IITA honored for supporting development of Tanzania’s agric sector at “Nane nane” exhibition
The Tanzanian government recognized IITA’s role in supporting the development of the agriculture sector in the country during the week-long national agricultural exhibition held in Lindi-Mtwara, Tanzania, 1–8 August.
The exhibition, dubbed “Nane Nane” or “eight eight”, lasts for 8 days and its climax is on 8 August, which is a public holiday that recognizes the importance of agriculture and its actors in building the country’s economy. The exhibitions bring together stakeholders from the government, research institutes, universities, the private sector, and NGOs to showcase agriculture-related technologies and activities.
Victor Manyong explains to the former first lady, Salma Kikwete, IITA’s research on aflasafe, an effective biocontrol agent for reducing aflatoxin contamination.
The exhibition, dubbed “Nane Nane” or “eight eight”, lasts for 8 days and its climax is on 8 August, which is a public holiday that recognizes the importance of agriculture and its actors in building the country’s economy. The exhibitions bring together stakeholders from the government, research institutes, universities, the private sector, and NGOs to showcase agriculture-related technologies and activities.
The Institute’s exhibition was ranked third under NGOs that supported the development of Tanzania’s agriculture sector at the closing ceremony. The event was presided over by the Tanzanian Vice President, HE Hon. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who handed over the trophies to the winners. IITA Director for Eastern Africa, Victor Manyong, who was also among the key dignitaries at the event, received the trophy on behalf of IITA.
Manyong receiving IITA’s trophy from the Tanzanian Vice president, Hon. Samia Suluhu Hassan. Looking on are the Hon. Ministers of Agriculture and Finance.
Some of the technologies and products that IITA showcased included inoculants (NoduMax and Legumefix) to boost legume production under the N2Africa project; aflasafe, the biocontrol technology to control aflatoxin; and the collapsible drying case (CDC), PICS bags, shelling machine, and cassava waxing to reduce postharvest losses. The Tanzania Youth Agripreneurs (TYA) also were part of the exhibitions and displayed some products from their agribusinesses such as high-quality cassava flour and other cassava snacks.
Other IITA staff at the event included Freddy Baijukya, N2Africa Country representative; George Mahuku, IITA Senior Plant Pathologist; Catherine Njuguna, Communication Officer for Eastern Africa; and staff from N2Africa, aflasafe research, and TYA.
