IITA–CGIAR is empowering National Plant Protection organizations in Africa to effectively detect and manage Potato Cyst Nematodes (PCN), a microscopic pest devastating potato crops across the region. Nematodes are tiny worms that attack potato roots, stunting their growth and can wipe out potato yields by up to 100 percent. PCN has been reported to be highly prevalent in four countries in
IITA–CGIAR Director General, Dr Simeon Ehui, has emphasized that youth involvement is crucial to the future of agriculture and global food security. He noted that youth play a strategic role in driving the adoption of innovative agricultural practices that boost productivity while safeguarding the environment. The DG, represented by the Deputy Director-General, Partnerships for Delivery, Dr Tahirou Abdoulaye, spoke in Ibadan recently at
Ibadan, Nigeria – IITA–CGIAR proudly celebrates the recognition of Dr Mercy Diebiru-Ojo as one of the 2025 Africa Food Prize Laureates, honoring her outstanding contributions to advancing Africa’s agricultural transformation through the widespread promotion of a novel node culture technology for cassava and yam called Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH). Dr Diebiru-Ojo’s work is shaping a new frontier in rapid crop multiplication, transforming SAH from a
Ibadan, Nigeria – IITA–CGIAR proudly celebrates the recognition of Dr Mercy Diebiru-Ojo as one of the 2025 Africa Food Prize Laureates, honoring her outstanding contributions to advancing Africa’s agricultural transformation through the widespread promotion of a novel node culture technology for cassava and yam called Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH). Dr Diebiru-Ojo’s work is shaping a new frontier in rapid crop multiplication, transforming SAH from a
As part of IITA–CGIAR’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of national institutions and partners, the Project Development and Administration Unit (PDAU) held a webinar on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, with 54 participants from 12 partner institutions across locations hosting IITA hubs. The session focused on equipping partner staff with the knowledge and skills to manage development grants effectively, emphasizing donor compliance,
IITA–CGIAR has reaffirmed its commitment to global partnerships that support its mission of alleviating poverty and ensuring food security for millions of farm families across sub-Saharan Africa. On 26 August, IITA welcomed the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nigeria Office, Yuzurio Susumu, to its headquarters in Ibadan. Danbaba Dogara, JICA Technical Staff for the CD Seed Project; Stephen Nwanya,
IITA–CGIAR hosted the close-out workshop of the Building an Economically Sustainable, Integrated Cassava Seed System (BASICS-II) project from 25 to 27 August at the headquarters in Ibadan. The three-day event brought together partners and delegates from Nigeria and Tanzania to reflect on five years of achievements and chart the way forward for cassava seed systems in Africa. Funded by the Gates Foundation,
IITA–CGIAR and its partners have achieved a historic milestone in Liberia’s agricultural sector through the Seed4Liberia Project. For the first time in the country’s history, breeder seeds of improved IITA cassava varieties were exported in large quantities, used to establish breeder seed fields, and distributed to 27 pioneering foundation seed producers. These seed entrepreneurs will play a pivotal role in developing