Empowering roots: Radio IITA and Yam Breeding Program uplift women farmers

At the core of IITA–CGIAR‘s mission is the unwavering commitment to improving livelihoods across sub-Saharan Africa and creating systems where cutting-edge research seamlessly meets the real world. This commitment was demonstrated in a recent, transformative outreach event for female yam farmers, a collaborative effort between Radio IITA and the IITA Yam Breeding Program. The outreach initiative, celebrated for its practical, hands-on approach and focus on value addition, aims to empower farmers and significantly enhance their livelihoods across the continent.

The yam outreach event focused on women farmers and providing the resources to become leading seed yam producers in south-west Nigeria.

The event, vibrant with the energy of dedicated female farmers, underscored the pivotal role women play in agriculture and food security. IITA Head of Communication,  Katherine Lopez, celebrating the participating women during her welcome remarks, said, “These incredible women are the backbone of our communities, tirelessly nurturing their homes and fields. IITA-CGIAR stands firmly with them, offering unwavering support as they cultivate not just crops, but also a brighter future for their families and nations.” Highlighting IITA’s dedication to creating equitable opportunities within the agricultural sector, where Social Science and Agribusiness initiatives have a wide-reaching impact, “this enables IITA to put its innovations and breakthroughs into use and see how they shape policy, production, and people’s lives,” Lopez added.

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