News Overview

By Julie Ghostlaw, Esha Sarswat, Shreya Chakraborty, Neha Kumar, Swetha Manohar, and Samuel Scott February 4, 2025 Even as it grapples with complex food system challenges such as climate change and water scarcity, South Asia, the world’s most populous region with more than 2 billion people, is home to many notable examples of progress in advancing nutrition. Every year, the Delivering for Nutrition (D4N) in

On 22 January, the IITA–CGIAR Deputy Director General Partnerships for Delivery (P4D), Dr Kenton Dashiell, accompanied by a team, paid a courtesy visit to Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. Highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties to advance agricultural research, capacity building, and sustainable development in Nigeria. In his opening remarks, Aletheia University Vice-Chancellor,

Kicking off the IITA Knowledge Café series for 2025, Shakiru Quadri, the IITA Technical Advisor for the CGIAR Fragility, Conflict and Migration (FCM) Initiative, delivered an insightful presentation on his research work. The discussion, which was held on 22 January and coordinated by IITA Director for Sahel Africa Hub Tahirou Abdoulaye, focused on the impact of climate change on household food security in the

One critical observation stands out in the evolving landscape of agricultural development especially from farmers’ engagements: farmers often understand their agricultural contexts better than anyone else. However, many development and research projects are implemented, with the assumption that the innovations conceptualized by scientists and high-level developers are inherently suitable and can be readily adopted by farmers. The reality is more

The French Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Marc Fonbaustier, on a courtesy visit to IITA headquarters in Ibadan, reinforced the shared commitment between France and IITA to agricultural development, private sector engagement, and agricultural knowledge exchange. Expressing admiration for IITA’s work in a meeting with IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, Ambassador Fonbaustier praised the Institute’s dedication and

IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, recently visited IITA-Uganda’s Sendusu station, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation. A key highlight of his visit was the innovative cassava stem multiplication tunnel, a groundbreaking system inspired by the Kitovu Jani innovation—an adaptation of Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics technology. This pioneering solution has effectively tackled the longstanding challenge

In the heart of the Indian state of Rajasthan, two farmers – Devaram from Jeoli village, Nechwa, and Hanumana Ram from Sulkhaniya village, Ratangarh – are leading the way in conserving traditional landraces of pearl millet. Supported by a UNEP GEF project and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, their work has transformed their communities and created a ripple

Agriculture faces critical challenges, including water scarcity, soil degradation, and erratic rainfall, threatening productivity and ecosystems. CGIAR’s Nature-Positive Solutions initiative addresses these issues through innovative interventions like aquifer mapping, water harvesting, and soil conservation. Studies in Maharashtra’s Akole and Shahada reveal tailored strategies that improve groundwater recharge and soil moisture, boosting resilience and crop yields. These interventions align with global