IITA News

Researchers call for gender-friendly crop varieties to aid food security

Researchers call for gender-inclusive crop varieties to aid food security

The global population is rapidly increasing and there is need for increase in global food production to meet the needs of the growing population. Although maize is one of the most important and widely cultivated staple crop in Sub-Saharan Africa, yields have been significantly low in many countries. However, research has shown that gender has…

Integrated Agriculture Activity conducts peace-enabling training for crop and livestock farmers in North-East Nigeria

The USAID-funded Feed-the-Future Nigeria Integrated Agriculture Activity conducted a series of training on crop residue utilization and feed formulation for farmer and herder groups’ representatives, large-scale farmers, local livestock feed processors, livestock feed sellers, nutrition liaison officers, and extension agents in Yola (Adamawa State) between 18 and 20 February and in Biu (Borno State) between…

Crop innovation: Mitigating the impact of the climate crisis in Africa

Adopting drought-tolerant (DT) maize varieties has helped lift millions of people above Africa’s poverty line. In his recently launched book, How to avoid a climate disaster: The solutions we have and the breakthroughs we need, Bill Gates mentioned this innovation, singling out CGIAR as being “at the forefront of supporting the world to feed itself…

IITA takes the lead in agricultural transformation in DRC

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), IITA has continued to take a leading role in driving domestic agricultural transformation. Between 15 and 19 February, the Institute carried out multiple interventions to boost agriculture in the region. The Institute organized a regional capacity-building workshop on the management of aflatoxins under the auspices of the Integrated…

IITA Corps members organize seminar on alleviating hunger and poverty

The IITA National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) community recently organized a one-day seminar themed “Alleviating hunger and poverty through agriculture: Today’s youth; tomorrow’s leaders” for corps members across Nigeria. The immersive full-day event took place on 15 February and aimed to motivate and empower corps members to engage in productive research and business opportunities in…

Farm Radio wants IITA collaboration to boost farming communities

Farm Radio International, a non-profit organization using radio to help African farming communities support themselves, has indicated an interest to collaborate with IITA in Nigeria. The Farm Radio team disclosed this on 17 February, during a virtual introductory meeting between the two organizations. The Farm Radio team included the Country Program Manager, Eucharia Uranta Okonkwo,…

CGIAR Germplasm Health Units contributing to global phytosanitary systems

Quarantine and phytosanitary procedures have been established in all countries worldwide to address seed-borne pests spread by screening export and import consignments of germplasm. The CGIAR Germplasm Health Units (GHUs) use a unique multidisciplinary approach to ensure phytosanitary protection for the safe conservation and global movement of germplasm from the 11 CGIAR genebanks and breeding…

Enhancing youth’s willingness to engage in agripreneurship

With about 14% of Nigerian youth experiencing unemployment in 2020, research showed that youth between 15 and 24 years are not only available for employment but are actively seeking various means of employment. The huge youthful population in Nigeria faces high rates of unemployment, underemployment, and poor livelihood. A recent study by IITA–CARE youth researcher…

Agropastoral and social fair showcases IITA’s technologies and achievements in Cameroon

At the recently concluded Agropastoral and Social Fair of the Mefou Afamba division (COMAF 2020), which took place in Awae, IITA Cameroon showcased IITA technologies and ongoing project outputs. The Institute participated in COMAF from 27 to 30 January to increase community engagement in Cameroon. One of the highlights of IITA’s exhibition was the display…

Application of Aflasafe KE01 on a maize field by Sarah Chughu. (Photo: U Mutuku/IITA)

Scaling agricultural innovations to strengthen Africa’s food systems, food safety and nutrition

Africa’s food systems are at an inflection point. Food demand in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to at least double between 2015 and 2050. Moreover, income growth and urbanization are driving significant changes in consumer demand, including for more varied, nutritious, and value-added foods. Meanwhile, food security remains a challenge—according to the United Nations Food and…