An innovative early warning system powered by artificial intelligence is poised to transform how Africa confronts a silent but deadly threat to its food supply: aflatoxin contamination in maize. The Aflatoxin risk Early Warning System (A-EWS) uses machine learning and satellite data to predict and map contamination hotspots, offering a powerful new weapon in the fight for food safety. The tool was
Through partnership, the Fertilizer and Soil Health Hub for West Africa and the Sahel is developing a national soil information system for Liberia to boost productivity through improved soil health and appropriate use of fertilizers. The Regional Hub hosted a three-day workshop in Monrovia in August 2025, which was coordinated by the IITA and focused on developing a road map
This article summarizes a presentation titled “Insights on Gender Dimensions in the Use and Uptake of AKILIMO in Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania” by Thompson Ogunsanmi from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Delivered as part of the 13th Gender and Plant Health Webinar, the session focused on gender aspects of the site-specific fertilizer app AKILIMO, highlighting connections with gender
In September 2025, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) showcased its latest innovations and strategies at Tropentag 2025 conference in Bonn (Germany) under the theme “IITA Innovating for Resilience and Impact: Scaling Solutions for Sustainable African Agriculture.” The event featured IITA expert presentations addressing critical challenges African agriculture faces from climate change, pests, soil degradation, and the urgent need
Scientists from The James Hutton Institute have introduced two new potato varieties to Kenya, which are now included in Kenya’s National Variety List. The project was a collaboration with the University of St Andrews, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the International Potato Center (CIP), and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), as well as the Kenya Plant
Togo’s farmers struggle with poor soils and declining yields. The reason: low awareness of nutrients status of soils and inefficient fertilizer use. A regional initiative is helping smallholder farmers in Togo farm fertile ground again. The Regional Hub in West Africa and the Sahel is driving a fresh initiative to improve fertility and soil health by promoting efficient fertilizer use
Lomé hosted a three-day workshop to advance and promote Togo’s Soil Information System (SIS), known as FertiTogo. The SIS provides information on soil fertility maps, which is valuable for ensuring sustainable farming and boosting food security. The Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel organized the workshop from June 17 to 19, 2025. They
Nairobi, 21 July 2025 (IITA) – The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is deploying advanced data and AI driven modelling to boost soil nutrient management, soil health and improve farmer productivity in West Africa, a region experiencing recurrent nutrient depletion due to unsustainable farming practices and injudicious fertilizer use. Crops remove essential nutrients such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium