Sub-Saharan Africa
The vegetable sector is severely underdeveloped and vegetable consumption is extremely low. In the region's diverse agro-climatic zones, there is enormous potential to produce numerous vegetable crops for both domestic and international markets. The World Vegetable Center, through its Regional Center for Africa in Tanzania, focuses on developing appropriate vegetable varieties and vegetable seed production systems for Africa.
Training of NARES, NGOs, the private seed sector and community leaders, promotion of indigenous vegetables, and the improvement of small-scale seed production systems are other priorities. Similar activities have been initiated in West Africa, with an emphasis on integrating vegetables into Sahelian cropping systems.
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Southeast
Asia
This is a densely populated region with rapidly growing urban centers. Rising incomes and populations within the non-agriculture sector are fueling the development of both domestic and international markets for vegetable growers, especially in peri-urban areas. The World Vegetable Center is promoting crop diversification and producing high quality vegetables using minimal pesticides.
It operates a regional center in Bangkok, where it coordinates in-country and regional training courses, as well as regional research activities. Detailed information on this center's activities are available through its web site.
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South Asia
South Asia is home to a large proportion of the world's poor, most of whom live in rural areas. The integration of vegetables into the region's predominantly cereal-based farming systems are needed to improve the nutrition of rural families. An increasing demand for food from the urban poor living in mega cities needs to be satisfied. The World Vegetable Center, jointly with its regional networks and international partners, is developing improved varieties and IPM strategies for the region. A regional center in Hyderabad, India was opened in February 2006. |
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Central and West
Asia
Numerous countries have suffered from recent conflicts and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Agriculture is playing a key role in the economic revitalization of the region. Historically, the region is noted for its diverse cropping systems, vast germplasm resources, and impressive national agricultural research systems. The World Vegetable Center is actively pursuing emerging opportunities in germplasm exchange, breeding, development of improved production technologies, and establishing scientific networks. For more information, please contact our Coordinator for Central Asia and Caucasus, Ravza Mavlyanova. |
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