Enhancing wheat production and food security in Sudan through scaling up improved technologies using innovation platforms

Abstract

ABSTRACT The innovation platforms (IP) concept was adopted in Sudan as an effective multi-stakeholders approach for sustainable agricultural R4D. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the IP approach in enhancing wheat production and contributing to food security in Sudan. Six community-based IPs were established in four states. A range of activities were implemented within IPs including technology demonstration, seed production, capacity strengthening, field days, etc. A total of 440 farmer-managed demonstration plots were conducted and yields up to 6.0–8.0 t/ha achieved in some fields. The 4-year average yield across all IPs was 3.8 t/ha compared to the national average of 2.3 t/ha. A total of 2031 (66.6% female) trainees participated in 31 training courses targeted all stakeholders along the value chain. A total of 4335 tons of seeds produced and distributed to seed producers and farmers. More than 2500 tons of seeds produced by farmers diffused to neighbouring farmers. Due to the raised awareness of improved varieties, demand for quality seeds increased. Overall, more than 15,700 (31% female) stakeholders were directly reached. Coupled with enabling production measures, improved technologies encouraged national wheat production and productivity to significantly increase since 2011/2012 by 118,000 ton/year and 0.39 ton/ha/year, respectively. The IP approach was able to engage all stakeholders and brought changes in the attitude of many of them. The IP concept was adopted for technology dissemination and enhancing interaction among stakeholders of a number of crops in Sudan.