New laboratory enhances agricultural resilience through partnerships in Tanzania

20 September 2024, Arusha, Tanzania – In a region increasingly impacted by the visible effects of climate change, a new state-of-the-art laboratory, jointly managed by the Tanzanian Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) and the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, was officially inaugurated. The facility was inaugurated by HRH Duchess of Edinburgh and makes a significant leap forward in bolstering local capacity for molecular related works, crop disease diagnosis (pathology) and nutrition research.

The plant pathology lab, located in Arusha, offers critical support to the farmers in the fight against plant pests and diseases affecting major staple crops such as maize, beans, and cassava. These crops are vital for food security in Tanzania’s climate-stressed regions, where shifting weather patterns have exacerbated challenges for smallholder farmers. The plant pathology lab is furnished to collect and maintain plant material in isolation for the identification and diagnosis/test specific pathogens of major crop diseases, caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes from plants, soil, or seed. The laboratory can achieve more accurate, or higher levels of identification through advanced molecular tests using different molecular marker analysis.

During the inauguration, Dr. Teshale Mamo, Senior Scientist at the Alliance, highlighted the importance of the laboratory's diagnostic capabilities, comparing the new facility to essential tools for a doctor: “This lab is like the precision instruments a doctor uses to diagnose and treat patients in the human hospital. It provides us with the ability to quickly and accurately identify crop diseases, ensuring timely interventions and reducing crop losses.”

Dr. Thomas Bwana, TARI Director General, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project: “This lab represents the strength of our partnerships. In today’s world, no single institution can tackle these challenges alone. Through collaboration, we are equipping Tanzanian farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in the face of climate uncertainty.”

What the Lab Will Do

The lab’s primary focus is on microscopic examination, pathogen isolation and culture, plant disease extraction and identification, bioassay, conventional PCR, real-time PCR, and DNA marker -based diagnostics. The lab also supports capacity building and strengthening agricultural innovation. Equipped with advanced pathology tools, the lab will enhance local researchers' ability to identify and manage crop diseases, safeguarding both food security and livelihoods.

Maya Rajasekharan, Managing Director, Africa Region, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT underscored the broader significance of the facility, stating, “The new lab facility symbolizes the strength of partnership between TARI and the Alliance, bringing together diverse expertise and resources to accelerate innovations and capacity strengthening. This partnership will be pivotal in addressing the evolving agricultural challenges in Tanzania and beyond.”

The facility will also provide training to local scientists and agricultural extension officers, fostering a new generation of experts capable of managing the complex agricultural challenges posed by climate change. Farmers in surrounding regions will directly benefit from improved disease surveillance and access to high-quality, climate-resilient seed varieties, ensuring their farms remain productive amidst increasingly volatile weather patterns.

For more information on the lab's work and to explore how it supports local agricultural innovation, visit Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT or TARI Tanzania. Explore opportunities for collaboration or read related research on climate-resilient agriculture and plant pathology.