Dutch Ambassador visits IITA to support Youth in Agribusiness

Following the recent partnership between IITA–CGIAR and the government of the Netherlands for the implementation of the YAS Project with IITA Youth Agripreneurs, Dutch Ambassador Wouter Plomp visited the Institute on 2-4 October. The Youth in Agribusiness: Enabling Scaling of Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Food (YAS) Project was launched earlier this year to enhance economic growth, job creation, and sustainable food systems and nutrition security in Nigeria.

Plomp was particularly interested in exploring the forest’s capacity to contribute to climate resilience through the YAS Project. He toured the IITA Forest led by Ademola Ajayi, IITA Forest Center Field Supervisor, with the IITA Youth Agripreneurs. The team enjoyed the forest adventure, relishing the beauty of nature and learning about nature’s contribution to sustainable food, water, medicine, and climate security.

Plomp thanked the IITA Forest Center team for facilitating an unforgettable tour and inspiring a deeper appreciation of nature in him. He applauded the important role IITA plays in transforming African agriculture, which is necessary for the future.