Clemson University delegation visits IITA to advance banana research and expand collaboration
A delegation from Clemson University visited IITA headquarters from May 11 to 15 for a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening research collaboration in banana production and seed systems.
A delegation from Clemson University visited IITA headquarters from May 11 to 15 for a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening research collaboration in banana production and seed systems. The week-long visit marked the inception phase of the Gates Foundation-funded research project, “Post-tissue culture multiplication of banana for efficient scaling (Banana Vegetative Starts),” an initiative focused on strengthening banana propagation systems for enhanced productivity and impact across Africa.
The visit brought together researchers and experts from both institutions to explore innovative approaches to seed propagation technologies, and modern breeding solutions designed to improve agricultural productivity. During the visit, the delegation toured several facilities across the IITA campus, gaining insights into the Institute’s research activities, innovations, and infrastructure while identifying exciting opportunities for partnership, knowledge exchange, and scientific advancement.
A mini symposium held during the visit further highlighted the shared commitment of both institutions to agricultural research and development. Head of IITA Genetic Resources Center and Director of the West Africa Hub, Professor Michael Abberton, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the collaboration between IITA and Clemson University. The hybrid session featured presentations on IITA’s value proposition and Clemson University’s contributions to global agricultural research and development.
Speaking at the symposium, PROSSIVA (Program for Seed System Innovation for Vegetatively Propagated Crops in Africa) Coordinator and IITA Principal Investigator for the Banana Vegetative Starts project, Delphine Amah, introduced the PROSSIVA project and its objectives, stressing the challenges farmers face in crop cultivation and access to quality planting materials. She also pointed out the gap this new project will address: Current banana seed systems lack efficient and affordable multiplication approaches capable of rapidly scaling clean planting material from tissue culture. “This 3-year project is developing nursery-based hydroponics systems to help bridge that critical delivery gap for seed enterprises and farmers,” she said.
Representing Clemson University, Professor Jagger Harvey, Director of Global Research Initiatives, shared broader perspectives on how Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (CALFS) is collaboratively addressing major agricultural challenges affecting farmers globally.