The mandate of this project is to develop and maintain, the SADC Plant Genetic Resources Centre (SPGRC) in Lusaka, Zambia and a network of National Plant Genetic Resources Centres (NPGRCs) in all the SADC Member States and train staff to ensure that an adequate number of SADC nationals are trained in plant genetic resources management in order to collect, conserve, document and guarantee the safe preservation, first of all, the indigenous plant genetic resources of natural and crop heritage of the region.
The main activities of the Centre include to:
maintain the SPGRC base collection for the SADC Member States at Chalimbana Research Station;
develop and maintain the SPGRC Documentation and Information System (SDIS) to ensure the smooth running of the system at all NPGRCs;
publish an annual report and a biannual SPGRC Network Newsletter;
promote the establishment of field genebanks and in situ/on-farm conservation in the Member States;
provide technical backstopping to NPGRCs on germplasm collection, multiplication, regeneration, characterisation and documentation;
train staff at different levels;
compile and publish various documents arising out of the Regional Crop Working Groups (RCWGs) activities.
The SADC Plant Genetic Resources Centre (SPGRC) is an autonomous regional organisation under the aegis of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
SPGRC was established in 1988 by SADC Member States as a non-profit intergovernmental institution. The Centre is situated at Chalimbana Research Station on the Great East Road, 26 Km from the centre of Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia.
A Board made up of 15 members (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) representing each SADC Member State governs the SPGRC through provision of advice and direction regarding technical and policy issues as well as endorsing its budget .
Collaboration
The Nordic countries have since 1988 given financial and technical support to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for the implementation of the SADC Programme for Conservation of Plant Genetic resources in Southern Africa.
Activities
Training and Education
The SPGRC has contributed significantly to human resources development in SADC. By the end of 2004 a total of 227 and 55 SADC nationals have undergone short hands-on courses and MSc degree training, respectively. Currently, there are 2 SADC nationals pursuing PhD studies in plant genetic resources sciences in Sweden.
Collection
Representative seed samples of populations of indigenous plant species are collected throughout the SADC region. Collection expeditions also target populations of introduced species that have been in the region long enough to have developed unique adaptive features. High priority is accorded to materials under immediate threat. Collection plans are developed regionally but the actual collection is done by the NPGRC in each country. Until March 2008, there were 13,424 original samples stored in the base collection at SPGRC, deposited by NPGRCs. In the region through NPGRC, there are about 44,000 accessions held by national centres.
Publishing
SPGRC publishes annual reports, mandate species lists, workshop proceedings and bi-annual newsletters. It also publishes promotional materials that include brochures and flyers, Christmas/greetings cards, calendars, etc. In order to enhance the institutional public visibility, SPGRC engages itself in producing radio and television programmes when and where appropriate. It also participates in regional and national agricultural shows and fairs.
Material
Ex situ Seed Conservation
Seed samples are maintained in triplicate. The active sample is maintained in several small distribution bags and is used for research and other activities. The base collection sample is for long term conservation whose storage is guaranteed for use even by future generations while the base safety duplicate is a backup against unforeseen events like wars or natural disasters that might damage the collection at SPGRC.
Ex situ Field Conservation
For species whose mode of propagation is vegetative rather than seed or whose seeds may not be kept alive for long, the NPGRCs have established field genebanks where clones of sweet potato, cassava and similar crops are planted in small plots.
In vitro Conservation
For vegetatively propagated species an alternative method of conservation is in vitro conservation. A biotechnology laboratory is scheduled for construction at SPGRC starting April/May 2009 that will enhance the network in using advanced technologies such as molecular markers and in the conservation and research of vegetatively propagated crops.
In situ Conservation
In-situ conservation aims to promote the conservation of genetic resources of wild crop relatives and wild plants of importance to food and agriculture through improved management of genetic resources in protected areas and on other lands not listed as protected areas.
On-farm Conservation
To support and build farmers´ ability to manage plant genetic resources, SPGRC is undertaking a project of on-farm conservation. The project aims to contribute to plant genetic resources conservation while improving farmer's livelihood.
Multiplication and Regeneration
It is not often possible to collect the desired quantities of seed from the farmers during collection. Therefore the final seed sample is planted out at SPGRC or at the NPGRC in the country where that particular sample was collected. The desired quantity of seed is then harvested for storage and use in research. Regeneration and multiplication is done when germination percentage has gone low (<85%).
Characterisation and Evaluation
Each sample kept in the genebank carries a descriptive identity apart from its data about where it was collected.To promote the use of this material, information pertaining to such attributes as disease resistance, adaptability and so on is also recorded as a joint venture between SPGRC and other researchers. This evaluation of the material adds value to the accessions and provides a basis for the decision on whether to use an accession or not in a breeding or crop development programme.
Documentation and Information
The large number of accessions collected and the accompanying data for each and every accession makes it imperative to have a reliable documentation system. SPGRC has developed the SPGRC Documentation and Information System (SDIS) and installed this on computers at all the NPGRCs. This standardisation of data recording and keeping among the 15 NPGRCs and SPGRC enhances use and exchange of information.
SPGRC is also extensively engaged in enhancing its public visibility to which pursuance participates in fairs and shows, broadcasts programmes in radio and television. It has also publuished various promotional materials that include brochures, flyers, newsletters, annual reports, outputs from crop working groups, etc.
Organisation
Members of the Board of SPGRC
Mr Steve Carr
Namibia
Dr Pedro Mocambique
Angola
Ms Mary K. Molefe
Botswana
Prof Jean-Albert M. Nkonko
DRC
Dr Martin M Ranthamane
Lesotho
Dr Alfred P Mtukuso
Malawi (Vice-Chairperson)
Ms Carla do Vale
Mozambique
Mr. Nitish Gopaul
Mauritius
Mr Marc Naiken
Seychelles
Dr Julian Jaftha
South Africa (Chairperson)
Dr Sithembile Kunene
Swaziland
Dr. Hussein Mansoor
Tanzania
Dr Stephen W Muliokela
Zambia
Dr Cames Mguni
Zimbabwe
Ex-officio Members
Mrs Margret Nyirenda
SADC
Dr Jojo Baidu-Forson
Bioversity International
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Donor Representative
Dr Paul M Munyenyembe
SPGRC (Secretary)
SPGRC Staff Members
Dr Paul M Munyenyembe
Head, SPGRC (18 July 2008)
Ms Thandie J Lupupa
Senior Programme Manager In-Situ Conservation (16 May 2006)
Mr Barnabas W Kapange
Senior Programme Manager - Documentation & Information (09 May 2006)
Mr Lerotholi L Qhobela
Senior Programme Manager Ex-Situ Conservation (15 May 2006)
Mrs Mary B Phiri
Assistant Administrative Officer (1 March 2000)
Ms Florence C Chitulangoma
Assistant Finance Officer (8 March 1993)
Mrs Peggy S Ng'ono
Technical Officer-Conservation (1 June 2005)
Mr Mike Daka
Technical Officer-Documentation & Information (21 May 2012)
Mr Ferdinand Mushinge
Technical Officer In situ(1 March 2004)
Mrs Phyllis M Litula
Personal Secretary (12 November 2001)
Mr Wilbroad M Chashi
Senior Finance Clerk (1 July 2002)
Mr Alexius M Nyambe
Driver (1 February 1991)
Mr Kapelwa E Songa
Typist/Receptionist (1 September 1989)
Mr Gibson Zulu
General Worker (1 August 1989)
Mr John Mfwembe
Worker (4 September 1989)
Mr Wale Banda
General Worker (1 April 1990)
Mr Olipen Phiri
General Worker (5 January 2009)
Regional Crop Working Groups
Terms of Reference of the Regional Crop Working Groups
The composition:
Five scientists from the SADC Member States who are specialists in their mandate species;
Researchers from the SADC Regional Programmes, Projects and scientists from IARCs as required;
Staff of SPGRC will provide the secretariat; and
NGB scientists will provide the technical backstopping.
Terms of Reference
The RCWGs will make recommendations to the Director of SPGRC on:
Strategies;
Priorities for plant species to be collected and conserved ex situ;
Priorities for plant species and areas for in situ conservation;
Guidelines for acceptance of material for inclusion in the collections;
Standards for seed quality and quantity of samples to be stored in the collection;
Methods and techniques for regeneration and multiplication of accessions in order to ensure genetic integrity; and
Any other issues relevant to conservation and utilization of the species presented to the RCWGs by SPGRC or the Board.
The Regional Crop Working Groups will meet at least once a year.
The SPGRC has contributed significantly to human resources development in SADC. By the end of 2004 a total of 227 and 55 SADC nationals have undergone short hands-on courses and MSc degree training, respectively. Currently, there are 2 SADC nationals pursuing PhD studies in plant genetic resources sciences in Sweden.
Representative seed samples of populations of indigenous plant species are collected throughout the SADC region. Collection expeditions also target populations of introduced species that have been in the region long enough to have developed unique adaptive features. High priority is accorded to materials under immediate threat. Collection plans are developed regionally but the actual collection is done by the NPGRC in each country. Until March 2008, there were 13,424 original samples stored in the base collection at SPGRC, deposited by NPGRCs. In the region through NPGRC, there are about 44,000 accessions held by national centres.
To support and build farmers´ ability to manage plant genetic resources, SPGRC is undertaking a project of on-farm conservation. The project aims to contribute to plant genetic resources conservation while improving farmer's livelihood.
