The study and application of biotechnology have become essential in everyday life. This new research branch has reached every aspect of human activity, from agriculture to the medical industry and green energy. These have resulted from different innovations from molecular breeders, such as improved plant varieties and fortified plant seeds to ensure food security and safety and create a sustainable
IITA recently participated at the 8th Agrofood Fair held in Lagos State, Nigeria. The Agrofood Fair is an annual international trade fair that gathers stakeholders from various countries. This year, global technology leaders from 18 countries showcased adapted technologies and solutions for the Nigerian and West African markets in agriculture, food and beverages, processing, ingredients, plastics, printing, and packaging. IITA–CGIAR experts, while
Two varieties of iron pearl millet are now available to smallholder farmers in northern Nigeria to grow commercially. Released on 6 April, these naturally nutritious, climate-smart varieties will address farmers’ need to improve their household nutrition and productivity in the face of global shocks. Climate volatility in northern Nigeria is causing decreased crop yields, increased food prices, and heightened food
The IITA-led Zero Hunger Project took a significant step towards bridging Nigeria’s nutrition gap by conducting a Training of Trainers (ToT) exercise for 29 youth and 27 adults in Ebonyi State from 29 March to 3 April. The 56 participants (four males and 52 females) comprised rice processors, extension officers, restaurant owners, Ebonyi State University staff, women from the Home-grown School
Innovation in agriculture is critical to achieving sustainable growth and increased productivity. The Business Incubation Platform (BIP) at IITA–CGIAR is an instrument to scale and commercialize agricultural innovations across Africa. Through BIP, the development and commercialization of several successful agricultural innovations have helped farmers across the continent improve crop yields and increase their profits. With a mission to create an active ecosystem
IITA–CGIAR, under the auspices of the IFAD-funded Zero Hunger Project, has signed an agreement with the Togolese government to boost food security in the country. IITA Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery (DDG-P4D), Kenton Dashiell, and Togo Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, Antoine Lekpa Gbegbeni, signed the agreement virtually in April. This agreement renews the opportunity to transfer proven
IITA-CGIAR, for its integrity in extensive research, expertise, and delivery of agricultural food solutions for economic development and food security, is gaining popularity in partnerships for agricultural, social, and economic development. Four representatives of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Cooperative Society Limited visited IITA on 6 April to seek ways to engage ex-militants of the Niger Delta in gainful agricultural
Formal and informal Ugandan institutions contribute collaboratively to upscale sustainable crop intensification (SCI). Such interrelationships among key players in the system often provide the support required to ensure service provision in the Ugandan potato and rice cropping systems. Previous research has described SCI as increasing the production of available farmland while minimizing the pressure on soil without jeopardizing production capacities