Arcad

The idea of this course, first held in Montpellier in 2008, originated from the many requests for training received by the ARCAD team in the field of agrobiodiversity analysis. While multidisciplinarity is often cited as necessary to study the intricate genetic, cultural and social components of the dynamics of crop diversity in agroecosystems,  only a few pegadogical resources are available to scientists who are willing to develop their own research on this hot topic. Scientists involved in ARCAD programme therefore developed a two-week course designed to provide trainees with a basic knowledge in population genetics and social sciences.

Prof. Ghita Chlyeh of IAV Hassan II presents faba bean field trial to training participants

Photo © JL Pham

Given in French, the course includes a balanced set of lectures, case studies and hands-on computer work.  While it is impossible for the trainees to master all tools necessary for agrobiodiversity analysis, the training course allows them to be aware of the main concepts underlying such research. It also affords them to get further into scientific literature on the subject. 

Of the more than 120 applications received for the course in Morocco, only 25 trainees coming from 12 countries were selected. The participants were a mix of PhD students and senior professionals in the field of crop biodiversity and breeding. The first week was dedicated to population genet

ics while the second one was focused on anthropology and interaction between social sciences and biology.

The policy dimension of the subject, which is an important element in understanding the overall context of plant genetic resources conservation and use, was presented by a Brazilian researcher, Prof. Juliana Santilli, who was a former trainee of the first edition of the course.  Other trainers came from CIRAD, INRA, IRD, IAV Hassan II and Bioversity International.

Another trainee of the first course, Prof. Ghita Chlyeh, was so pleased with the course that it was her who suggested organizing the second edition of the course in Morocco. Thanks to the very warm hospitality of the Moroccan colleagues, led by Prof. Mohammed Sadiki, Director of IAV Hassan II and Prof. Loubna Belqadi, having the training course in Morocco proved to be a very good idea.  Exciting lab visits and trips to field research sites (and touristic spots), delightful meals and tons of cookies were key elements in promoting interactions among an enthusiastic group of trainees and trainers. It is hoped that this will lead to future joint projects.