Through an IITA-led training, CSIR-SARI is strengthening its capacity to manage and analyze breeding data through practical training in the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) and Bioflow, providing crop teams with skills they can apply in their day-to-day breeding activities and share with colleagues across the institute.
From 31 August to 4 September 2026, 40 research scientists and technicians from the Cowpea, Soybean, Maize, Cassava, and Yam breeding teams participated in an on-site EBS and Bioflow training at CSIR-SARI in Nyankpala, Tamale, Ghana. The training was conducted as part of the CGIAR Capacity Sharing Accelerator (CapSha) initiative, with Simon Imoro, IITA Breeding Data Manager and EBS Trainer, serving as facilitator and Solomon Ntukidem as co-facilitator and Bioflow Trainer. The training was coordinated on behalf of CSIR-SARI by Dr. Theophilus Kwabla Tengey, Cowpea Breeder at the institute, whose support was instrumental in bringing the training together.
Building Skills Through Practice
The training took participants through key stages of the breeding data cycle, from experiment creation and trial design to data collection, curation, quality control, and analysis. Practical exercises connected EBS and Bioflow to real breeding activities, helping participants understand how well-managed data can support analysis and breeding decisions.
Participants also led session recaps and shared their learning across crop teams. This approach reinforced the lessons from each session while helping extend the learning beyond the individuals who attended the training.
From Training to Institutional Capacity
The activity was supported by CSIR-SARI leadership, reinforcing the importance of applying the training within the institute. Dr. Joseph Adjebeng-Danquah, Deputy Director of CSIR-SARI, encouraged participants to apply their new knowledge, share it with colleagues, and continue using EBS and Bioflow in their breeding programs. He reaffirmed CSIR-SARI’s commitment to strengthening digital breeding capacity and thanked the CapSha, IITA , the facilitators, and the participants for making the workshop a success.
Simon Imoro also expressed his appreciation to Dr. Theophilus Kwabla Tengey, Cowpea Breeder at CSIR-SARI, for coordinating the training. He confirmed continued access to EBS, training resources, and post-training technical support, providing participants with assistance as they move from training exercises to applying the systems in their regular breeding activities.
Looking Ahead
The training has expanded the number of CSIR-SARI staff across five crop programs with practical experience in EBS and Bioflow. The next step is to apply these skills in regular breeding activities, share knowledge within teams, and continue building local expertise through ongoing use and support.
For other breeding organizations considering similar capacity strengthening, the CSIR-SARI experience highlights the value of combining practical training, knowledge sharing, institutional support, and continued technical guidance. Collaboration between IITA and local partners can provide a foundation for the sustained use of EBS and Bioflow across breeding programs.
Interested in building similar capacity within your breeding teams? Connect with the EBS team to discuss a training opportunity for your organization.