News Overview

The African Plant Breeders Association (APBA) Conference 2025 was an inspiring experience for members of the IITA International Association of Research Scholars and Fellows (IARSAF) as they took the center stage during various sessions, sharing their research, exchanging ideas, and representing the spirit of scientific excellence that defines vision of the community. Several scholars, including Uzoma, Chizaram Oluebube, Marvelline Chifamba, Olamide Afolarin,

The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Cassava Compact, led by IITA-CGIAR, has partnered with ENABLE-TAAT to strengthen private sector participation in cassava value chains across Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The collaboration aims to promote the adoption of proven TAAT technologies that enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost agribusiness profitability. In September 2025, the ENABLE

Agriculture production in Liberia faced a major challenge, i.e., limited access to high-quality seeds of important African food crops, including soybeans. Most farmers relied on informal seed networks for the next production season. These networks are crucial for agricultural continuity among farmers, who often lack the technical skills required to determine seed quality. As a result, yields have been low,

In a renewed effort to combat post-harvest losses and ensure safe food systems, IITA-CGIAR, and the TAAT Clearinghouse in collaboration with SASAKAWA Africa Association, has trained extension agents and maize lead farmers on improved post-harvest handling, grain quality, and aflatoxin management. The two-day workshop, held on 9–10 October 2025, at the Agricultural Development Program (ADP) office in Lafia, Nasarawa state,

At the 4th African Plant Breeders Association (APBA) Conference, held from October 6th to 8th, 2025, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Omotola Dorcas Olaoye, a doctoral research fellow at the IITA-CGIAR, and a member of the International Association of Research Scholars and Fellows (IARSAF), was honored with the prestigious National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB), African Plant Breeders Association (APBA), Norman

On  4 October 2025, the IITA Research Farm in Shika, Samaru, Zaria, came alive with activities as researchers, seed company representatives (Premier Seeds, EcoBasics Seed, Value Seed, Techni Seeds, and other partners like Olam, Nigeria Flour Mills, gathered for a field walk to experience the impact of research first-hand. Rows of lush soybean, maize, and cowpea plants stretched across the

In an era when the challenges of food security, climate change, and sustainable agriculture continue to define global priorities, stakeholders in the plant science space gathered for an engaging mini-symposium that offered deep insights into how innovation in plant science and research can shape the future of agriculture and food systems in Africa and beyond. The hybrid mini-symposium themed; “Plant

The IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, led a high-level mission to Abuja to deepen collaborations with government institutions, development partners, and diplomatic missions towards advancing agricultural transformation and food security in Nigeria. During the mission, Dr Ehui held a series of meetings with key ministries and partners, emphasizing the importance of scaling agricultural technologies, fostering private sector