BecA

From wikicavy ilriwikis

Biosciences in eastern and central Africa (BecA) Hub at ILRI, Nairobi, Kenya

Essential competencies are found at the BecA-hub at ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute), such as know-how in genetic diversity studies of animals and pathogens, marker-assisted selection, development of QTLs, among others. BecA also has recognized experience in training African scientists. These competencies and experiences shall be used for capacity building of national scientists from Cameroon and DRC who have not been exposed to such modern techniques as yet. BecA scientists shall also advise national institutions on implementing techniques for genomic research, thus, actively participating in information dissemination and technology transfer.

Project scientists

Appolinaire Djikeng (principal investigator), Technology Manager Dr. Djikeng leads the laboratory management, the research related services and the genomics groups at the BecA Hub in Nairobi, Kenya. He will be responsible for all genotyping activities of the project and will assure the overall coordination of the project. Email: A.Djikeng(at)cgiar.org

Okeyo Mwai, Geneticist and Animal Breeder, ILRI, Nairobi, Kenya Dr. Mwai has more than 30 years practical research for development and teaching experience in animal breeding and genetics. He will contribute to the development of the breeding objectives, design and implementation of sustainable cavy breeding programs as well as to development and delivery of the related training materials and courses. Email: O.Mwai(at)cgiar.org

Project collaborators

Parfait Kouakou Kouadio, Fellow of the Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund (ABCF) at BecA/ILRI, Lecturer and PhD student, University of Abobo Adjame, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, has been at the BecA Hub in Nairobi from May to October 2012, in order to continue working on his project: "Genetic diversity of the guinea pig in Cote d’Ivoire to support breeding programs". Email: kouakouparfait(at)ahoo.fr

Bertin Bisimwa, Fellow of the Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund (ABCF) at BecA/ILRI, Assistant Lecturer/Research Officer, Catholic University of Bukavu, Sud-Kivu Province, DRC, has finalized his 5-month fellowship at the BecA Hub in December 2012, where he worked on his project: "Molecular identification and characterization of guinea pigs in the territories of Kabare and Walungu, South-Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo". Email: bertin_bisimwa(at)yahoo.fr