IITA co-organizes side event at CFS 52: Pathways to zero hunger through policy, innovation, and partnerships for food security in Africa

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and IITA co-organized a side event under the Zero Hunger Project at the 52nd Committee on World Food Security (CFS) session on 25 October at FAO headquarters in Rome. This event highlighted the crucial role of policy frameworks in facilitating technology trials, scaling innovations, and building cross-sector partnerships to address food security. Speakers included representatives from diverse stakeholder groups, such as government agencies from Nigeria and Togo, research institutions like the Conseil Ouest et Centre Africain pour la Recherche et le Développement Agricoles (CORAF) and the Institut Togolais de Recherche Agronomique (ITRA), civil society organizations like the Mazingira Institute in Nairobi, and private-sector entities. Together, they shared insights into advancing agricultural policy and accelerating technology adoption across Africa. 

The event, themed “Pathways for achieving zero hunger through policy, innovation, and partnership,” was facilitated by Dr Viviane Fillipi, IFAD Program Officer, and it offered a comprehensive overview of strategies to bridge the science-policy divide. It underscored the importance of strong collaboration among government bodies, research institutions, and the private sector. Adebowale Akande, the project lead, highlighted ongoing initiatives in Nigeria and Togo under the Zero Hunger Project, focusing on the sustainable boost of agricultural productivity through technology adoption and evidence-based policy initiatives aimed at empowering decision-makers. 

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