seed system Archives

IITA receives Service Support Award from NAQS

NAQS honors IITA with “Service Support Award” for phytosanitary capacity development

A long-time collaborator and partner, the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS), honored IITA with the “Service Support Award” for excellent support and collaboration towards the achievements of its mandate. The plaque was given during the passing out ceremony of new NAQS staff on 16 April 2021, at the Regional Post Entry and Diagnostics Centre, Moor…

IITA produces basic seeds for major crops, including cassava.

IITA plays vital role in Cameroon seed system during COVID-19 crisis

During the COVID-19 pandemic IITA-Cameroon is providing high-quality seeds of improved crop varieties to smallholder farmers through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER). The seed legislation in Cameroon classifies seed into basic seeds, certified seeds, and standard (commercial) seeds. IITA, in collaboration with Cameroon’s Agricultural Research Institute for Development (IRAD), has the responsibility…

DG Nteranya Sanginga talking about the transition of the BASICS project from phase I to II.

IITA launches BASICS-II project

On 25 June, IITA launched the second phase of the project Building an Economically Sustainable and Integrated Cassava Seed System (BASICS II). With a duration of 5 years, BASICS II will be led by Project Manager Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. The BASICS project was first launched…

Project to build sustainable cassava seed system in Africa gets new phase

Ibadan, Nigeria: To improve their yields and incomes, African cassava farmers need regular and reliable access to high quality planting materials of the newest and best varieties. Access to such cassava stems, however, is often a problem. Agrodealers don’t sell them, and free distributions by NGOs and government programs are sporadic and unreliable. Consequently, many…

BASICS ARPM 2019: Communicating and outscaling successes beyond project life

The Building an Economically Sustainable Integrated Seed System for Cassava (BASICS) project hosted its stakeholders for the 2019 Annual Review and Planning Meeting (ARPM) on 11–13 March at IITA-Ibadan, Nigeria. Director of Pipal Limited, Kenya, Sue Davison, facilitated the meeting with the theme “Communicate,” which reflected on the activities of the project in the past…

Stakeholders express interest in SAH technology in DR Congo

In February, a meeting was organized at IITA Kalambo to share the progress made in the introduction of the Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) technology at Kalambo station. Cassava is one of DR Congo’s principal crops, with per capita consumption of 453 kg per year; it is also a main pillar for food security for 80% of…

Group photograph of Seed System Specialists and farmers appreciating their high yield

IITA and partners propose sustainable seed system as a solution

Seeds are fundamental to the continuity of agriculture. A seed is the propagative part of a crop that is preserved for growing a new crop.

Picture of visitors from Rwanda and Burundi testing out TOSCI's cassava certification protocol

Seed health experts from Burundi and Rwanda visit Tanzania to learn about cassava seed systems

The Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) and the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), supported by IITA and Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), have made great strides in establishing a commercial seed system for cassava in the country.

MEDA, IITA, and Agriculture Ministry to build an economically sustainable seed system for cassava in Tanzania

Cassava farmers and processors in Tanzania have another reason to smile as a new project to address one of their major challenges―the lack of access to clean planting material of new improved, disease-resistant varieties―is launched.

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…