International Potato Center

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CelebrateBecA Jan Low and Segenet Kelemu

International Potato Center (CIP) is a research facility that focuses on potato, sweet potato, and other root crops and tubers for the purpose of enhancing food security, alleviating poverty, and fostering sustainable development. Founded in 1971, the center is one of the 15 specialized research centers of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food-secured future.

History

The International Potato Center was established in 1971 in Lima, Peru, with the goal of improving the lives of the poor through research and innovation in potato and sweet potato agriculture. Since its inception, CIP has expanded its focus to include other root and tuber crops that are critical for food security and nutrition in the developing world.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the International Potato Center is to work with partners to achieve sustainable solutions to the world's most pressing social, economic, and environmental issues through the research and development of potato, sweet potato, and other root and tuber crops. Its goals include improving smallholder farmer productivity, enhancing nutrition and food security, and fostering resilience to climate change.

Research and Development

CIP's research and development efforts are focused on several key areas:

• Genetic Resources: Conservation and utilization of potato and sweet potato genetic resources to develop improved varieties.
• Crop Improvement: Breeding of high-yielding, disease-resistant potato and sweet potato varieties.
• Agricultural Systems and Practices: Development of sustainable farming practices to increase productivity and reduce environmental impact.
• Nutrition and Food Systems: Research on the nutritional benefits of potatoes and sweet potatoes and their role in improving diet quality and health.
• Climate Change and Resilience: Strategies to enhance the resilience of potato and sweet potato cropping systems to climate change.

Impact

The work of the International Potato Center has had a significant impact on the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers around the world. Improved potato and sweet potato varieties developed by CIP have led to increased yields, better nutrition, and higher incomes. Additionally, CIP's research on sustainable agricultural practices and climate resilience has helped communities better adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Collaborations

CIP collaborates with a wide range of partners, including national agricultural research systems, universities, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, to enhance the reach and impact of its research and development activities.

Locations

While headquartered in Lima, Peru, the International Potato Center operates in several countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, reflecting the global importance of its research subjects.

See Also

• Agricultural Science
• Food Security
• Sustainable Development
• Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research