IITA partners with GCA for phase two of the SAPZ project in Nigeria

As part of the mission dedicated to championing climate-resilient agri-food systems and ensuring food security for millions of farm families in sub-Saharan Africa, IITA–CGIAR is partnering with the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) to provide technical assistance for phase two of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project in Anambra, Ekiti, and Niger states in Nigeria.

A two-day preparatory workshop was held from 11 to 12 August at IITA Headquarters, Ibadan, to kick-start this collaboration. The session brought together GCA and IITA scientists to the project’s implementation strategies in-depth. The GCA Global Program Lead, Oluyede Ajayi, and Food Security Specialist, Oluwabunmi Ajilore, attended in person, while stakeholders from the three target states joined virtually.

In his welcome address, the IITA Director for West Africa, Michael Abberton, emphasized that climate resilience and plant health remain central to IITA’s research agenda. He added that the Institute is delighted to engage in discussions that will shape agricultural transformation in the participating states.

Read more