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


Agrobiodiversity Research



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


On-farm and in situ biodiversity conservation




Climate Change Resilience



Helping farmers adapt to climate change through biodiversity


Promoting diverse crop systems to reduce risk




Nutrition and Food Security



Researching traditional crops and local varieties that are rich in nutrients


Linking biodiversity to better health and diets




Sustainable Agriculture



Supporting agroecological practices


Integrating biodiversity in farming systems




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 InstituteDodoma 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