News Overview

In a significant step toward enhancing agricultural research and food security in São Tomé and Príncipe, IITA–CGIAR recently hosted four staff members from the National Research Institute of São Tomé and Príncipe (CIAT-STP) for a comprehensive one-month training program. The initiative, held at IITA headquarters in Ibadan, was part of the ongoing collaboration with the COMPRAN project formalized in August 2024, which aims to enhance crop

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

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

A top-level delegation from the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its Embassy in Nigeria recently visited the Abuja Hub of the ‘Youth in Agribusiness: Enabling scaling of innovative technologies for sustainable food solutions’, also known as the YAS project. The visit enabled the delegation to witness the project implementation outcomes first-hand and examine the critical sustainability areas. While welcoming the

Networking remains a cornerstone of academic and professional growth, offering far-reaching benefits beyond social connection. It enhances the visibility and credibility of one’s research, unlocks access to funding opportunities, supports career mobility, and fosters innovation through new ideas and collaborations. Recognizing the power of networking and the evolving landscape of research careers, the IITA–CGIAR International Association of Research Scholars and Fellows (IARSAF)