Tracking Diversity, Securing the Future: NACGRAB's Mission Across Nigeria NACGRAB ’ s collecting mission is progressing across Nigeria as teams continue to collect valuable pigeon pea and fonio diversity that to date is missing from the national genebank So far, collections have been made from several farming communities, where farmers continue to maintain traditional varieties adapted to local conditions. Based on a gap analysis study that identifies areas of the country where these crops grow but are not represented in the national collections, collecting will continue to increase the diversity of these crops. With support from the @ CropTrust Funding Facil i ty, the goal is to collect 400 landraces before the season ends. Each accession collected represen ts unique genetic resources that holds valuable traits that may contribute to future food security, climate resilience, and crop improvement. #CropTrust #FundingFacility #CropDiversity #Genebank #NACGRAB #FoodSecuerity #PowerofDiversity NACGRAB Collecti ng Team 2 engaging with pigeon pea farmer in Edo state A sample of a Pigeon Pea landrace, this was collected from Maje village of Taura local Government Area in Jigawa state by the NACGRAB Collecting Team 4. This is one of the 29 samples collected in that part of the country thanks to the support and collaboration of farmers. Madam Mary James Dalyop from Dumum village in Jos South shares her knowledge on the traditional uses of fonio in her community with members of the NACGRAB Collecting Team 3. A female farmer in Eruwa, Oyo state gladly showcases her pigeon pea meal after learning about the importance and need of collecting and conserving crop diversity Community engagement is a critical first step in successfully collecting crop diversity The NACGRAB Collecting Team 1 paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler Oba Alhaji Zakariyahu Atanda Owolabi Oladimeji , the Oluka of Ika Land, Ejigbo Local Government Area, Osun State, to brief him on the objectives of the m ission and seek community support. The Royal Father welcomed the initiative and granted approval for the team to proceed with collection activities within the community. Such engagements are essential in fostering trust and collaboration with local custodi ans of crop diversity as we work to conserve Nigeria ’ s valuable pigeon pea and fonio genetic resources. # CropTrust # FundingFacility #CropDiversity #NACGRAB #Genebank #PigeonPea #Fonio #FoodSecurity #PowerofDiversity Pictured here, pigeon pea farmers at M aje community, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa state. They have g i ve n their approval and support to NACGRAB Collecting Team 4 in their efforts to track down local landraces of Pigeon Pea and Fo nio