Building Capacity in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Education and Research through Partnership Program in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe for Agricultural Transformation
Partner Institutions: Kenya, Ethiopia, Palestine, Italy, Sweden, Serbia
Project Details
- Lead Institution: Egerton University, Kenya
- Co-Principal Investigator (OBU): Amin Mohammed
- Project Members (OBU): Sultan Usman, Leyila Nasir, Mulat Aydagnuhm, Abdela Usmael
- Project Duration: 1 March 2024 – 28 February 2027
- Total Budget: €787,575
Second Project Management Meeting – November 17–19, 2024 (Haramaya
University, Ethiopia)
The Second International Project Management Meeting was hosted by Haramaya
University with support from Oda Bultum University. Representatives from all partner
institutions including Kenya, Ethiopia, Palestine, Italy, Sweden, and Serbia participated..
Dr. Amin Mohammed (Co-Principal Investigator, OBU) presented a pilot research project,
while Prof. Muktar Mohammed (President, OBU) emphasized the importance of
partnership and innovation in advancing food security and sustainable agriculture.
Overall Goal
The overall goal of the Project is to enhance the quality, relevance, and impact of higher education in plant breeding and biotechnology through curriculum modernization, research infrastructure development, capacity building, and cross-regional partnerships that advance agricultural productivity and innovation.
Specific Objectives
To achieve its mission and vision, the BREEDTECH Project has set the following specific objectives:
- Curriculum Development and Review
To review, update, and harmonize curricula in plant breeding and biotechnology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels to align with international standards and emerging technological advancements.
- Strengthening Research Infrastructure:
To upgrade biotechnology and plant breeding laboratories by providing modern equipment and establishing BREEDTECH incubators to support innovation and practical learning.
- Capacity Building and Training
To build technical and academic competence of faculty, researchers, and students through mobility programs, specialized training, and collaborative mentorship with partner institutions in Europe.
- Collaborative Research and Supervision
To promote joint research projects and co-supervision of postgraduate theses between African, Middle Eastern, and European universities, enhancing research quality and relevance.
- Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination
To organize workshops, seminars, and dissemination events to share experiences, best practices, and innovations in plant breeding and biotechnology.
- Partnership and Networking:
To foster sustainable partnerships between higher education institutions, research centers, and industries to enhance the application of biotechnological innovations for agricultural transformation.
- Contribution to Sustainable Development
To contribute towards achieving regional and global food security, climate resilience, and socio-economic development through improved plant breeding capacity and knowledge exchange.
Summary of BREEDTECH Project Events
- Project Kick-off Meeting – April 2024 (Egerton University, Kenya)
The first official activity of the BREEDTECH Project was the Kick-off Meeting held at Egerton University, Kenya, in April 2024.
This inaugural event marked the launch of the three-year Erasmus+–funded initiative, bringing together project partners from Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The meeting outlined project objectives, work packages, and implementation strategies aimed at strengthening education and research in plant breeding and biotechnology.