KEPHIS through COPE was requested to train technicians of Department of Agricultural Research Service in Malawi through consultancy by GIZ. The aim of the training was to impart knowledge and skills in cassava Tissue culture procedures as well as virus elimination and post flask management process. Nine participants were trained and were composed of laboratory technicians and researchers from three key stations of Department of Agricultural Research in Malawi (DARs) including (Lunyangwa, Chitedze and Bvumbwe stations). The trainees were taken through both theory and hands-on practicals on overview of Tissue culture, applications and general best practices, laboratory health and safety, media preparation, selection and sampling of ex-plants for initiation, virus elimination, hardening as well as development and best practices in Laboratory Standard operating procedures. The impact of the training will lead to enhanced food security and economic development in Malawi due to the important role cassava plays as a great source of food and income to many smallholder farmers who depend on cassava for their livelihoods. The acquired skills will also be applied in supporting other root and tuber crops in their tissue culture projects including for banana, sweetpotato and Irish potato.
