ISHS Acta Horticulturae 759: XXVII International Horticultural Congress - IHC2006: Global Horticulture: Diversity and Harmony, an Introduction to IHC2006
ENERGIZING GLOBAL HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH FOR THE DEVELOPING WORLD |
| Author: | T.A. Lumpkin |
| Keywords: | development, horticulture |
| Abstract:
Those of us in horticulture research have a very special role in the world today. Policymakers and economists alike are calling for greater investment in horticulture research. They realize that our technologies can make a vital contribution in alleviating poverty and malnutrition in developing countries. Now is the time for action. Globalization, trade liberalization and changes in consumer demand are creating new markets for farmers and landless laborers. This creates a wide range of economic opportunities for horticultural systems in the tropics and subtropics. Many cereal farmers are already converting a portion of their production into high value horticultural crops. First and foremost, more research efforts have to be undertaken in Africa, where yield levels are extremely low and impacts of micronutrient malnutrition widespread. More emphasis must be placed on the diversification of crops and products, development of hybrid varieties, and on increasing productivity through the use of molecular tools. More research is also needed to analyze for functional properties of vegetables from a health perspective, leading to biofortifications that add value for malnourished populations. It is tragic that over 300 persons will die this hour from illnesses caused by lack of vegetables and fruits in their diets. Globally, we need to invest more in horticulture research and then work together to prevent this needless loss of life. Another area of research that needs increased attention relates to the provision of safe horticultural produce. Effective production technologies such as biopesticides, pheromones and other bio-intensive integrated pest management technologies must be developed and farmers must be provided training opportunities on how to produce safe products for both regional and international markets. Improving horticultural seed distribution chains and market information systems and facilitating farmers’ access to credit are all essential components of a strategy that seeks to develop vegetable crop systems. In addition, increasing urbanization and the needs of growing cities to feed their population will require more attention toward pollution-free urban and peri-urban horticulture production. We have tremendous tools available for addressing these needs. Recent advances in communication technologies are providing us with unprecedented opportunities to collaborate as a scientific community. Cutting-edge research has led to the development of biotechnologies such as marker-assisted selection and wide crosses that are breaking barriers to improvements in horticulture crop production. Unfortunately, most developing countries have more immediate priorities, such as providing basic health care and clean water, as compared to conducting horticulture research. Each country cannot afford its own full-scale horticulture research program. Thus, a collaborative global network could be far more effective. In this regard, the Global Horticulture Initiative, facilitated by AVRDC in collaboration with the CGIAR Science Council, ISHS, and CIRAD proposes to form a global network of partners to address constraints in horticulture production and consumption. Each ISHS member could make an important contribution in this and other networks. The synergies that we create by working together will most efficiently generate technologies that help poor families enjoy lives of dignity and prosperity, and even address the malnutrition problem plaguing the developed world. | |
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