Developing technologies ready to scale.
Research
Leveraging global research capacity to solve hunger and malnutrition
We develop interdisciplinary networks that leverage global research capacities to solve pressing constraints in dryland sorghum and pearl millet food systems.
GCSM follows a rigorous priority-setting agenda developed from the needs of our target audiences. This process of a needs analysis translates to hypothesis-driven inquiry to identify promising solutions. Potential technologies are refined and deployed with end users, and new opportunities are identified through the collaborative process with actors across the value chain including farmers, food processors, consumers and key stakeholders.
Local partner networks foster information-sharing
Our local partner seed system networks build synergies with public, private and community-based seed system actors to accelerate the commercialization of improved nationally registered seed.
This Pan Africa network of registered seeds allows for sharing and transfer of seed material and expertise to other collaborating countries throughout Africa.
Global projects fueled by collaboration
The GCSM is coordinating continued global support for sorghum and millet on a foundation built through decades of work at Kansas State University, of which the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sorghum and Millet (SMIL) and the International Sorghum and Millet CRSP (INTSORMIL) are key legacies.
Focusing on research, developing technologies ready to scale and building human and institutional capacity, SMIL was hosted by K-State and funded through USAID's Feed the Future program.
The predecessor to SMIL, INTSORMIL led research in the global sorghum and millet production and value chain through the University of Nebraska and was funded by the USAID CRSP program.
To have lasting impact, it is vital that we continue to engage and collaborate with farmers, food processors, consumers and other stakeholders globally to ensure the success of these climate-smart crops to fight hunger and malnutrition. The Global Collaboration on Sorghum and Millet is the next step in expanding the value chain for these climate-smart crops."