International Opportunities for Research, Education, and Extension in Horticulture

There is a great need for adaptive horticulture research to improve horticulture production and marketing in developing countries. Availability and consumption of horticultural crops is well below recommended levels in many countries around the world. Work is need to adapt improved varieties to various climatic zones, particularly to provide disease resistance, reduce the need for pesticides to control insect pests thereby improving the safety of horticultural products, reduce postharvest losses by improving handling practices, and link small holder farmers to markets, domestically, regionally and internationally. Horticultural crops are more challenging to produce and handle after harvest than staple crops, but provide essential nutrients and potential for income generation. The capacity of local institutions to continue to develop improved practices for local horticulture is essential. Collaborations with US institutions can help to build this capacity. There will be increasing emphasis on horticulture crops to improve livelihoods in the near future, and there is much work to be done.