Networks: the Key to Sustainable and Successful Soybean development

Why networks, why now?

• Scale technologies to achieve broad impact • Economize on scarce resources • Allow for peer-to-peer learning and mentoring • Lower cost to delivering knowledge assets (via webinars, databases, courses) • Reduce isolation among professionals • Validate practices and minimizes anecdotal guidance • Enable self-reliance

SIL Active Networks

Pan-African Soybean Variety Trial (PAT) network 26 countries, 58 institutions (31 private, 27 public)

Soybean Breeder network (all active breeders) 5 countries, 4 institutions

Mechanization network 10 countries, 16 institutions (5 private, 11 public) ICT Connectivity network 3 countries, 8 partners

Plant Breeder Education network 5 countries, 9 partners

Soybean Pest and Disease network 8 countries, 14 partners

ICT Connectivity Supports All Networks

(online databases and information portals, continuing education series, open-access curriculum, communication channels (WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.), bi-monthly technical webinars)