The Senior Regional Director of Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), Dr Pierre Kadet, and his Country team visited IITA–CGIAR headquarters on 22 July. The purpose of the visit was to explore values chains of some IITA crops, such as soybean, and request support and linkages on other non-IITA mandate crops like rice and groundnut.
Giving the welcome address, Chrysantus Akem, Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Program Coordinator, introduced the team to IITA’s activities, including the Research for Development (R4D) and Partnerships for Delivery (P4D) programs. He also highlighted some of TAAT’s achievements, mentioning IITA as the lead executor of the program. “IITA and MEDA can work together to make a difference,” he said.
Dr Kadet, stated that IITA and MEDA have an overlapping interest in agri-food systems and P4D. He gave an update of their “Global strategy plan” mission, which strongly emphasizes improving food systems and creating and sustaining 500 employment opportunities for women and youth in sub-Saharan Africa. He further shared their expectations, including the types of crops that will meet domestic needs and having robust industrialization to reach local and global markets.