Bringing more women into science and helping them realize their full potential is a sure way to boost research and innovation in the region, as well as social and economic development.
To date ICBA has implemented several initiatives to support women and girls in science in the MENA region. The latest one is the Arab Women Leaders in Agriculture (AWLA) program. Being the first of its kind in the region, AWLA is a leadership program aimed at empowering women researchers who can make a positive impact in their workplaces, communities and countries.
As women-led contributions to different sectors are becoming more and more evident, tapping their knowledge and potential today will set the world on course for a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Why to invest more in women and girls in science
11 February 2020
11 February is celebrated worldwide every year as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This year’s theme is “Investment in Women and Girls in Science for Inclusive Green Growth”. The day serves to highlight the important role women and girls play in science and technology and the crucial contributions they make to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The main goal is to identify genes or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for agronomic and biochemical characters in quinoa and use those genes or QTLs in breeding to improve its yield, quality, and adaptability in marginal environments.
As part of GWAS, scientists have begun analyzing 190 genotypes of quinoa at ICBA’s research station in Dubai, the UAE, for different traits like tolerance to different levels of salinity; flowering duration; plant height; panicle length; branching; days to maturity; seed yield; seed weight; and seed saponin.
The project aims to ultimately breed high-yielding early-maturing (90-100 days) quinoa varieties with high levels of abiotic (salinity, drought, and heat) tolerance for marginal areas; as well as develop associated best management practices and optimum post-harvest management practices.
ICBA starts genome-wide association studies of quinoa
27 February 2020
The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has joined forces with the Max Planck Institute, Germany, and the BGI Group, one of the world's largest genomics companies, to conduct genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of quinoa.
ICBA is building the capacity of suppliers and service providers to deliver customized solutions to farmers to save energy required for pumping and water for irrigation.
The goal is to save about 18.5 million cubic meters of water by 2022 through addressing constraints in the adoption of innovative water-saving technologies in agriculture and households.
Helping Jordanian farmers save water and money
5 February 2020
A major multi-stakeholder project is helping farmers in two Jordanian governorates save water resources and cut down on electricity bills by introducing water-efficient technologies.
