February 2019 - Page 2 of 2

Staff Talent Development Competitive Grant for 2019

The IITA Staff Talent Development Competitive Grant is an annual offering organized by CDO to help achieve the Institute’s commitment to the professional development of staff. The 2019 edition has been announced and applications are now open until 1 March. A Joint Selection Committee of CDO, HRS, and other staff representatives along with the regional…

Training unit announces the commencement of CARE project

The Capacity Development Office (CDO) of IITA has announced 30 research fellowships for 2019 under the framework of “Enhancing Capacity to Apply Research Evidence (CARE) in policy for youth engagement in agribusiness and rural economic activities in Africa” funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). IITA carries out this project in partnership with…

Women scientists in IITA speak on “International Day of Women and Girls in Science”

IITA joins the world in celebrating on 11 February the fourth International Day of Women and Girls in Science themed “Investment in Women and Girls in Science for Inclusive Green Growth.” According to the United Nations, a significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)…

IITA scientists recommend packaging and storage for yellow-seeded maize flour

Research has shown that compared to other packaging and storage facilities, polyvinyl plastic containers (PPC) and dark compartment storage have the highest retention of Pro-vitamin A carotenoid (pVAC) and xanthophylls in yellow-seeded maize. Pro-vitamin A carotenoid (pVAC) foods contribute to the reduction of vitamin A deficiency diseases within the human body. Yellow-seeded maize flour, being…

IITA-Onne commences livelihood training of Ogoni women and youth

The IITA -Onne station, Rivers State, in partnership with Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN) on 21 January flagged off the first batch of sustainable livelihood training for 17 youth in the fabrication of agroprocessing machines. The event, which took place at IITA-Onne, was attended by HYPREP and SDN officials including…

Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata, as it scans for prey and predator during the IBC meeting.

IITA Forest Unit hosts the first Ibadan Bird Club Meeting in 2019

The first meeting of the Ibadan Bird Club (IBC) in 2019 was held at IITA Ibadan on 26 January. The event attracted 36 members including three children known as the IBC Juniors and nine beginners. In his opening remarks, IBC Coordinator Adewale Awoyemi welcomed members and introduced them to the basics of bird watching, especially…

Transforming Abuja Station

The IITA-Abuja Station continues to be transformed with the addition of new structures as recently outlined by the Head of Abuja Station, Gbassey Tarawali. In his presentation, given during the visit of IITA Board of Trustees Chair Dr Amos Namango Ngongi on 15 January, Tarawali highlighted the remodeling of old residential houses into ultra-modern office…

Scientists successfully use gene-editing technology to develop first-ever plantain resistant to banana virus streak

A team of scientists have announced a major breakthrough in their efforts to develop improved banana and plantain varieties that are resistant to banana streak virus (BSV), one of the diseases hampering the crop’s production in Africa and threatening the food and income of millions of farmers. The team successfully used CRISPR, a powerful technology…