The Objectives

The objectives of the program are as follows:

a)  To train 30 plant breeders at the MSc level, emphasizing the use of modern plant breeding tools and data management systems that will enhance genetic gain and ultimately deliver quality crop varieties. The students will be recruited from at least 6 SADC countries, namely Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

b)   To continue and enhance the maize breeding research program at UKZN to serve as the world-class training platform for MSc students, emphasizing management of plant breeding pipelines from designing the new breeding crosses  to variety release.

To establish an internship program for the MSc students to train inside established seed companies and elite public breeding programs in South Africa and the SADC region.