Masters in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems

Plant breeding, relying on judicious use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, has supplied adapted crop varieties to many countries across the globe and ensured food security. But because of limited capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa, and other factors, the impact is still limited in the region, resulting in persistent and rampant hunger and poverty. The process of producing improved varieties requires a strong human resource base backed by long-term commitment to plant breeding and functional seed systems. In many countries application of biotechnology to agricultural research and production has hailed a new era. There is the promise that application of biotechnology can speed up aspects of plant breeding, although the techniques complement rather than substitute conventional plant breeding. The MSc programme therefore aims at integrating traditional plant breeding, biotechnology and seed system approaches to increase the rate of developing new varieties and access to improved seed. The seed sector is still weak in several countries. Unfortunately, there is limited focused effort to build capacity in this area. However, Makerere University, Moi University and University of Zambia have some experience in this area. This is a regional program for Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa, which is taught at Makerere University in Uganda.