News Overview

In Mozambique, communities from various districts in three northern provinces are benefitting from field days’ activities aimed to improve their practical knowledge, introduce technologies and increase adoption of new techniques that can improve agricultural production and productivity in their fields. The field days involved men, women and youth farmers producing maize, sesame, cowpeas, sweet potatoes, soybeans, peanuts and pigeon peas,

By Dr Godfree Chigeza, Soybean Breeder, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dean Muungani, Product Manager – Grain Crops, IITA, and Lennin Musundire, CGIAR Accelerated Breeding TRANSFORM Lead for East Africa As climate variability increases, fueled by rapid population growth, changing diets, and expanding livestock and aquaculture sectors, demand for protein-rich crops, such as soybeans – a long-underutilised crop in East Africa – is stepping

In a heartwarming blend of education, conservation, and commemoration, the IITA Forest Center recently hosted a two-day outdoor camping experience for students from two public secondary schools in Ibadan: Pade School of Science, Pade, and Community High School, Ajibade. This memorable camping, held 11–12 July, was fully sponsored by the Retrobeights, friends of the late Captain David Sewell—a revered figure whose legacy with

For years, the pungent smell of fish waste hovered above several Ugandan fishing communities, a constant reminder of pollution and neglect. While most passersby covered their noses to navigate the area, Simon Zaake saw potential. A trained forester with deep concern for the environment, Simon’s path changed the day he joined the ENABLE TAAT Compact, under the Youth in Agribusiness

A spirit of collaboration, curiosity, and cultural connection defined the recent visit of four Australian delegates to IITA from 7-11 July. The team, led by Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa, Director of Scientific Nutrition and Food Systems, University of Queensland, Australia, enjoyed a weeklong interactive exchange focused on deepening understanding of yam research and exploring innovative strategies to enhance yam production and

In Nigeria and across Africa, cassava is more than just a staple crop, it is a powerhouse of potential, silently yet profoundly driving food security, alleviating poverty, fostering sustainable livelihoods, and fueling an emerging entrepreneurial and industrial revolution. This ‘white gold’ is key to unlocking immense economic opportunities and building a resilient future for millions. Recognizing this immense significance, World Cassava Day

In an inspiring display of leadership, innovation, and community spirit, 11-year-old Joshua Ayankanmi, a grade five student of the International School of IITA, led a special outreach to Akinyele Local Government, Moniya, on 19 June. The initiative, organized as part of Joshua’s Primary Years Programme (PYP) Project Exhibition, focused on the critical theme of sustainable agriculture. Joshua planted vegetables in his

Enhancing efforts in developing agricultural technologies is key to revolutionizing the agriculture sector. Such innovations can significantly reduce losses caused by plant diseases and empower smallholder farmers to make informed decisions throughout the production process. Prof. Amal El-Ghazaly from Cornell University delivered a powerful seminar and valuable insights to the IITA–CGIAR breeders and scientists on “Sensing underground crops to understand the interdependence