ROCARS Project

Sorghum Research Network in WCA

 

The West and Central Africa Sorghum Research Network (WCASRN), referred to by its French acronymn ROCARS (Reseau Ouest et Centrafricain de Recherche sur le Sorgho), is a collaborative research network funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Interim Project Coordinator: Bonny Ntare, ICRISAT, Bamako, Mali

Purpose

Assist national sorghum programs to better tackle production and processing constraints that prevail within the WCA sub-region.

Goal

Improve the production, productivity, and utilization of sorghum, and contribute to greater food security and socio-economic well-being of sorghum producers.

Objectives

• Strengthen linkages among the sorghum researchers in WCA countries, to exchange plant genetic materials, technologies and research information.
• Assist the member countries to improve their research and extension services through human resource development.
• Coordinate collaborative research among members of the Network in the areas of germplasm development and natural resource management.
• Facilitate the improvement of sustainable sorghum-based production systems in the WCA.
• Promote co-operation between the member countries and the national, regional and international institutions interested in sorghum research and development in the WCA.

Major program components/activities

• Collaborative research projects
• Scientific information exchange
• Technology transfer
• Human resources development
• Tours and impact assessment

Strategic work undertaken

• Partnerships for variety development, including participatory breeding, seed production and distribution, exchange of promising materials, and on-farm trials.
• Integrated pest management and natural resource management.
• Market-driven development opportunities for sorghum.