Three IITA scientists named among World’s Top Agri-food Pioneers
Three IITA scientists have earned global recognition during a formal recognition ceremony by the World Food Prize Foundation for 40 Top Agri-food Pioneers (TAP) from across six continents whose work is helping transform food systems and advance global food security.
- Soil health
- data
- smallholders
- Policy and decision-making
Three IITA scientists have earned global recognition during a formal recognition ceremony by the World Food Prize Foundation for 40 Top Agri-food Pioneers (TAP) from across six continents whose work is helping transform food systems and advance global food security.
The award ceremony for the Pioneers took place during the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue on October 20–22 in Des Moines, Iowa.
The three scientists, Professor em. Rony Swennen, Professor Chiedozie Egesi, and Dr Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, represent three critical fronts in the fight against hunger and malnutrition: crop improvement, nutrition-sensitive breeding, and food safety. Their recognition highlights the growing global recognition of African-led and Africa-focused agricultural innovations that are improving the lives of millions of farmers and consumers.
Announced by the World Food Prize Foundation on 17 June 2026, the TAP list recognizes individuals “driving bold and innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges in global food security.” The 2026 cohort spans 30 countries and reflects a diverse range of expertise, from crop research and nutrition to climate resilience and emerging technologies.