Breeding tropical legume crops for resilient cropping systems in Sub-Saharan AfricaC OOjiewoauthorAFikreauthorHDesmaeauthorB NMotagiauthorOBoukarauthorCMukankusi-MugishaauthorEMonyoauthorLegume crops are important components of sustainable agricultural production, household income and dietary systems. However, legume production in the tropics is challenged by a number of biotic (diseases and pests) and abiotic (heat, and drought) stresses. With support from bilateral projects such as Tropical Legumes (TL1, TL2 and TL3), CGIAR centers together with national research partners devoted resources and time to address these challenges. Genetic resources such as reference sets, pre-breeding, magic and intraspecific mapping populations, as well as genomic resources such as comprehensive genetic maps, whole genome sequences, QTLs and trait-specific markers have been developed for tropical legume crops such as chickpea, groundnut, common bean, pigeonpea, soybean and cowpea. Besides, integrated breeding approaches including high throughput genotyping and phenotyping platforms, marker-assisted selection (MAS) in pedigree breeding schemes, marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) and marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS) have contributed to accelerated development of breeding lines and varieties. Improved varieties have been released and disseminated together with integrated crop management practices. Innovative seed and associated technology dissemination systems including public-private sector partnerships, community seed production initiatives, quality declared seed, mini seed packs, contractual seed production, and revolving seed fund, among others, were used to popularize these varieties. This has resulted in enhanced adoption and subsequent improvement in productivity. More efforts are needed to enhance genetic gain by reducing time required for cultivar development through application of genomic and phenomic tools, enhancing selection intensity through automation, mechanization and digitization, and increasing the crossing scale and number of cycles per year.Plant BreedingCropping and Farming SystemsLegume CropsSub-Saharan Africa2017-02Conference or Workshop Item