IITA News

IITA trains cassava processors and bakers in Rwanda

According to the 2018 data published by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, cassava is the second most grown crop after banana in terms of cultivated area. The same data indicates that cassava is the fourth most consumed staple crop in Rwanda, as freshly harvested roots or as transformed recipes majorly ugali made from…

Aflasafe can reduce exposure to cancer-causing toxins and promote farmer access to premium markets

“If someone eats this maize, which may contain high aflatoxin levels, they may die and their death may be attributed to something else,” Dr Alejandro Ortega-Beltran a Plant Pathologist with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) says as he scrolls through pictures of nasty looking maize. Nasty, because it is rotten and covered by…

The more crops farmers grow, the more food, nutrition and income secure they are – study

It is common for smallholder farmers in Africa to grow multiple crops on their farms. However, policies do not often consider crop diversity as an option for fostering innovation in agriculture. Researchers set out to examine how crop diversity relates to household food security and income derived from the sale of multiple crops. To find…

Survey identifies Black Sigatoka banana disease hotspots in Uganda and Tanzania

Survey also finds disease is well established and more widespread than previously thought Both Luwero District in Uganda and Mbarara District, Kagera Region in Tanzania have been identified as the areas most affected by the deadly banana disease, black Sigatoka which is caused by a fungus. The disease, which was found to be more severe…

IITA to work with Osun State in raising agribusiness ambassadors

On 23 January, the Osun State Commissioner for Education, Hon Folarunsho Oladoyin visited IITA Ibadan campus with his Assistant, Bukola Elufisan and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Jamiu Olawumi. The purpose of their visit was to collaborate with IITA through the IITA Youth Agripreneurs (IYA) and Start Them Early Program (STEP) platforms,…

IITA signs major project agreement with the EU to enhance livelihoods in Northern Uganda

IITA has signed an agreement with the European Union and Uganda Government to start the implementation of a three-year, multidisciplinary program that seeks to enhance food and nutrition security, increase household incomes, and improve maternal and child nutrition and health in Northern Uganda. The project will, among others, promote diversified food (production; commercialization of agriculture;…

Golden Heart Foundation seeks partnership with IITA on youth empowerment

On 17 January, a team from the Golden Heart Foundation (GHF), led by the President, David Ogbueli, visited IITA Ibadan Campus. The purpose of the visit was to seek partnership with IITA on youth empowerment. GHF is an NGO with a focus on youth value reorientation, leadership, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurial development. GHF believes that…

Malawi farmers and processors enjoy increased revenue after C:AVA and IITA training

Farmers and processors in Malawi have registered increased incomes after participating in capacity-building training carried out by the Cassava: Adding Value for Africa (C:AVA2) project under the auspices of IITA, in partnership with Chancellor College. The training was undertaken as part of the GIZ-funded project on “Promoting Cassava Commercialization for Increased Income, Employment and Food…

How IITA discovered the fall armyworm

Isn’t it interesting how seemingly unrelated events in two countries can lead to the same outcome? The story of identifying the fall armyworm in Africa is as intriguing as the pest itself. In 2015 Ylva Hillbur, IITA’s former Deputy Director General (DDG) Research for Development was in talks with a Swedish team of researchers at…

IITA alumnus receives 2019 Japan Prize for outstanding achievements in soil management

On 16 January, Rattan Lal, an eminent IITA alumnus and a University Professor of Soil Science at College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), Ohio State University, was awarded the 2019 Japan Prize, considered one of the most prestigious honors in science and technology. The award was for original and outstanding research on sustainable…