The projects will study the scaling of soil moisture retention practices for smallholder farmers in rainfed agri-food systems. With the increased severity of dry spells, increasing the moisture holding capacity of the soil works as a buffer against agricultural production losses. The research focuses specifically on socio-economic and governance aspects of scaling soil water retention practices. The research projects take
By Amy Margolies October 24, 2025 The generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) revolution is not just digital—it is also physical. Data center complexes are expanding globally to meet rapidly increasing computing and data storage demands of generative AI (Figure 1). The extent of AI’s immense energy requirements is still largely unknown, but estimates indicate that by 2026, data centers could consume over 1,000 terawatt-hours
The climate crisis is reshaping the way we live, work, and produce our food. Its consequences extend far beyond rising temperatures thus threatening food security, health, biodiversity, and livelihoods, and demand solutions that bridge sectors and communities. Yet amidst these challenges, a quiet revolution is underway: farmers, local governments, researchers, and communities are finding ways to turn ambition into
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
by Mahesh Jampani, Karthikeyan Matheswaran, Dipaka Ranjan Sena, Manoranjan Mondal, Shreya Chakraborthy, Deepa Joshi As part of CGIAR’s Scaling for Impact program and Area of Work 2- scaling pathways in agrifood systems, the effort supports the water management practices at the landscape level and scaling of adaptive and data-driven irrigation advisory services for managing salinity in polders towards resilient agriculture