News Overview

Across Cameroon, agriculture remains the backbone of rural livelihoods. Yet, most smallholder farmers continue to rely on rudimentary farming tools and traditional methods, often using non-certified planting materials that limit yields and worsen challenges such as food insecurity and malnutrition. Recognizing this gap, the IITA–CGIAR, in collaboration with the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI), has introduced Farmer Field Days

A global research team co-led by the University of Cambridge’s Crop Science Centre (CSC) [https://www.cropsciencecentre.org] is unlocking the potential of Bambara groundnut in a pioneering project to combat food insecurity and climate change. Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) is a crop with huge potential to address global food and nutrition security challenges. It thrives in poor soils, supports soil health through

The third cohort of the Africa Plant Breeding Academy (AfPBA) CRISPR Course has officially graduated, marking another milestone in strengthening Africa’s capacity for advanced crop improvement technologies. This cohort hosted eleven scientists from five African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. The training, hosted at the IITA–CGIAR Biotechnology Platform in Nairobi, on the ILRI campus and at CIFOR-ICRAF, is part of a

At the IITA Forest Center, sustainability goes beyond conserving trees to creating opportunities that allow forest communities to thrive. The Forest Center continues to explore innovative, profitable, and environmentally sustainable ventures that transform non-timber forest products into viable livelihoods. These efforts directly support several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Decent Work and

The world came together on 16 October 2025 to commemorate World Food Day under the theme, “Hand in hand for better foods and a better future.” The theme was a call for collective action to strengthen food systems and value chains, making food affordable, healthy, and accessible to all. In Zambia, IITA–CGIAR hosted a vibrant food fair that brought together key players

In a country where a good percentage of the population are farmers, there is extreme poverty, which, according to a World Bank report, affects over two-thirds of the population. In South Sudan, the heavy reliance on food importation is not a tale, but a pressing national crisis. Despite 95% of the population relying on agriculture, over 78% live in poverty. As one of the

The Kano State Government has commended the Youth in Agribusiness (YAS) for the success of the YAS project, “Enabling scaling of innovative technologies for sustainable food solutions.” The project made a significant contribution to driving youth involvement in agriculture, bolstering better livelihoods, and increasing food availability in the state. The Commissioner of the Ministry of Women, Children, and Persons with

Collaboration is essential for transforming Nigeria’s food systems and IITA–CGIAR continues to champion this cause through its open-door policy for inclusive partnerships. On 16 October, IITA welcomed a four-member delegation from Heifer International Nigeria, led by Dr Lekan Tobe, the Country Director and IITA alumnus, alongside Grace Dangana, the Signature Programme Technical Lead; Onyekachi Ayevbuomwan, the Program Lead; and Engineer Gift Umor, the Crop