ANNEX 4 – WORKSHOP REPORT AND PROGRAMME: Annual Project Planning

Workshop REPORT

Improvement of banana for smallholder farmers

in the Great Lakes Region of Africa

Annual Project Planning Meeting

Nelson Mandela -African Institution of Science and Technology

Arusha, Tanzania

2-5th May 2016

Minutes of the meeting

Day 1.- 2nd May 2016.

9: 00 AM.- Professor Prof. Lughano J. M. Kusiluka. Welcoming remarks

IITA is a member of the CGIAR consortium and the University is honored to be hosting an activity from this research institution; IITA is contributing to a long term objective of making the Nelson Mandela African Institution for Science and Technology (NM-AIST) a center for academia, research and innovation in the east and southern African region by the location of some of its research for development activities in the region at this centre. The presence and the participation of the Director of Science and Research of the MoA (Dr. Hussein Mansoor) in this conference is very much appreciated by the Chancellor of the NM-AIST University.

The support of the banana sector is crucial both for food security and for income generation in the region; banana should be preserved as the most important crop in the region. Currently Tanzania produces 15% of the regional production but this should be expanded and increased in order to enhance food security.

Pests and diseases are one of the main issues that the crop is dealing with and research must be conducted to boost production from its current production potential (9%). This meeting will be able to

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provide a solid forum for the interaction between scientists, practitioners and the steering committee in order to ensure that the final objectives of this project will be achieved.

Dr. Hussein Mansoor –Director of Research and Development- MoA- Introduced by Ylva Hilbur

Dr. Mansoor was appointed in August 2015 as the Director of Research & Development of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MoAL&F) of the Tanzanian government. Before his current position, he was the assistant director for crop research at the MoAL&F. He has a long standing experience working as a research coordinator in several projects in Tanzania related to soil health, soil management, and sustainable water usage and land degradation. He also holds a series of responsibilities in several National Institutions and plays a key role in other Regional Forum for strengthening and promotion of research and science in East Africa.

Dr. Hussein Mansoor’s Remarks

General acknowledgments are provided to the Tanzanian representatives of the government and IITA organizing committee. The MoAL&F welcomes all participants to the workshop and expresses its most sincere gratitude to the NM-AIST for hosting this meeting. Such workshops are paramount to ensure proper coordination and exchange of information among scientists participating in this project.

The NM-AIST has put science at the forefront of its priorities and mandate and has put banana research into the spotlight of regional research. Currently, 3.7 million small-holders in Tanzania live off the production of banana and it is one of the most important crops in the country. Consumption, at 250 kg/capita is amongst the highest consumption rates in the world and highlights the importance of this crop on food security in the region. Despite the importance of this crop, production has failed to increase and to cover the demands of the county. Yields have been declining during the last four decades and are actually at a 9% of their potential which is 5.7 MT/ha 6- MT/ha. Factors linked to a decline of productivity are mainly: i) use of poor agronomic practices (GAPs) by farmers; ii) poor genetic material available; and iii) limited capacity to control pests and diseases attacking this crop.

Bacterial wilt is one of the most important diseases and monitoring on this disease is currently being conducted at all levels. Farmers are encouraged to adopt GAPs in order to control such diseases; good progress has been done in the development of new banana varieties and on the management of pest and diseases, but still these are insufficient; positive steps have been taken already in his project but there is still a long way to go to ensure that the maximum production potentials for banana in the region are being achieved, specially for cooking bananas. The outcomes of this project should benefit small-holders and especially youth from the rural areas. It is important to ensure to promote adaptation of the banana crop to climate change.

The MoAL&F is grateful to IITA for the regional program established in Tanzania and for the undergoing activities, its close collaboration with the NARO Uganda and Tanzania (i.e. Horti-Tengeru) and with other international organizations. The participation of both international and national Universities it is also

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very important; integration of approaches and information exchange among the members of the research consortium is necessary in order to maximize the benefits, achieve the expected outcomes and ensure impact of this project. Participatory banana selection is crucial and farmers must play a key role on the development and scale-up of selected banana breeds in each participant county. The outcomes of the project will indeed help to achieve a sustainable increase of banana yields to achieve food security and combat climate change. All actors involved in the banana value chain are important to translate the project’s outcomes into an increase of production.

10:45 AM IITA East Africa Operations, Ylva Hilbur- IITA Deputy Director (presentation on behalf of Dr. Manyong- Introduction to partners on IITA)

HQ of IITA are located in Ibadan, Nigeria; the organization was created in 1967 and currently its projects are mainly being implemented in West and East Africa. IITA operates in four decentralized hubs located in West, Central, East and South Africa. IITA objectives for the period 2012-2020 are to: i) bring 11 million small holders out of poverty and; ii) rehabilitate 7.5 million ha of land into sustainable use. Aspects such as poverty reduction are being studied and analyzed by the Social Science Team and project components on Sustainable Land Use are tackled by the NRM team (this team is currently working on how to measure sustainable land use and what proxies could be used; this is done in coordination with researchers and other institutions from all over the world, and it is still a work in progress). The entry points for the establishment of activities in the sub-regions have been through the traditional mandate crops of IITA and linked to the agro-ecological zones in the areas of implementation; these are: cassava, yam, banana & plantain, cowpea, soybean and maize.

The IITA EA-Hub is covering 8 countries (approx. 250 mill people – 70% rural poor); the team is composed of 150 staff (incl. 30 international scientists) and encompasses a broad range of expertise. Plant health is a key thematic area of the EA-Hub (banana, cassava, vegetables -tomato) and breeding programs around these crops. Another focus is also on the processing of agricultural produce and on the improvement of small-holders’ business skills, postharvest management/ storage and food safety (i.e. local production of Aflasafe® that is being distributed in the region). IITA’s business Incubation Platform (BIP) based in Nigeria, builds up a bridge between research and dissemination; some o the products being produced by IITA in the BIP are: Nodumax® (inoculums for legume production) and GoSeeds® (foundation for breeding seed). IITA has also a strong focus on the Youth Agripreneurs; youth are being trained on agricultural value chains at IITA campus in order to gain skills and knowledge on several agricultural technological innovations that could help them to jump into this sector.

11:00 -11:10 AM. Remarks Scientific Committee- SC Chair Ylva Hilbur

The current project “Improvement of Banana for Smallholder Farmers in the Great Lakes Region of Africa” is a 5 year project funded by B&M Gates Foundation (B&M GF) and is built upon a multi-shareholder and interdisciplinary group; it is structured in 5 work packages (WP):

WP1.-Banana breeding pipeline- led by NARO.

WP2.- Pest and disease control- led by Stellenbosch University.

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WP3.- Leveraging Genetics- led by IITA.

WP4.- Regional testing- led by Bioversity.

WP5.- Harnessing Data- led by Cornell University.

Role and Responsibilities of the SC: Ensure that primary outcomes are delivered on time; a close linkage between the SAG and the WP leaders is worked out and to ensure that all the suggestions and recommendations are included in the current development of the project.

11:10-11:15 AM Remarks of the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) (Jane Gibbs)

During November 2015 the SAG had its first meeting on Skype to agree on how to work together and how to integrate their work, and the recommendations of the PL and the PM and the WP leaders. First personal interaction is actually happening during this workshop in Arusha. Unfortunately not all members of the SAG have been able to attend to this workshop.

11:15- 11:30 AM Remarks From Project Leader & Manager (Danny Coyne & Rony Swennen)

One of the main objectives of this workshop is to promote face to face interaction and facilitate familiarity among all the members participating in this project; after the working sessions, the entire team should have:

Clarity on reporting. Assess achievements up to date. Reasoning for under achievements and discuss mitigation measures. Appraise complementing projects/activities among WPs.

Team management members are:

Team Leader – Rony Swennen – Principal Investigator (PI) & Project Leader (PL) for technical Scola Ponera- Admin. Danny Coyne – Program Manager (PM), maintain project progress and support PL

Developments of the project over the last year have been:

All partners are now on board- all the banana breeding programs are together under this project now.

Contracts and funds have been dispatched; funds will be provided only after reports have been provided timely; efforts to avoid delays on disbursement of funds have to be achieved by all (see Rony’s session on day 2).

High number of students on board (PhD & MSc). There is now clarity on technical performance, but there is a need to make sure that under-

achievement is openly discussed and that mitigation measures can be put in place to minimize impact and report appropriately on the same to B&M GF.

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Communication is a key component of this project. It should be two-way process: providing communication and collecting information from the field.

11:30- 12:10 AM.- Communication presentation by FarmRadio (Karen Hampson)

FRI is an NGO based in Canada, and they work to ensure that small-scale farmers are reached with information that can help them to improve their productivity and their agronomic practices. The NGO works with already existing African Radios in order to ensure massive dissemination of new technologies; Farmers can also provide feedback to the radio; FR work is currently in: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It reaches 600 radio partners in 38 sub-Saharan Africa. The interactive radio project is based on:

Participatory Methods (interactive radio help farmers to learn, discuss and adopt). Proven techniques. Multi-stakeholder approach. Enhancing traditional extension.

Radio approaches:

Regular farmer program. Participatory radio series. Participatory radio campaign. Radio Marketplace. Reality radio. Radio drama. Listening Post.

Since 2010, the estimated number of farmers reached by radio has been 20 mill; increased knowledge among listeners has also been reported (farmers that do listen have 50% higher scores) and these are 5 times more likely to adapt new technologies if these have been featured in the a radio broadcast. The organization also creates capacity building on the broadcasting technology itself to local radio-stations.

Integration of an ICT Innovation system: a two-way communication (information sent back and forth to and from farmers); this is done at a very low cost (sometimes at zero cost) and can help to provide immediate feedback at a large scale on some of the information required- could be very useful for data collection on baselines. FRI has also developed coverage maps to understand from where the information is being collected, and this can be matched to any type of map (i.e. crops, geographical, etc). Reaching 1 farmer is less than 1 US$ (per year per farmer). For data collection from the farmers ordinary mobile phones can function and there is often no need of androids or smart phones.

There is also a provision of technical support by recognized technical agriculture/research institutions at the radio program so the correct feedback is provided to farmers. Surveys indicate that at least 80% of HH do have a radio; specificities on what time, when and/or what radio station is being listened in a

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specific area depends upon the HH and on the village; therefore RF conducts surveys on the local preference on broadcasts information accordingly. Whatsapp is also being used at the moment: farmers are recording messages and these are sent back to FR for broadcast as well.

Action points: From the workshop’s participants there is a positive feedback and a request to see if the project could benefit from this tool and if there is a session to brainstorm on this and the possibility of having a separate budget on the same. Danny stated that FarmRadio were invited to highlight the different ways communication methods can be used and perhaps could potentially be part of the communication and how could they help the project to generate information. This will be discussed at the SC meeting.

Afternoon session 14:00 to 17:00; Work package update reports

WP1. Jerome (NARO- Uganda) (see also individual reports/presentations)

Main outcome expected on WP1: Matoke & Mchare breeding pipeline performance increased by 15-20%.

Progress to date:

Tests conducted to determine fertility of different cultivars. Improve pollination by manipulating floral structures- results seem to indicate that this is

feasible, although these are preliminary observations (more observations are on-going). The impact on seed production still is under assessment.

Matoke: 30 available1 lines of Matoke diploids have been planted and data collection has started on

these, and this will have to continue in the next phase. Expecting material from EMBRAPA (to be confirmed) to improve the genetic quality.

Trials established (0.5 ha) EET of 550 diploid hybrids from 2x – 2x crosses. 3,663 diploid hybrid seeds from 2x – 2x crosses. 1,161 diploid embryos. Blocks to test pollination on several Matoke hybrids established (3x -2x) crosses. Hybrid seeds have been produced from 4x-2x crosses. 1,360 out of 12,500 hybrids from 4x-2x crosses in EET conducted.

Mchare: 0.5 ha pollination blocks established and 2 selected fertile varieties.

Action points:

Stigma can be receptive before the flower opens, but the seed production can be improved and seed quality still needs to be tested and more data collected.

1 This number of diploids is what is available between NARO and IITA.

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Framework of the project is quite flexible so in the case that some outcomes may require more funding and effort for achievement, some modifications could be applied to ensure successful achievement of project.

Better GAPs/improved agronomic techniques have been identified as a cause of better production of seeds in Banana and IITA will continue exploring this line on the field trials established.

WP2. Pest and disease control- Stellenbosch Univ. (SA) (Altus Viljoen)

Main diseases and pest in East African Bananas:

Fusarium wilt. Sigatoka disease. Nematodes. Banana weevil.

Main outcome expected on WP2: Early identification of material resistant to the diseases (D) & pests (P) above.

Determine relevance of these D/P in EA (surveys in testing sites and collection characterization, Rapid ID methods).

Screen selected lines for resistance to D/P (EAHB hybrids, Mchare diploids, NARITA). Develop rapid screening methods (in vitro-screening + determine reliability of tests). Train technical staff and scientists (surveillance and screening).

Fusarium wilt (FW) surveys and data collection: FW characterization and marker development – there is a good picture of the genetic diversity of FW in the area. Molecular primers developed being used in multiplex system.

Sigatoka survey and data collection: survey on-going; Isolation successful and markers are being developed.

Nematodes: identification of Pratylenchus spp. and Radophulus spp. are being cultured in pots for the buildup of inoculums to ensure screening trials.

Challenges encountered:

Financial delay; there is a need to ensure that reports are being sent on time to IITA for compilation to M&B GF.

Technicalities: sufficient inoculums being obtained - Radophulus spp. does well at low altitudes-. And some field trials have to be done in already infested fields.

Delay of training of the technical staff has prevented the project to move further. Now this issue is sorted out.

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To complete before end of this year: complete sampling in the field, conduct surveys in the areas of implementation.

Project slightly delayed but this should not affect overall project’s objectives. WP2 is dependent on the outcomes of other packages, so this could delay a bit the outcomes.

Better coordination and clarity with other packages is needed. Students are already in place and all equipment procured. Protocols in place and now yielding results. All disease resistance are based on multiple gene resistance although some other researchers

may say it is single gene resistance. There is some controversy that yet needs to be clarified. Nematology- how to boost the nematology component? Collection of nematodes in Tanzania

has been done- need to discuss with Nessie Luambano in order to ensure that there are no overlaps but a complementary action on the same- especially related to the collection of samples and identification of species.

WP3.- Leveraging Genetics- Brigitte

Main outcome expected on WP3: Understand the genetics of F, N, W and development of predictive models for genetic improvement of banana.

Understanding the genetics of banana resistance to Fusarium wilt (Foc): Several challenges have been encountered by the research teams on the import/exchange of the mapping populations segregating for Fusarium. Therefore there is a delay on all the activities related to genetics of Foc. The team has been looking at the mapping populations being developed by IITA and NARO as alternatives. Three mapping populations have been identified, and these are being tested for segregation for Foc. In addition, the mapping population to come to Arusha from the UQ (200 genotypes plus the parental lines free) has been diagnosed negative of CMV. The population will soon be sent.

Understanding the genetics of banana resistance to nematode (Radopholus similis) and weevil: One of the mapping populations (Kasaska × Borneo –diploid parents) segregating for weevils and nematode resistance has been sent for genotyping to Cornell University (IGD- Institute of Genomic Diversity) for Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS). The GBS data are out. The original 40,000 SNPs were hand-cured to 5000 SNPs. However, the first mapping gave very long linkage groups (up to 5000 cM per LG). This was because of segregation distortion which was affecting more that 90 % of the markers. The raw sequence data is now going to be analyzed and aligned again with the support of the WP5 to get the right SNPs calling. Once the team will have the right sequences WP3 will be able to construct the linkage map and do QTL analysis using the available phenotypic data on weevil damage.

Fourteen parents of the mapping populations were tested for resistance to R. similis. The parents of the above-mentioned population (Kasaska × Borneo) were found contrasting (one is susceptible and another one resistant). Subsequently, segregation was tested in the offspring and their response ranged from “more resistant than Km5” to “more susceptible than Valery” (Km5 and Valery are used as resistant and susceptible controls respectively), hence showing a good segregation. Screening of the whole mapping population (about 250 genotypes) is ongoing in series in the screenhouse.

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Development of the predictive models for yield and agronomic traits in Matoke: the training population has been genotyped. Phenotyping of the same is going on in three fields, two at Sendusu with contrasting field management, and a third field has been established at Mbarara. Phenotypic data are being collected at flowering and harvest. Data collection is advancing well. In the first two fields data is being collected for three cycles. For the third field (Mbarara), flowering has just started. Preliminary results show promising results for genomic selection. BRR and BL have given prediction accuracies ranging from 0.83 to 0.99 for pulp diameter and total number suckers.Genomic prediction could be done instead of QTLs? Works better for polymorphic traits (i.e. yields). For pest and disease resistance, QTL mapping remains the best option as these traits are often governed by a few genes.

Resistance is often affected by the plant environment, such as soil fertility, pH, etc. How are you controlling the effect of the plant environment in your work? For now the team is focusing on the effect of the plant genetics as much as possible. This is why the experiments are being conducted in screenhouses, and not in the field. Maybe later on the focus will extend to the plant environment, and look at how the plant environment affects its resistance.

WP 4-Regional testing- Biovesity (Inge van den Bergh)

Main outcome expected on WP4: Participatory research for testing and adoption of new banana hybrids (led by Bioversity in collaboration with IITA, NARO and ARI).

Four modules are included in WP4.

Baseline study Standardization of protocol Participatory Varietal selection (PVS) trials. Towards adoption

Progress to date:

All 5 regions visited with same PRA tools used; CIRAD contributed to the development of some of these tools.

Data collection: Mobile application was used for intra HH survey (using SMAP). This allows real time information in any region. Enumerators were trained in both countries in data collection and on use of IT technologies for data collection. Members of WP2 joined the team to collect info on diseases and pests.

Gender specific information was also collected using specific tools; mapping of agro ecological conditions and its impact for adoption and impact of new varieties is also studied.

Standardization of protocols: Revision of existing International Musa testing program (IMTP); tablets for data collection have been procured.

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Planting material for mother trials- provided by IITA Ibadan. Multiplication and hardening was done locally in several local institutions. Not all plant material has been replicated, so not all accessions will be included in the upcoming PVS.

Study on nutrition impact is going to be done at the end of the project including preference by farmers and consumers on banana consumption.

Open question: What is the feedback from the Baselines? Most urgent analyses of BL is feedback to breeders on traits preferences.

WP5- MusaBase update. Lukas Mueller

MusaBase.org - it contains news, events, and links to publications (that is currently empty!); there is a space for a logo that so far has not been filled in –discussion for logo should be enabled.

What does this database allow? It is about keeping breeding data in the cloud. It is an open data system: it can manage multiple breeding programs, clones and accessions, breeding locations, trials’ design and layout, phenotyping using tablet devices; limited data analysis (seems than more capacity on that will be coming), data exchange with other tools. The database can be explored using metadata.

The database must be done in advance to ensure proper coordination and provision to it of appropriate and technically sound data.

Very important! - Avoid accession duplication: Accessions can be loaded in the database and these are carefully scrutinized to identify entry duplicates. This is one of the main challenges of the project, to avoid duplication of accessions (to avoid synonyms). Uploading information has to be very precise. Crosses can also be uploaded.

Progress to date:

So far there are about 1000 accessions registered from the existing breeding programs. 4 test trials have been uploaded.

A MusaBase test Database has been developed- it is a database for testing if researchers want to try new things.

There is a field book app that can be used in the field for data collection in the field. Training workshops for staff have been provided in IITA Nigeria, Sendusu in Uganda, Arusha in

Tanzania.

Action points:

Pedigrees need to be set up in the database (should be amended soon by Lukas’s team). An on-line manual has been developed for cassava and could be used for banana; Lukas’s team

to link it into the MusaBase. Ontology should be discussed jointly to populate the DB. Need to clarify how to represent cycles: In ontology or on trial level? Plant-level phenotyping? Organize regular skype meetings with breeders.

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GPS data should be captured. Responsibility on who is uploading data in each group should be brought to the table as it might

come from each WP: a data manager could be selected within each WP to make sure that all the information produced in each WP is going to be included.

To be discussed by all: Interaction between this website and the other Musa websites? This website is linking with others in order to enhance synergies and capitalize as much as possible the investment done already. MGIS and the Banana Genome Hub.

Agree on future workshops.

General remarks for day 1:

Communication and coordination between work packages must be improved and database from WP5 should be a central station that can assist on the same.

How to deal with the short-time frame of the project considering the length of the banana crop. Focus more on the overall outcomes of the project and re-visit the overall objectives of each

package and ensure that all align to the intended general ones, coordination, information exchange and “standardization”.

Re-plan based on the reality on the ground and readjust if needed milestones and the overall project framework (B&M GF suggestion).

Day 2- 3rd May 2016

8:50 AM- Update and report from Day 1.

Plenary agreement Discussion on ontology will be set up for Thursday at lunch time. All presentations will be consolidated in a flash drive and at the end of the week will be

delivered to all participants.

8:50 AM. - Update on contracts, financial reporting, technical reporting, and communication (internal & external)

Partners need to report on the project based on the IITA contracts; once the IITA reporting unit is in agreement with the technical report, which may involve being sent back to partners, this will be sent to B&M GF. It is reviewed internally for the technical and financial contents. This may well come back to IITA for verification or clarification, as for the first year annual report. Once this first internal review is approved, the report will undergo internal technical review within the Gates Foundation with around three internal reviewers. Only once the reviewers have all accepted the report it is approved and then the next installment of money can be disbursed.

Delays in reporting to ITA therefore cause delays to the B&M GF and have consequences to project implementation if funding release is delayed as a consequence. If delays to the report extend to the Christmas period then this additionally affects the flow.

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Therefore, it is essential that reports come timely to IITA in order to ensure proper follow up of the reporting mechanisms and timely delivery of the installments. Reports need to be sent to the SAG and the SC to also review them and use for feedback to the annual meeting and for interaction with WP’s to improve the quality of the report.

A report is required from each partner on six monthly basis for IITA to monitor and track on progress. For the annual report each WP leader also needs to provide a consolidated WP report in addition to the partner report.

Reports should cover the 6 months and/or 1 year accordingly but it is recommended that those results achieved during each period are presented in the context of the previous reported achievements.

Dates for reporting internally to IITA and to B&M GF are in the contract that each organization has with IITA; deadlines have been now been shifted ahead by two weeks in order to provide more time to go through the reports and send back for clarifications as required.

Bioversity reporting scheme has been used as an example template for reporting, as it structures all the information in a clear manner with an organized structure that helps in the consolidation of all the information from all partners easily.

Maintaining a consistent format helps PL to prepare the overall report more easily.

9:15 AM- Updating results Framework Tracker (FT)-Rony Swennen

There are 69 outputs to be reported in the overall project and information on why delays are being experienced in some of these outputs must be provided clearly in each report: “ Why we experience delay and how this is being handled and mitigated?”.

Reports must have quality and have to be done on time: what cannot be reported on this report can be sent to the next one, so it is crucial to prioritize that timeliness and quality are achieved.

Annexes are also very important- in the report we should be very concise- but additional information is actually very much welcomed by the Gates Foundation and encouraged.

Variance: this term refers to how much we have deviated from the expected achievements (i.e. 0% means that there is NO variance and all has been completed as expected); the higher the % the more delay is being experienced or deviation from the overall goals reported. Whenever a figure > 0% is provided, WP leaders need to justify the deviations and explain how that will be corrected in the future.

Actual: What has been achieved after year 1; this is an “accumulative” contribution of all partners working on that WP (i.e. as of today, we should be reporting updates on 1.5 years). Needs to be done by the WP leader.

Primary outcomes cannot be modified in the project although adjustments to outputs can be made if required. That should be done in agreement with all the WP members, Project Manager, and ultimately agreed upon by the Project Leader.

9:30 AM-12:30 PM- Work packages meetings in Parallel. Outcomes agreed by each WP are presented in Day 3 on Session “REPORT BACK FROM WORKPACKAGES” (pg. 17).

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2.00 PM- 3:30 PM; Afternoon joint meetings among WP: 1-2-3 and 4-5. (session extended to accommodate the inter-WP interactions)

Technical Meeting for WP 1, 2, 3:

For the East African Highland Banana: according to WP2, there is a need to select a small population of the most promising accessions/hybrids by WP1 that can be tested by WP2. Early identification trials for pests/diseases are already established by WP1 in Kawanda, so information for WP2 could be collected there. WP2 indicates that it is important to select those promising hybrids as trials should be set up considering also the inclusion of controls.

The information that needs to be collected to improve coordination of activities between WP1 and WP2 is:

What trials have been established? Where are they? What information has been collected at the moment?

WP2: Proposes to train the team of the breeders of WP1 on early identification- pre-screening for disease resistance- and once there is a small group of selected lines the WP2 will provide the fast rapid test kits for further description and analyze the populations. This should be communicated to B&M Gates Foundation.

Related to the parental lines, it is important to understand their response to Nematodes, Fusarium wilt and weevils; improve observation of symptoms in the breeding plots can help to guide the teams to choose materials that may have good potential; this information should be available by the end of the year if possible. The existing parental lines are: 30 diploids, 18 tetraploids and 14 lines for EAHB; and 7 varieties of Mchares. Therefore, WP1 will be supported by WP2 to improve the skills of the staff in the field of WP1 to have a better sense of the response of the breeding material to the target P & D. To achieve this, WP2 needs to understand what are the materials that are already in the field, so WP2 can establish parallel plots to do further screening on those same varieties. Screening tests have to be done in Tanzania (for Fusarium wilt) and in Uganda (for Sigatoka); 100 plants/ accessions should be used for the analyses.

Related to WP3, it was agreed that WP2 will screen the parents of all the mapping populations for resistance to weevil, Fusarium wilt and black Sigatoka. Screening for nematode resistance for the parents is ongoing. For black Sigatoka, the PhD student, Janet Kimunye has the parents in the list of the accessions to be screened. WP1 and WP3 are going to select some hybrids from EETs, 200 to 400 of them. These will be “deeply” phenotyped and genotyped to enrich the training population. Selection of the genotypes will be based on specific parental combinations, and phenotypes ranging from worst to best.

Members of the team suggest that molecular markers should be also established for other characters such as improved yields. For comprehensive genomic selection there is also a need of the right

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genotypes and these have not been done yet. We need to ensure we define what will be the genetic gains within farmer fields that we need to monitor and to use as indicators for a possible next phase of the project, and those gains have to be achieved using local varieties.

Breeding Assessment tool: it is planned that a team of evaluators will come to assess how the project is breeding “today” and will do the same at the end of the project. This should have happened already in year one but this was not done initially, so it might happen in the second year. What the project will be evaluated about is “Are we breeding/selecting/delivering faster to farmers?”

New triploids of Matoke hybrids are being produced every year; in order to prove that these lines are better than the NARITA’s there is a need to provide preliminary/baseline data on the Matokes and there is a need to measure certain parameters that we all have to agree upon- yields, height, pictures, etc. The project needs to find a way to collect data to show this early performance. Indicators are yet to be selected by WP1.

Training workshop to be done in September on the week of the 12 th before the breeding training; WP4 will also join. In the event any of the packages would like to receive some more training on pest and diseases, this can be planned. WP2 will provide training program after discussion with WP4, within two weeks.

Technical Meeting for WP 2, 4:

The trial site managers gave an update on the status of the 3 sites in Tanzania (Arusha – Grace; Bukoba – Mgenzi; Mbeya – Daud).

Over the coming months, different data collection methods will be compiled, and standardized data collection protocols will be worked out. The crop ontology will be updated with the variables and methods to be used for the evaluation trials. The team discussed the possibility of having a workshop to standardize the protocols.

Suggestion to develop manual for data collection. A training will be organized in Uganda 12-16 September (back to back with breeding course).

Trial site managers and data collection people from the 5 sites will be invited to the course.

Technical Meeting for WP 4, 5:

Two mobile tools for data collection will be tested over the coming months:o The Fieldbook app linked to Musabaseo The smap app developed by Rhiannon

Whatever tool will be chosen, the data collected in the 5 trial sites will be uploaded in Musabase.

Day 3- 4th May 2016

Morning- Field visit to Horti-Tengeru and AVRDC banana screening plots.

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14:05 PM-Data Platform (Allan Brown, Lukas Mueller and Rony Swennen)

There is a need to get consensus on the general terms and terminologies (ontology) to ensure proper coordination and improve results on outcomes.

BMS database provides a management system for breeders and Musa-Base is valuable to provide information on genomics. Hence both should be kept in parallel in a complementary manner and the current project should feed them both.

Discussion on Open Access: A debate is created in the forum on whether the information collected under the project should be in Open Access Musa-Base. B&M GF has recommended that the project focuses more on publishing and not necessarily on the database.

1.- Arguments supporting a restricted access to the information are mainly based on how to protect the intellectual property of the researchers involved in this project.

2.- Arguments supporting open access are: Accountability and transparent sharing of information obtained with public funds has to

be taken into consideration.

Opening project data can also create an incentive to the project’s researchers to publish faster.

A wider access to the data can also help the project to link with other researchers, expand the project’s network and create synergies with other projects.

Increased publicity of the database and of the project.

Nevertheless, in the event that an OA would be provided to the MB website, some protection mechanisms should be put in place. Options that could be explored are:

1. Cookies- Permission will be requested to visitors to ensure a correct use of the information. “The Toronto Agreement” could be used: under this “contract” information cannot be published unless the main researchers involved in the project provide agreement on that.

2. Official request in writing could be sent to MusaBase where external scientist provide details on their research proposal and expected publications on the same; external teams should provide detailed information on why and for what the information will be required/used. This request should be to be reviewed/approved by the SC and the SAG and WP leaders.

3. Others to be explored.

Once permission to use data would be granted, approaches related to authorship could be:

15

Explicit acknowledgment to the project to be published in the paper; and/or

Include project’s researchers as co-authors of that new external publication - Authorship recognized officially; in this way detailed information on materials and methods could be provided to those papers; this information does not appear in the MusaBase as the platform is not yet ready for including such data yet.

Action points: to be further discussed by the SC and the SAG with the WP leaders;

14:45 PM.- Field Trial Coordination and survey data collection training (Inge van den Bergh)

Compilation of data collection methods. Fine tune the data collection protocols. Agree on basics on ontology. A possible workshop to be organized to achieve a common understanding on the tools. Inge to

provide further information on the same once it will be finally agreed and possible budget identified.

Development of apps for the data collection in the field; information should be included in Musa Base regardless of the tool selected for data collection. A manual might be developed to assist on the data collection process.

In each of the 5 sites there will be a site manager that will be collecting data; training for these will be done in Uganda from 6-12th September, the week before the breeding training program.

Agreements with Clark University and CIRAD have been achieved to frame collaborations related to preservation of data collection and publication of results.

2:45 PM. Communication session – Catherine & Danny (IITA)

Internal and external communication should be improved. IT support for the project is provided from IITA. The management would like to see more updated communication in each of the WP. Related to publications, these can be uploaded in the ProMusa website – on MusaLit; InfoMusa

Newsletter (sent out every three months) can also be used to announce and present publications on this project (Inge’s group may facilitate that).

Open Access publication now covered by B&M Gates foundation; papers for OA must go through Danny and then from there those will be sent straight to B&M GF and they will cover the costs for OA. Hence, the original budget line in the project now can be used for other activities (this to be decided by the PI-Rony).

Trip reports should be also be prepared and shared and can be useful for other project’s partners.

16

A working space for the project should be made available to all the team (“AgShare” Today2, Dropbox, etc.)

Logo in working progress to consolidate the image of all partners under a single one for project identity.

4:00 PM- Mixed-groups discussions on bringing extra activities that reinforce the project outcome

Group 1:

Explore the potential inclusion of Radio Farm international to support on data collection from the farms.

UK contribution to metabolomic analyses. CIRAD- post harvest: Post –harvest research with NARITAs. Musa breeding course Gender component to be considered for the breeding aspects of the project; Bioversity will

bring a post doc specialist in gender to reinforce the gender component of this project. ProMusa Symposium 2020/ISHS. Support for students involvement in the project is being achieved through external cooperation/

grants programmes such as: o Clark University (UK).o KULeuven to study agro-ecological conditions of banana trials will be joining the project

and genomics.o CORAF funds have been tagged to bring in another PhD student to the project (Muller).o EARTH student.o Beauvais student.

Nematodes Uflet (ask Amos) RTB- TR4 EMBRAPA hybrids NARO training on banana breeding (QTL mapping). Nessie support by PEARL.

Group 2:

New species of Pratylenchus coffeae reported to parasitize banana and pathogenicity needs to be assessed for banana.

Concern of communication though Farm Radio; the group considers that those are only focusing in urban areas and peri-urban areas and do not reach rural areas. Programs should be done more frequently to increase impact and mobile technologies should back up these as well. It

2 Contact details of Agshare Today: Sandy Williams (s.e.williams@agshare.today) and Jim Weale (j.c.weale@agshare.today).

17

would be important also to increase the number of radios stations to be used for info dissemination.

Group 3:

Dessert banana hybrids obtained from EMBRAPA were planted at NARO. QTL mapping training which benefited NAR0 members of staff. Some of the new employees leave for greener pastures. Field attachments of 7 students.

Action points: WP leaders to include detailed information on the activities conducted in the reports provided to IITA and B&M GF in the Annexes.

Additional info: Breeding Training at Kawanda (Kampala); One-week training on molecular techniques. Registration until 30th June 2016 and scholarships available website of UGent and in ProMusa (provide e-mail response to Jerome): 19 – 30 September 2016: Banana research in Africa: modern breeding techniques, regulatory and biosafety issues, http://ipbo.vib-ugent.be/training/specialist-courses/banana-research-in-africa

4:35 PM REPORT BACK FROM WORKPACKAGES

WP1.-Consensus agreed among package members

A. Main points presented are available in the power points. B. Questions from the forum and Richard Sikora (SAG) and Jim -B&MGF):

a. Q1: B&M GF: EET Data will be collected on the diploid hybrids to do genetic prediction to overcome bottleneck? WP3: The discussion already took place; the team will do a selection of parental combination of 200 to 400 genotypes and these will be genotyped for the EETs (ranging from “worst to best”), considering parental combinations; deep-phenotyping will also be conducted.

WP2.-Consensus agreed among package members

A. Main points presented are available in the power point. B. Questions from the forum and Richard Sikora (SAG) and Jim (B&MGF):

Q1.- Rony Swennen: are all the 27 NARITA lines going to be screened or numbers will be reviewed?

WP4: only those NARITA lines screened in WP4 will be screened.

Q2: B&M GF.- Map expertise within each WP to ensure support from one WP to the other. Jim mentioned the importance that WP’s coordinate their activities to gain efficiency and maximum

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benefit from trials. This in terms of both proper layout to be able to collect meaningful quality data on pest/disease incidence/severity with regard to breeding & genetics trials (WPs1&3), and inclusion and prioritization of important genotypes in screening trials conducted by WP2 scientists. Similarly, WPs1,2,3 working with the MusaBase staff in advance of trial layout to make sure trials are designed in MusaBase (or design is compatible with MusaBase) and that MusaBase has the needed structure and analytical tools to be able to accommodate the desired trial design and intended data collection needs.

WP3.-Consensus agreed among package members

A. Main points presented are available in the power point. B. Questions from the forum and Richard Sikora (SAG) and Jim (B&MGF):

Q1: Sikora: It is surprising that plant material has not been available at the onset of the project; Brigitte: The challenges encountered are not linked to the movement of plants from one implementation area to another but on the availability of the plants itself at the onset of the project, the populations that existed by the time the project proposal was formulated were lost before the project started (those were time consuming and expensive to be maintained).

Q2: B&M GF: Having many diploid lines –phenotype and genotyped- can be very costly to maintain so this is something to be considered.

WP4.-Consensus agreed among package members

A. Main points presented are available in a report by Inge. B. Questions from the forum and Richard Sikora (SAG) and Jim (B&MGF):

No questions

WP5.-Consensus agreed among package members

A. Main points presented are available in a report by Inge. B. Questions from the forum and Richard Sikora (SAG) and Jim (B&MGF):

Q1: B&M GF: Does the database allow the collection of information of multiple plants per plot? WP5: The program for data collection has been modified to allow collection over multiple plants in one individual plot, but that is not yet active.

Q2.- Sikora: Will the project be able to be up to date and overcome the existing challenges in the next 9 months or is there a need to do a re-appraisal?

Danny: one of the outcomes expected from this meeting is that each WP will be able to clearly define what are feasible objectives that will be achieved at end of the year and

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what needs to be reviewed and adjusted; feedback on the same to be provided to B&M GF in the next few weeks;

B&MGF: It is important to report on what has been modified and what are the deviations of the project and the reasons for that. Adjustments are possible but have to be properly explained/ presented.

Rony: Improved communication within and among teams is needed/ encouraged and all along the project and not only during reporting time- this will help to overcome challenges and adjust to changes.

Day 4- 5th May 2016

10:15 AM.- SAG Feedback (Jane). SAG will keep close contact with WPs and with the SC through regular skype calls. Improvements on communication and interactions have been observed and will be enhanced in the coming months.

10:17 AM.- SC Feedback (Ylva).

Interactions among WP and SAG: open dialogue is crucial and should be improved and ensured. SAG members to meet every 6 months, by Skype and face to face during the annual meetings;

its main role is to interact with the WPs. During Monthly/bimonthly WPs meetings integrations will be established with SAG. Results framework trackers will be updated quarterly by WPs-leaders; that should help to

improve communication and reporting (timelines to be achieved). Adjustment the result framework will happen at WP level, and information to PL and PM and

B&MGF will be provided on the same. MusaBase will be in OA. Mechanisms will be explored and set in place to protect the authorship

of the research team of this project. Communication: Visibility of the project is important and Danny has been tasked to move

forward with this one and to supervise the drafting of logos and web site/page. Internal communication: IT platforms will be explored to improve the work space; Dropbox or

secure area in website will be considered to make available documents to all participants. A date should be fixed as soon as possible for the next annual meeting in order to ensure all

participants can actually attend. (Last week of April 2017 later set; dates will be agreed and set 6 months in advance to avoid changes of dates)

Changes/re-direction in budgets: these are decisions to be ultimately taken by the PI and not by the SAG or the SC.

o Rony’s comment on the budget : external opportunities to bring in money and complement activities of the project (i.e. PhD and MSc students) should always be considered. If WP require some extra money they should be requesting clearly what is the amount of money required and for what activities, and requests will be studied; money exchange between WPs can be done but not based on amendments of contracts (this should be done internally); Payments are released every 6 months at the moment- at the end of year 3- there will be an evaluation on the money spent in each WP and for

20

those that have been “saving” money and not spending as expected, IITA will consider to hold-back further payments until that money has been spent.

10:34 AM.- PL & PM feedback (Danny and Rony)

Clear reporting on time to B&MGF is crucial; understanding of the framework is crucial; all this will have to be linked with improved communication.

Open Access has been agreed. Joint discussions on Ontology will help to unify criteria among all WP members. Technical discussions should be encouraged more in the next annual meeting and have less of

“management” discussions. These should revolve around:

1. How many new hybrids have been developed? 2. Have we done this faster? 3. Are those hybrids being accepted by farmers?

WPs’ structure adjustment:

WP1 & WP4: No changes expected. WP2 & WP5: Shifts in timing, not in contents WP3: New activities to be done – discussion underway between PI and B&MGF.

Achievements:

1.- WP1:

Good progress on technical aspects of the hybrids screening and characterization; catalogues on hybrids to be developed.

Different stages of breeding have been achieved. Good/close collaboration envisaged with WP2 to screen faster.

2.- WP2:

Pests/disease identified already in many implementation sites. Good interaction with WP4 on the selection of the sites for the screening.

3.- WP3: Mapping populations are there and need to be analyzed: are we going to bring in the early selection the genomic selection? This is the other way round to the way things are happening at the moment.

4.- WP4: All trials replanted and NARITAS are on their way; baselines have been conducted and now analysis and dissemination of information to project members will happen soon.

5.- WP5: MusaBase ready and the team expecting to receive data and to populate the database.

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Next annual meetings: To be held in Kampala (Uganda)- Last week of April 2017 will be explored; dates will be agreed and set 6 months in advance to avoid changes of dates.

There followed a detailed discussion and agreement on ontology terms, and the spreadsheet filled

End of Workshop Notes

22

Improvement of banana for smallholder farmers

in the Great Lakes Region of Africa

Project progress workshop

PROGRAMME

Hosted by Nelson Mandela -African Institution of Science and Technology Arusha, Tanzania

2-5thMay 2016

Convenors: Danny Coyne and Rony Swennen (IITA, Tanzania) and Patrick Ndakidemi (NM-AIST), Cornel Massawe (ARI-HortiTengeru)

Local Organizing Committee: Cornel Massawe, Scola Ponera, Hassan Mduma (IITA), Perezi, Neema (NM-AIST)

Rapporteurs: Each of the 5 work package leaders or their designate

Supporting documents: Project narrative document and Results Framework & Results Tracker, Annual Report.

ParticipantsProject partners of the “Improvement of banana for smallholder farmers in the Great Lakes Region of Africa” project and their work package collaborators including project related PhD fellows. (Local MSc students and technical staff are also welcome during the launching day).

23

Members of the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG).

Objectives of the workshop Present, reflect and assess achievements of the first 18 months of the project in relation to

the Results Framework and Results Tracker. Identify weaknesses and areas for strengthening within the project. Strengthen team collaboration within and among the 5 work packages. Determine clear projection for the coming 12 months. Provide information to the Steering Committee (SC) to assess progress and direction. Facilitate interaction between SAG, SC and project staff.

Sunday 1st May 2016

Time Topic Responsible

All day Arrival of participants all day Scola

16.00 Early Registration Scola

18.00 Drinks reception for project arrivals at hotel

Scola

19.30 Dinner East African Hotel

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DAY 1: Monday 2nd May: Opening of Meeting

Time Topic Responsible

8.00-8.30 Transfer from hotel to NM-AIST Boardroom

Scola

8.30-9.00 Registration Patrick Ndakidemi -NMAISTBoard RoomNM-AIST administrator NeemaScola

9.00-9.10 Welcome remarks: Vice Chancellor NM-AIST

Prof Burton Mwamila

9.10-9.30 Welcome remarks and opening : Dr Hussein Mansoor, Director of Research and Development

Prof B. Mwamila/ Ylva Hillbur

9.30-9.45 Self-introductions of participants Patrick Ndakidemi

9.45-10.00 Group Photo Scola

10.00-10.30 Coffee break Scola

10.30-10.40 East Africa Operations, IITA Deputy Director General Ylva Hillbur

Cornel MassawePresentation Room

10.40-10.50 Remarks Scientific Advisory Group, SAG ChairShort introductions of SAG members

Cornel Massawe

10.50-11.00 Remarks Scientific Committee, SC Chair Ylva Hillbur

Cornel Massawe

11.00-11.15 Remarks from Project Leader & Manager, Rony Swennen, Danny Coyne

Cornel Massawe

11.15-11.45 Communication presentation by FarmRadio, Karen Hampson

Patrick Ndakidemi, Danny Coyne, Cornel Massawe

11.45-12.30 Press conference Patrick Ndakidemi

12.30-14.00 Lunch NM-AIST

14.00-17.00 Work Package update reports – 30 mins per WP:WP1 - JeromeWP2 – Altus WP3 - BrigitteWP4 - IngeWP5 - LukasDiscussion

Ylva Hillbur

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Time Topic Responsible

17.00-17.30 Transport to hotel Scola

18.30-19.30 Welcome drinks followed by official cocktail party

East African Hotel

Comments:

WP leaders – to use the annual report style/format for WP presentation.

Partners to provide details of any additional outputs/students/connections/communication to be included and presented during morning feedback or programme

DAY 2: Tuesday 3rd May

Time Topic Responsible

8.00-8.30 Transport to NM-AIST Scola

8.30-8.40 Update and report back from Day 1 Danny Coyne

8.40-8.50 Briefing: What should be discussed during WP meetings?

Rony Swennen

8.50-9.00 Update on contracts Financial reportingTechnical reportingCommunication internally – externally

Danny Coyne

9.00-9.15 Updating results framework tracker Danny / Rony

9.15-10.30 Work package meetings in parallel: discussion of progress and collaboration- WP1 (room TBD)- WP2 (room TBD)- WP3 (room TBD)- WP4 (room TBD)- WP5 (room TBD)

WP leadersSAG members to sit in respective WP meetingWP leaders to appoint rapporteur

10.30-11.00 Coffee break

11.00-12.30 WP planning discussions continuedTaking into consideration meetings between WP’s

WP leaders

12.30-14.00 Lunch NM-AIST

14.00-17.00 Field Visit: Visit to NM-AIST facilities and Scola

26

local banana brewery

19.30 BBQ Dinner TAPA Safari

Comments

WP discussions/planning need to consider:

Milestones of framework:

- Reporting

- Delay: how to handle

- Any change of the planned framework

- Are WP supporting each other?

- How is a WP operating between meetings?

- Communication within WPs

- Interaction with SAG

27

DAY 3: Wednesday 4th May

Time Topic Responsible

8.00-12.30 Field Visit: Visit ARI-Horti Tengeru followed by AVRDC campus for banana collection and farms within the campus

Scola

12.30-14.00 Lunch NM-AIST

14.00-14.10 Update and report back from Day 2 Danny Coyne

14.10-14.30 Data sharing Trushar, Lukas, Allan

14.30-14.45 Communication – website, skypes, etc. Danny

14.45-15.00 Field trial coordination and survey data collection training

Inge van den Bergh, Altus Viljoen

15.00-16.00 New activities building on the projectGREAT courses – Hale Ann TufanGender specialist – Inge van den BerghBreeding course – JeromePest and diseases – NessieMuller student – DannyEARTH student – BrigitteOthers

Danny

16.00-16.30 Coffee break

16.30-18.00 Report back and update on progress and forward planning for Work Packages:- WP1 Jerome- WP2 Altus- WP3 Brigitte- WP4 Inge- WP5 Lukas- discussion

Danny15 mins each

18.00 Transport to hotel

19.30 Evening Dinner African Tulip

Comments

- absent SAG members and Jim Lorenzen to connect on skype during WP reporting

28

- interactions between individuals and the SC and SAG members encouraged where and when suitable

- SAG and SC to discuss together over lunch

DAY 4: Thursday 5th May

Time Topic Responsible

8.00-8.30 Transport to NM-AIST Scola

8.30-8.45 Update and report back from Day 3 Danny Coyne

8.45-9.15 SAG feedback Jane

9.15-9.30 SC feedback Ylva

9.30-9.45 BMGF feedback Jim

9.45-10.00 PL feedback Danny/Rony

10.00-10.30 Coffee break

10.30-11.00 Moving forward: stronger WP teams and ONE project team

Rony Swennen/Danny Coyne

11.00-12.00 Steering committee and SAG meeting

Ylva HillburSAG Chair

11.00-12.00 parallel individual meetings

12.30 Next meeting Closing by Ylva /Patrick

Danny

13.00 lunch NM-AIST

14.00 Transport to Hotel and or airport Scola

17.30 Dinner for those remaining East African or alternative

Comments

All participants to ensure they are aware of their transfer times for the airport

29

Attendance List of Participants

SN Participant Name Designation Institution Email Telephone Number

1 Ylva Hillbur DDG-Research IITA -Nigeria y.hillbur@cgiar.org

2 Cortada Gonzalez Plant Nematology IITA-KENYA-iCiPE Campus

L.cortada-Gonzalez@cgiar.org

+254701029016

3 Amosi Alakonya Plant Pathology IITA-IBADAN a.alakonya@cgiar.org

+25422272804

4 Tumuhimbise Roboon Plant Breeder NARO rtumuhimbise@hotmail.com

+256778455710

5 JANE GIBBS dianegib@bigpond.net.av

+61 409086937

6 Mgenzi Byabachwezi PARO ARI MARUKU msrbyabachwezi@yahoo.com

+255784340255

7 George Mahuku IITA IITA-Dar es Salaam g.mahuku@cgiar.org

+255789964640

8 Fekele Shiferaw IITA Economist IITA-Dar es Salaam s.fekele@cgiar.org +255776822866

9 Privat Ndayihanzamaso

PhD Student University of Stellenbosch

privat@sun.ac.za +27625356275

10 Guillaume Bauchet BTI Gjb99@cornell.edu

(1) 607-280-7644

11 Altus Viljoen Plant Pathology Stellenbosch University

altus@sun.ac.za +27-21-8084797

12 Lukas Mueller BTI Lam87@cornell.edu

607-2556557

13 Eva Rattunde Weltzien ICRISAT Eva.weltizien@gmail.com

+4917679780161

30

14 Inge Van den Bergh Bioversity International

i.vandenbergh@cgiar.org

0032-483715501

15 Rodomiro Ortiz Professor SLU Rodomiro.ortiz@slu.se

16 Ernest Mbega Lecturer Lecturer at The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)

mbegaernest@yahoo.co.uk

+255754649585

17 Mashamba Philipo Asssistant Lecturer

The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)

lugendomas@gmail.com

+255787697771

18 Elizabeth Aitken Associate Professor

University of Queensland

e.aitken@uq.edu.au

+61418742407

19 Akida Meya PhD Student NM-AIST meyaakida@yahoo.com

+255784924021

20 Hussein Mansoor Director of Research

Ministry of Agriculture -Tanzania

hussein.mansoor@gmail.com

+255784262257

21 Ndeshi Munisi PARO Horti Tengeru munisindeshi@yahoo.com

+255752075685

22 Nafeti Mheni SARO SARI Mheni22@yahoo.co.uk

+255714271060

23 Mohamed Yusuph Agri Research officer

ARI-Tengeru mohamedy@nm-aic.ac.tz

+255764093980

24 Alliy S.S.Mbwana PARO Horti Tengeru asmbwana@hotmail.com

+255759990133

25 Hassan Mduma Research supervisor

IITA-Arusha h.mduma@cgiar.org

+255787699365

26 Rony Swennen Project Leader IITA Rony.swennen@biw.kuleuven.be

+32497774062

27 Sifuel Ringo Field Officer IITA-Arusha Ringojunior45@g +255768235062

31

mail.com

28 Colleen Patrick Technician IITA-Arusha cpmrina@gmail.com

+255657512031

29 Festo Ngulu Researcher IITA-Arusha +25578471249530 Mohamed Mpina PhD Fellow IITA-Arusha husseinmpina@ya

hoo.ie+255767239826

31 Victor Afari-Sefa Agricultura l Economist

AVRDC Victor.afari-sefa@worldveg.org

+255686027677

32 Ainembabazi John Herbert

Agriculture Economist

IITA Uganda j.ainembabazi@cgiar.org

+256752787844

33 Daud Mbongo Researcher ARI-UYOLE mwambongo@yahoo.co.uk

+255754325933

34 Jerome Kubiriba Leader NARO j.kubiriba@kari.go.ug

+256773155760

35 Nessie Luambano Researcher SRI-Kibaha nluambano@yahoo.com

+255786840910

36 Fatimah Kayat Breeder University of Malaysia

fatimah@umk.edu.my

+6019-9675579

37 Allan Brown Banana Breeder IITA-Arusha A.Brown@cgiar.org

+255689860945

38 Krishna Kumar DDG Hortculture ICAR-India kumariihr@yahoo.com

844 728 4631

39 Rhiannon Crichton Researcher Bioversity International

r.crichton@cgiar.org

+255769799696

40 Ivan Arinaitwe Kabiita PhD Student NARO ivanarinaitwe@yahoo.co.uk

+256782828151

41 Mushobozi Wilfred CEO-Crop Bioscience

CROP BIOSCIENCE mushoboziw@cropbioscience.co.tz

+255754282182

42 Kennedy Jomanga Research Associate

IITA-Arusha kennedyjomanga@gmail.com

+255787431083

32

43 Trushar Shah IBP HuB Manager IITA -Nairobi Tm.shah@cgiar.org

+254702729797

44 Danny Coyne Project Manager IITA-Nairobi D.coyne@cgiar.org

+254714782436

45 Scola Ponera Program Admnistrator

IITA-Arusha s.ponera@cgiar.org

+255682991550

46 Tendo Reuben SSali Research Officer NARO-Kawanda rtendo@gmail.com

+256712843457

47 Edson Perito Amorim Banana Breeder EMBRAPA Edson.amorim@embrapa.br

+5575999625639

48 Noel Madalla Research Associate

Bioversity International

noelmadalla@yahoo.com

+255716817888

49 Cornell Massawe Researcher ARI-HORTI Tengeru

massawesa@yahoo.co.uk

+255786611522

50 Thomas Dubois Director AVRDC thomas.dubois@worldveg.org

51 Grace Kindimba Researcher Officer Horti Tengeru gracekindimba@yahoo.com

+255789658302

52 Brigitte Uwimana Post doc Banana Breeder

IITA Uganda B.Uwimana@cgiar.org

+256702787851

53 Veronica Masswawe Field Assistant IITA Arusha ronee90@gmail.com

+255789301021

54 Patrick Ndakidemi Deputy Vice Chancellor

NM-AIST Patrick.ndakidemi@nm-aist.ac.tz

+255757744772

55 Lughano Kusiluka Acting Vice Chancellor

NM-AIST Lughano.kusiluka@nm-aist.ac.tz

56 Judith Leo IT NM-AIST Judith.leo@nm-aist.ac.tz

+255652647046

57 Peres Muhagaze Communication Officer

NM-AIST Peres.muhagaze@nm-aist.ac.tz

+255764495787

58 Siah Koka PhD Student NM-AIST Siah.koka@nm- +255755904483

33

aist.ac.tz

59 Frola Mjema Technician IITA-Arusha famjema@gmail.com

+255782607977

61 Catherine Njuguna Communication Officer

IITA-Dar es Salaam C.Njuguna@cgiar.org

+255767361255

62 Devotha Mawole Administrator IITA Arusha D.Mawole@cgiar.org

+255683936320

Journalists - to be invited by Patricia-NAROPRINT

1 New Vision  - Gerald Tenywa gtenywa@newvision.co.ug2 Daily Monitor - TBD

RADIO1 CBS2 Bukedde FM

TV1 UBC

Grace Kyomugisha (and a camera person)

2 . NTV - TBD

3 Bukedde TV4 NBS - TyabaSsettumbaAbubakar tyabakar@gmail.com

tsetumba@alwaysnbs.tvOn the field day, we shall invite 3 journalists

1 New Vision – Gerald Tenywa gtenywa@newvision.co.ug2 UBC - Grace (and her camera person) 3

34

Practical information

ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT An airport assistant from East African Hotel will be waiting for you outside carrying a sign with the inscription IITA. Please look for him/her. In the unlikely event that you don’t see the assistant at the airport, please call directly to Irene Sisamo (+255758904973) who is coordinating transportation service at East African hotel or call Miss Scola Ponera (+255682991550).

In most cases visas for Tanzania can be purchased on arrival in Tanzania. Each traveler needs to check and is responsible for their own situation however.

Yellow fever vaccination is essential for travelers to Tanzania; please ensure you travel with your vaccination card.

ACCOMODATION You will stay at East African Hotel (www.eastafricanhotels.com) P.O Box 13285, Arusha, Tanzania, +255 27 254 5302. This is a nice hotel which is located on Old Moshi Road, just 1 km from the city of Arusha. All the rooms have WIFI wireless Internet. A small swimming pool is available at the hotel and can be used at no charge.

Breakfast will be served from 06:00 hrs.

CHARGESIndividuals and project partners with own contracts are responsible for their own costs.

SAG and SC: costs are covered

Accommodation B&B: $75 USD.

Late check-out: After 13.00 to 17.00 the charge is 50%. After 17.00 the charge is 100%.

(Late ‘out-checkers’ may consider to take the last shower in a room of a colleague).

All ‘additional’ (extra) costs at the hotel are the responsibility of the individual. Please ensure that all your extra bills are settled before you depart (i.e. laundry, phone calls, drinks etc.).

VENUE

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The meeting will be held at Nelson Mandela Institution of Science and Technology (www.nm-aist.ac.tz), which is a 20 minute drive from East African Hotel. There will be two coaster buses for transportation from the hotel to the venue and back. The bus will leave outside the hotel at 7:45am

CURRENCY The currency in Tanzania is Tanzania shillings (TZS) 1USD = 2185 TZS

USD bills as well as major credit cards are widely accepted in Tanzania.

MEALS Breakfast is included in hotel rate. Group lunch and two coffee breaks will be served during the meetings. Official dinner is organized for Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and cocktails on Monday. Participants are responsible for other evenings.

Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirements.

EXPENSES For SC and SAG members additional costs will be reimbursed against receipts. Please collect receipts for all taxis and out of pocket expenses to ease the process. Expenses and ticket refund can be collected on Monday 2nd during the coffee break.

TIME ZONE Arusha is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

POWER SUPPLY Electric power in Arusha is 220 – 240 volts and the socket types are Type G & D:

Type G Type D

CLIMATE

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The average maximum daytime temperature in Arusha in May is warm 26°C (79°F).

SOCIAL EVENTS o On Sunday 1st May, there will be welcome drinks and delicious snacks available. There

will be an open dinner.o Monday 2nd May: Official Welcome cocktail is scheduled to take place at the East

African Hotel at 19:00 hrs. o Tuesday 3rd May: BBQ dinner party is scheduled to take place at TAPA Safari at 19:30

hrs. Transportation has been arranged leaving the hotel at 19:00hrso Wednesday 4th May: Closing dinner is scheduled at 19:30 hrs at African Tulip hotel.

Transportation has been arranged leaving the hotel at 19:00 hrs. Please be punctual.

HEALTH NOTES We recommend that you drink bottled water while in Arusha.

If you are taking any medicine, do not forget to bring them with you.

TRANSPORTATION TO THE AIRPORTWe need your flight information in order to arrange transportation to the airport. East African Hotel is about 45 minutes to one hour from the airport and you are advised to be at the airport at least 3 hours before flight departure. Therefore, transportation will be arranged to depart from the hotel 4 hours before your flight time.

Tourist informationFor tour safari please contact direct one of the below recommended tour companies:

1. TOMODACHI TOURS AND SAFARISContact person: Joseph MwemaManaging Director Mobile: +255754037765 or +255787037765Email: safaris@totdachissafaris.comInfo.totdachisafaris@gmail.com

2. MAASAI WONDERINGSContact person: Fabian SebastianGeneral ManagerMobile: +255732930833 or +255767225551

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Email: gm@maasaiwonderings.com

OTHER ASSISTANCE We will have a secretariat at the meeting venue and if you need any help with photocopying or printing, just let us know.

Important telephone contacts for any emergency:

Danny Coyne: + 254 714782436; D.Coyne@cgiar.org

Scola Ponera: + 255682991550; S.Ponera@cgiar.org

We wish you a very pleasant stay!

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