The mission of Bioversity's banana research group is to help people, especially small-scale banana producers and their communities, to improve their well-being through effective use of banana biodiversity. This biodiversity comprises both the diversity of bananas themselves and the diversity of other organisms to be found in banana production systems. Biological diversity in banana production systems can be managed for multiple benefits, including enhanced productivity and increased incomes, better health and nutrition, and improved food security. An important concern is to manage pests and diseases and to maintain soil fertility in an environmentally friendly way, helping farmers to sustain or increase productivity without damaging the natural resource base.
Bioversity's banana researchers work with diverse partners in both industrialised and developing countries to generate new technologies and test them in the real world of banana farms, communities and markets. These experiences are captured in appropriate knowledge products that are made available to other researchers, decision-makers, extensionists and farmers - indeed, to all the major stakeholders in the banana research-and-development sector. We also seek to raise awareness of the importance of conserving and using the diversity of bananas among interested members of the public.
We establish priorities, generate new technologies and achieve impact through networks and other partnerships, formal and informal, that leverage our research efforts and gain maximum impact from the investment of our donors. |
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Contact: Guy Blomme and Eldad Karamura
Commodities for Livelihoods - Bioversity International Uganda Office
Plot 106, Katalima Road; P.O. Box 24384; Kampala; Uganda
Tel: +256 772 483077 (mobile) or +256 41 286213 (office) - Fax: +256 41 286949
'Commodities for Livelihoods', bringing together work on banana, cacao and coconut, is one of four programmes of Bioversity International
(formerly the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute - IPGRI)
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