October 2016 - IITA News

Picture of IITA’s goals include ensuring food security for smallholder farmers.

IITA cited for its efforts in improving food and nutrition security; wins Al-Sumait Prize for Food Security

IITA has been recognized with the 2016 Al-Sumait Prize for Food Security for its sustained efforts in undertaking groundbreaking research and development that continues to positively affect the lives of millions on the African continent. IITA shares the prize with sister center, International Potato Center (CIP), which was cited for its work on orange-fleshed sweet…

Picture of Veronica (right) assessing cassava in the field of one of the farmers involved in the study.

Smart farming of cassava with focus on integrated soil fertility management increases yield by 60% in Tanzania

Preliminary results from an ongoing study by IITA in Tanzania have shown an increase of nearly 60% in cassava yield which translates to a 30% increase in income for farmers. The study “Integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) for productive and sustainable cassava production systems in Tanzania” is being conducted in the major cassava-growing areas of…

The World Bank recognizes IITA scientist

The World Bank has congratulated the efforts of Emmanuel Njukwe, IITA’s associate scientist in Central Africa, for his doggedness in promoting the cause of the Enabling the Business of Agriculture 2017 project in the region.

Picture of Former Pres. Obasanjo leads lawmakers and policymakers in developing a roadmap to ensure that Nigeria attains zero hunger by 2030

Nigeria Zero Hunger holds second meeting in Abuja

The Nigeria Zero Hunger Strategic Review held its second meeting in Abuja this month, led by former President and IITA Goodwill Ambassador Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

Picture of DDG Kenton Dashiell briefs the German Ambassador on IITA’s projects and activities.

New German envoy visits IITA

The new Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mr Bernhard Schlagheck, accompanied by Mr Manuel Mueller, Deputy Director, West Africa Department, were in IITA recently to learn about IITA’s work and explore potential collaboration. He was warmly welcomed by DDG Kenton Dashiell, Partnerships for Delivery. The new German envoy was very much interested in IITA’s work…

Picture of IITA Communication and Knowledge Management staff in Ibadan.

IITA is Open Access!

This is Open Access Week! IITA joins the celebration of this global event, now on its eighth year (http://www.cgiar.org/consortium-news/open-access-week/). Open Access Week provides an opportunity for the academic and research community to learn about the potential benefits of Open Access, to share what they learn with colleagues, and to help inspire wider participation in helping to…

Picture of Dr Kanayo F. Nwanze addresses the staff and guests during the 50th anniversary launch program, 19 October, IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria.

IITA kicks off 50th anniversary celebration in Ibadan with IFAD president as guest of honor

IITA commenced its golden jubilee celebration, with a launching event at the headquarters in Ibadan, on Wednesday, 19 October. The launch event featured the president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Dr Kanayo F. Nwanze, as the guest of honor.

Picture of Tom Smith, Professor of Evolutionary Biology, UCLA, talks to visitors about bird diversity.

UC GloCal Health Fellowship selects IITA Cameroon as a new site, announces new window for funding research

The University of California Global Health Institute (UCGHI) GloCal Health Fellowship has selected IITA-Cameroon also known as the Congo Basin Institute (CBI), as one of its new training sites in Africa where supportive mentorship, research opportunities, and a collaborative research environment is provided for young and upcoming scientists.

Picture of IKYA members giving some agroprocessing products to (L-R) the South-Kivu Governor HE Marcelin Chishambo Ruhoya and General Secretary Adolphe Mulumba.

IITA receives special commendation

During a working visit to IITA Kalambo Station, Adolphe Mulumba, the General Secretary (equivalent to Permanent Secretary) of the National Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock of the DR Congo, lauded IITA for its initiatives towards reducing poverty, hunger, and malnutrition and noted that they are in line with government’s development programs. Mulumba who was…

Picture of participants to the Africa Yam Bean symposium.

Scientists to develop new roadmap for African Yam Bean

Over 40 scientists attending the African Yam Bean (AYB) symposium have agreed to develop a roadmap for the improvement of AYB in a bid to rejuvenate research and develop this neglected and underutilized food crop in Nigeria. The symposium was organized on 18-19 October by the IITA Genetic Resources Center (GRC) in Ibadan. It brought…