News Overview

Cowpea, a vital legume crop in sub-Saharan Africa, nourishes millions and supports rural economies. Yet, its productivity is under siege by a persistent enemy: cowpea anthracnose disease (CAD). Recent research has identified the causal agents of CAD in Nigeria, challenging previous understanding of the disease in the country. Historically, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and C. destructivum were considered the primary pathogens responsible for CAD in Nigeria.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and IITA–CGIAR have renewed commitment toward transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape following the signing of a €5 million German grant agreement in Abuja to support the ongoing Phase 2 of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program. The grant signing is a testament to the shared effort by both organizations to scale agricultural technologies, boost food production, and strengthen economic growth

As the World marks World Water Day 2025 on March 22 under the theme “Glacier Preservation”, ICARDA highlights agrivoltaics. This innovative solution optimizes water use while enhancing dryland food and energy production.  As distinct as they may seem, glaciers and drylands have something in common: water. In abundance for the former, in paucity for the latter. Sadly, both are

Zambian smallholder farmers are set to benefit from the BRAINS project, which integrates beans, bees, and fruit trees to address agricultural challenges. This climate-smart initiative will boost productivity, diversify incomes, and enhance resilience to climate change through sustainable practices and strategic partnerships. Belinda Kamwanga and her husband, residing in the peaceful countryside of Chongwe District, east of Lusaka, Zambia, have

Bangkok, Thailand (5-7 March 2025) – Bringing together government officials and representatives from nearly 20 countries, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and IRRI hosted a workshop on “Advancing Climate Ambition in the Agrifood Sector: Workshop on NDC 3.0 and COP30 Preparation in Asia-Pacific”. The event provided a platform for countries to exchange knowledge, refine strategies,

Amid ongoing conflicts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), an innovative agricultural initiative is cultivating hope. Centered around beans—a vital and nutritious staple—the “Beans for Women Empowerment” (B4WE) project empowers local women farmers. By positioning women at the forefront of agricultural recovery, the program tackles the dual challenges of combating hunger and rebuilding communities. Conflict and Food

Every year on March 22, the world unites to recognize World Water Day, a global observance highlighting water’s critical role in our lives and the urgent need to address water challenges.  This year’s theme, “Glacier Preservation,” emphasizes the vital role of glaciers in sustaining freshwater supplies, regulating climate, and supporting ecosystems. Glaciers act as natural water storage systems, slowly releasing

With the high costs of agricultural inputs and issues with flooding, lodging, and rice straw burning, the Fertilize Right project is transforming Vietnam’s rice farming by promoting efficient and effective fertilizer use. This collaboration between USDA, MARD, and IRRI continues to yield promising results, reducing input costs, labor demands, and environmental impacts while increasing farmers’ income. Fertilizer plays a critical