IPGRI-SSA Information archiving

Information archiving

IPGRI activities in SSA

About the Region
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Data Management

PcGRIN

Assistance is provided to national programmes enhance their data management, by promoting techniques for efficient data collection and structuring, and to design efficient data structures that will enable efficient storage and iterative querying for a wide range of responses. Germplasm database management systems that facilitate linkages between multiple datasets are encouraged. The need arises out of the need to keep track of genebank procedures and activities, as well as keep track of germplasm holdings and their condition. IPGRI in sub-Saharan Africa strives to equip partners with the tools and skills to effectively manage the large numbers of genebank holdings in many countries, and thereby build capacity for better management of these vital resources.

SDIS

SDIS (SADC documentation and information system), was developed for and by the SADC countries, with the help of the Nordic genebank. All the national programmes in the region (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) use the standardized system. This eases data interchange since their format and structure are the same. Each country holds its own data, but also deposit this within the central SPGRC database, managed centrally by the Senior Professional officer, Documentation.

Having been in existence for more than 10 years, this is the most developed of the sub-regional networks, with a wide collection of germplasm holdings held at national genebanks and accessions of regional significance at the central Centre genebank in Lusaka.

PcGRIN is a germplasm documentation system developed by the USDA. IPGRI in sub-Saharan Africa, together with the USDA, are promoting and supporting the use this system to document germplasm holdings of the national programmes within the West and Central Africa sub-region. Support is in the form of providing computers, software and training, and software support.

PcGRIN has been used extensively in the Americas region. The system also enjoys continuous support and continual improvement by the USDA, taking into account users' requirements.

It is a DOS-based system in its present form but Windows version is in the works.

14 partners from 11 countries have already been trained in PcGRIN and supplied with 10 computers. 3 observers from IITA also attended the training. This was made possible by a donation of 10 CPUs by the USDA. The USDA also it possible for two trainers, one from the institute and another from IPGRI's Americas office, to travel to Cotonou, Benin, for the training.

The countries in sub-Saharan Africa now using PcGRIN are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo.

EAPGREN

The East African Plant Genetic Resources Network is a newly started network, receiving support from the Nordic genebank. A system has yet to be decided for use.

IPGRI support

IPGRI supports national programmes and regional networks by providing demand-driven training and capacity-building, by sourcing for support donors, and by encouraging sharing of collaborative advantages.

IPGRI's support for documentation in sub-Saharan is given in the framework of the sub-regional networks, namely SPGRC for southern Africa, GRENEWECA for west and central Africa, and EAPGREN for eastern Africa. The networks offer unique opportunities and challenges.

In addition, too, IPGRI works directly with countries in the sub-regions in addressing issues that are country-specific.

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