A wide range of computer-based tools exist to help glean information from germplasm, and in sub-Saharan Africa, it is IPGRI's goal that these are made available for use.

Support is generally in the form of acquiring/developing the tools and training partners  in their use. 

IPGRI in sub-Saharan Africa also recognizes the enormous potential that free, open-source software now readily available on the Internet offers to the plant genetic resources community in the region, and is actively involved in the evaluation of these and their possible use for better understanding and management of plant genetic resources.

One such tool for data analysis is the R statistical environment.

IPGRI is fully cognizant of  this and great efforts are being made to disseminate this technology with the attendant advantages.

DIVA-GIS software allows mapping and spatial analysis of genetic resources data. It was developed for use with genebank data such as available through national or international genebank documentation systems. 

FloraMap is a spatio-modelling tool that can predict the distribution of naturally occurring organisms when little is known of their detailed physiology.

ARCINFO and ArcView and assorted add-ins are premier generic GIS software developed by ESRI that can add significant value to germplasm data analysis. They also feature a modelling environment that enables analysts and others to incorporate analysis modules to suit their analysis and modelling  needs.