When we hear the word innovation, we often think about technology.

But what if innovation could be as simple as developing a better seed?

In this episode of the Let's Talk Agriculture Podcast, Sharon Nkwah is joined by Dr. Gloria Adazebra, Research Scientist and Plant Breeder at CSIR–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), Ghana, for a conversation on what it really means to design agricultural innovation around the people it is meant to serve.

Using cowpea as a practical example, Dr. Gloria explains how plant breeding goes beyond science in the laboratory to understanding the everyday realities of farmers. The conversation explores gender-responsive plant breeding, improving crop varieties, strengthening food security, and why listening to farmers is essential to building more resilient agricultural systems across Africa.

Whether you're a researcher, policymaker, agribusiness professional, student, or simply interested in the future of agriculture, this episode offers practical insights into how innovation can create meaningful impact.

In this episode:

- What agricultural innovation really means

- Why better seeds matter

- How farmers shape scientific research

- Understanding gender-responsive plant breeding

- The story behind improved cowpea varieties

- The future of agricultural innovation in Africa

Guest: Dr. Gloria Adazebra

Research Scientist & Plant Breeder, CSIR–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), Ghana

🔗 Learn more:

- CSIR Ghana

- Alliance for Cowpea Improvement

- Additional resources

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