Notícias
Cotton project in Côte d'Ivoire sets new phases
Last week, on April 3rd and 4th, members of the steering committee of ABC's Cotton Côte d'Ivoire Project met to assess the progress achieved thus far, and outline guidelines for the coming phases. During the meeting, the results of activities carried out by the Brazilian partner institutions under the project, namely, the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA) and Vioma AGRO (a bioinput production company from the state of Minas Gerais) were presented. Additionally, the technical training program and the work plan for the coming months were approved. 
Professor Joao Jose Marques, from UFLA, highlighted the technical training already carried out, and shared information on topics addressed, number of participants, and results achieved. Moreover, Professor Marx Silva presented an assessment of the setting-up activities of Technical Demonstration Units (TDUs), and provided details about the locations where the TDUs were set up, and the challenges overcome. In addition, he provided detailed information about the technical knowledge shared.
Mr. Bruno Teixeira, also a professor with UFLA, talked about the advances made in the Laboratory of Soil Analysis in Sinematiali (a city in Côte d'Ivoire), where the X-ray fluorescence technique has ensured more accuracy in analyses of soil and crop residues.
The Vioma team, represented by Clissman Vaz, a technical professional, shared the progress achieved in relation to the implementation of the bioinput production laboratory, which has been yielding positive results for the project. He also reported on the training actions carried out with the technical staff of the National Center for Agronomic Research of Côte d'Ivoire.
Next steps
During the meeting, the general technical training plan was approved, which establishes training modules, teaching methodologies, and an activity schedule for the coming months, with an impact assessment system to measure the effectiveness of actions undertaken.
At the end of the meeting, priority actions with deadlines and responsibilities were established, and the coming meeting was scheduled. The steering committee reaffirmed its commitment to the success of the project, which continues to advance in view of the results that have already been achieved, and the strategies outlined for the following phases.
The Cotton Côte d 'Ivoire Project is coordinated by ABC, and implemented in partnership with UFLA, with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and funding from the Brazilian Cotton Institute (IBA).
The initiative is meant to strengthen the cotton production chain in such African country. Its main objectives are to increase productivity, train technicians and farmers, improve seed quality, encourage cooperative initiatives, and add value to cotton by-products, so much so as to encourage the use of sustainable practices, and foster local development.
