The Seed Biotechnology Center at the University of California Davis, has organized a professional development course to teach the latest principles in plant breeding to Africa’s top plant breeders. In collaboration with NEPAD (The New Partnership for Africa’s Development) and the African Orphan Crops Consortium, the UC Davis African Plant Breeding Academy launched the first of four classes in Nairobi, Kenya in December 2013. The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) provides administrative support to the academy to conduct its programs.

The goal of the AfPBA is to train practicing African plant breeders in the most advanced plant breeding theory and technologies, to support critical decisions in crop improvement schema.  The course covers the latest concepts in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, statistics and experimental design. It includes training on trait evaluation and the development of appropriate strategies for integrating genomics into breeding programs. The instructors are internationally recognized experts in plant breeding.

The course targets plant breeders currently managing crop improvement programs in Africa.  Attendees are invited on a full scholarship basis and are allowed to work on any African crop. Each class is limited to 30 participants.

In collaboration with The African Union New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Agency and the African Orphan Crops Consortium (http://www.africanorphancrops.org), the University of California, Davis is opening registration for Class III of the African Plant Breeding Academysm. For more information see  http://pba.ucdavis.edu/PBA_in_Africa/Africa_Plant_Breeding_Academy_Class_IV/