CIAT Archives - IITA News

CGIAR centers applying CRISPR/Cas to improve roots, tubers, and bananas

One CGIAR centers are now using CRISPR/Cas, a form of genome editing, to help speed up the development of improved high-yielding roots, tubers, and bananas (RTB)—these are essential staple food crops in tropical and subtropical countries grown for food security. Genome editing either silences or knocks out a gene of interest in the plant genome…

Genome editing is the future of plant breeding

“Genome editing is the future of plant breeding in terms of being more efficient and getting more genetic gains,” said Kingstone Mashingaidze, one of the speakers at the recently held CGIAR webinar on genome editing. CGIAR centers using genome editing recently started a webinar series that will investigate the practice, benefits, social acceptance, and regulation…

Akilimo decision support system for cassava farmers promoted

Akilimo decision support system for cassava farmers in Nigeria and Tanzania

The African Cassava Agronomy Initiative (ACAI) has released its first field test version of the Akilimo decision support system in paper and application format. Extension agents will use these to help cassava farmers in Nigeria and Tanzania optimize their productivity and income from growing cassava. The name Akilimo is coined from a combination of two…

TAAT discusses ongoing activities in workshop

Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), a program initiated by the African Development Bank (AfDB) as part of its Feed Africa Initiative, held a workshop at IITA, Ibadan. The meeting, which took place 27-28 June, brought together representatives from AfDB as well as executing and implementing agencies, the TAAT Program Unit, the Clearinghouse, and coordinators…

IITA and partners to develop recommendations for food production efficiency

IITA will lead an initiative to develop recommendations for sustainable nitrogen management strategies to improve food and energy production within the Lake Victoria catchment. The Institute will work in collaboration with the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) and other stakeholders, while aiming to minimize environmental pollution. This followed a two-day workshop held in Kisumu on…

IITA launches seed systems project in Mozambique

IITA, with partners, launched the USAIDfunded “Feed-the-Future Mozambique Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture” (SEMEAR) project with a stakeholders’ meeting and workshop held at the Hotel Melinio in Nampula, Mozambique on 20−21 April. SEMEAR is a 5-year (2015−2019) program led by IITA that will use a winwin, public−private partnership approach to disseminate improved legume seeds and…