Bioversity International

Bioversity International is a global research-for-development organization that focuses on agricultural biodiversity. Here’s a detailed overview:

Overview

• Full Name: Bioversity International

• Established: 1974 (originally as the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources – IBPGR)

• Headquarters: Rome, Italy

• Status: Part of the CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research)

• Website: www.bioversityinternational.org

Mission

Bioversity International’s mission is to deliver scientific evidence, management practices, and policy options to use and safeguard agricultural and tree biodiversity to achieve sustainable global food and nutrition security.

Key Areas of Work

1. Agrobiodiversity Research

   • Conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture (crops, trees, etc.)

   • On-farm and in situ biodiversity conservation

2. Climate Change Resilience

   • Helping farmers adapt to climate change through biodiversity

   • Promoting diverse crop systems to reduce risk

3. Nutrition and Food Security

   • Researching traditional crops and local varieties that are rich in nutrients

   • Linking biodiversity to better health and diets

4. Sustainable Agriculture

   • Supporting agroecological practices

   • Integrating biodiversity in farming systems

5. Policy and Capacity Building

   • Advising governments and institutions on biodiversity policies

   • Strengthening the capacities of national partners and communities

Merger with CIAT

In 2019, Bioversity International merged with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) to form the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. This alliance aims to amplify their impact on sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and resilience in low- and middle-income countries.

Notable Achievements

• Contribution to the Global Crop Diversity Trust (Crop Trust)

• Pioneering research in neglected and underutilized species (NUS)

• Promotion of participatory plant breeding with local farmers

• Development of Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition (BFN) Project with the UN and global partners.

📍 Tanzania Office (Arusha)

• Location:
  Selian Agricultural Research Institute
  Dodoma Road, P. O. Box 2704, Arusha, Tanzania

• Phone: +255 769 539 470

• Contact Person:
  Teshale Assefa Mamo

Several researchers are currently active in-country. Some prominent names include:

• Laurens Goormachtigh – Research Team Leader

• Justus Ochieng – Research Team Leader

• Fadhili Salum Kasubiri – Seed Systems Specialist

• David Guerena, Erik Delaquis, Stephen Mutuvi, Leonardo Ordóñez Loaiza