, social and economic conditions.

Contributing to the Establishment of a Short-Term Rice Breeding System in Africa
The immediate rice variety development system being established in the Republic of Zambia is expected to extend to other Sub-Saharan African countries. Through short-term rice variety breeding, promising breeding lines that qualify as candidates for variety registration will be consistently developed. This will also facilitate agricultural development and activities based on these breeding lines, contributing to poverty reduction in rural areas.