Genetic Innovation Initiatives Archives | Page 3 of 12

Women in a superior banana variety, FHIA field in Kagera. (Photo credit: G.Ndibalema/IITA)

Tanzania is the second-largest banana producer in Eastern Africa, after Uganda. Kagera is the leading banana-producing region in the country, accounting for over half of the country’s banana production. Most banana varieties in Kagera are Highland Cooking bananas, commonly known as matooke, next to beer bananas and some dessert bananas. Smallholder farmers in the region have been highly vulnerable to food and income insecurity for decades, as all varieties are susceptible to major diseases and pests that cause significant yield losses.

Smallholder farmers, governmental and non-governmental organizations have made efforts to address the disease and pest challenges by introducing, propagating, and disseminating new varieties known as “Superior Banana Varieties” (SBVs), including FHIA hybrids and exotic landraces. However, adequate, systematic, and organized information on the uptake, adoption rates, determinants of adoption, and socioeconomic impacts was lacking, causing difficulty in determining the socioeconomic success of banana improvement initiatives and planning future interventions with new matooke hybrids.

SBVs shipped to big markets in Mwanza, Shinyanga, and Dar-Es-Salaam via Lake Victoria. (Photo credit: IITA)

In 2024, the agricultural economists and banana experts from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) explored the adoption and impact of SBVs in that region. Its results were bundled in a study entitled “Adoption and Impact of Superior Banana Varieties in Kagera, Tanzania: A guide for future distribution of banana breakthrough products”. It was concluded that the adoption rate of SBVs was 48% two decades after the first intervention.

The study found that the adoption rate was higher among male-headed households, where 48% of the sample households adopted SBVs in 2024, with 25% having adopted FHIA 17, followed by FHIA 23 (7%), and FHIA 25 (4%). The study noted farmers’ preferred traits and adoption criteria include tolerance to diseases and pests, adaptability to poor soil conditions, minimal organic fertilizer requirements, high yields (large fingers and bunches), better quality for juice and brewing, multi-purpose use for cooking, dessert, and roasting, and strong marketability.

“The farmers preferred FHIA 17 and FHIA 23 varieties for cooking and dessert, while for beverage making, Yangambi KM 5 and FHIA 25 were selected,” explains Dr Arega Alene, the Agricultural Economist at IITA.

The adoption of SBVs led to more households becoming self-sufficient in banana production, consuming and selling more bananas, and becoming more food secure. “On the other hand, the study showed that in households that adopted SBVs, women are more likely to be engaged in making decisions on sales than in households that have not adopted the varieties,” adds Dr Shiferaw Feleke, the lead of the study.

Moreover, the study revealed that the adoption of banana hybrids has increased productivity by 15% in Kagera by 2024, contributing nearly US$7 million worth of bananas to the region’s economy. This will generate more tax revenue due to increased trade volume and value in fresh and processed banana products.

These findings indicate that Kagera’s banana sector is undergoing a change, with improved varieties now recognized as key to long-term resilience and growth. It also shows that farmers are willing to add improved varieties even if they are quite different from the Highland Cooking bananas, which are a staple food. The strong interest from farmers reflects the success of past efforts to involve farmers from the very beginning in sensory evaluation of new varieties from breeding programs and promotion of SBVs through on-farm testing.

This highlights the need for increasing investments in banana research and scaling of the resulting innovations to address a broader range of production constraints and raise banana yields. “This is the first time that a study with new banana varieties has been conducted, revealing such a large impact,” Rony Swennen, IITA Banana Breeder, explains. Results and responses from farmers serve as a guide on how to spread the next wave of bananas, which are matooke hybrids released by TARI in 2021.

Contributed by Gloriana Ndibalema

Tropical root and tuber crops—staples that quietly sustain millions across the tropical world, took center stage in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, as scientists, innovators, and policymakers converged for the 20th International Symposium of the International Society for Tropical Root Crops (ISTRC). The 2025 edition, hosted by the ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) in collaboration with the Indian Society for Root Crops (ISRC), marked a significant milestone, returning to India nearly two decades after the country last hosted the event.

Held under the theme “Tropical Root & Tuber Crops for Nutrition, Agrifood Systems, Resilience, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (ISTRTC 4 NARES)”, the symposium united the global community in a shared mission: to unlock the full potential of crops such as cassava, yam, sweet potato, taro, and other indigenous staples that anchor food security, rural livelihoods, and climate resilience across the tropics.

Over five days, the symposium welcomed more than 90 international delegates from 25 countries across six continents, alongside over 200 participants from India. It featured a rich blend of scientific presentations, keynote lectures, technical sessions, policy dialogues, poster exhibitions, and stakeholder roundtables—all aimed at reimagining the future of tropical agrifood systems. The conversations highlighted the urgency of strengthening diversified and climate-resilient food systems, moving away from monoculture, and harnessing every part of the plant to reduce waste and increase value.

The program was officially inaugurated on 17 November 2025 by Dr Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticultural Sciences) at ICAR. In his address, Dr Singh spoke passionately about the potential of tropical root and tuber crops to address the global agrarian crisis and growing climate challenges. He described these crops as “resilience crops,” noting their ability to thrive under adverse conditions, support smallholder farmers, and contribute to nutrition and entrepreneurship in rural communities.

In his address, Prof. Lateef Sanni, President of ISTRC and Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), and IITA Program Lead for BASICS II, emphasized the centrality of tuber crops to food systems in sub-Saharan Africa, where they serve as staple foods and engines of income. He stressed the need for sustained investments in research and technology to elevate these crops and enable farmers to benefit from modern value chains.

The welcome address by Dr Ganesan Byju, President of ISRC and Director of ICAR-CTCRI, reinforced the global commitment to strengthening food and nutrition security by enhancing the production, utilization, and value addition of tropical tuber crops. The inaugural session also featured perspectives from distinguished guests including Dr Ramasamy Selvarajan, Dr Hugo Campos, Prof. Michael Abberton, Prof. Andrew Westby (OBE), and Dr Jan W. Low, each offering insights drawn from years of research, development practice, and international collaboration.

The session further recognized outstanding contributions within the tuber crop community. Dr A. N. Jyothi, Principal Scientist at ICAR-CTCRI, received the ISRC Fellow 2025 Award, while Smt. Jinimol and Dr M. Nedunchezhiyan were honored with the Dr A. Abraham Award for exceptional research papers published in the Journal of Root Crops. A special issue of the Kerala Karshakan E-Journal dedicated to tropical tuber crops was also unveiled during the event.

Best research paper award presented to Dr Asrat Amele Asfaw.

One of the most notable moments of the symposium was the international recognition awarded to IITA-CGIAR for its groundbreaking work in yam research. IITA researchers received the prestigious ISTRC–Pat Coursey Award for Best Yam Research, alongside Best Oral Presentation Awards won by Dr Agre Paterne and Dr Asrat Amele. These honors underscore IITA’s leadership in yam genomics, breeding, and agronomy, as well as the strong institutional support and collaborative research environment fostered across the institute.

As the symposium ended with stakeholder meetings and an institutional visit to ICAR-CTCRI, a clear message resonated through every presentation, panel, and discussion: tropical root and tuber crops are indispensable to building resilient, sustainable, and inclusive agrifood systems. From Asia to Africa, and from research labs to smallholder fields, the collective commitment witnessed at ISTRC 2025 points to a future where agricultural innovations uplift communities, strengthen economies, and nourish a climate-challenged world.

Contributed by ’Timilehin Osunde

YOAGE team members during the annual review meeting

With one successful year down, the Yam Optimized Architecture through Gene Editing (YOAGE) project team convened in Nairobi for its annual review meeting. The gathering brought together colleagues from IITA–CGIAR and project partners from Pairwise, USA, to assess the progress made and chart the path forward. Dr Nic Bate, Senior Program Officer from the Gates Foundation, also joined in to listen to the milestones achieved so far and advise on future planning, aligning with the foundation’s strategy.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the team to present updates on ongoing work, exchange insights on technical progress, and strengthen collaborative efforts between the teams. It also featured a visit to IITA’s biotechnology facilities in Nairobi, where participants viewed ongoing gene editing research and interacted with the scientists behind the work.

Pairwise scientists and donor representative in the IITA Gene Editing Lab (with Jeneffer) and Greenhouse (with Dr Jaindra Tripathi). — Pairwise scientists and donor representative in the IITA Gene Editing Lab with Jeneffer

Dr Leena Tripathi, IITA’s Director for Eastern Africa Hub and Leader of the Biotechnology Program, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments. “It’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come in just one year. The commitment from all the team members of IITA and Pairwise has been incredible,” she said. “Beyond the science, this project is about creating tangible solutions that will make yam farming more productive and sustainable for African farmers.”

Pairwise scientists and donor representative in the IITA Greenhouse with Dr Jaindra Tripathi

Echoing her sentiments, Dr Bate from the Gates Foundation commended the collaboration and results so far. “This project is a great example of how partnerships can accelerate innovation,” he said. “The progress made in such a short time shows the power of combining world-class science with a shared vision for impact.”

Representing Pairwise, Dr Lolita Mathew, Associate Director of the Cherry Program, noted the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. “Working with IITA on the YOAGE project has been an inspiring journey; it’s a true partnership that brings together diverse expertise to make science work for farmers,” she said.

As the project steps confidently into its second year, the team feels even more inspired and ready to push the boundaries to deliver tangible benefits for Africa’s yam farmers.

Contributed by Rose-Harriet Okech

Prof Rony Swennen (left) receiving an award from Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences

In a prestigious recognition of his expertise in bananas, Professor Rony Swennen, a scientist at IITA-CGIAR, has been appointed visiting professor at the Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences in China. This honorary title was conferred upon Prof. Swennen during a recent visit to China, at the invitation of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), where he, along with other IITA–CGIAR scientists Dr Delphine Amah and Dr Ismail Rabbi, explored potential collaborations with Chinese institutions.

The appointment is a significant milestone for IITA-CGIAR, reflecting the institute’s growing reputation as a leader in tropical agricultural research. As a visiting professor, Prof. Swennen will have the opportunity to develop joint research proposals with the Guangxi Academy, particularly in banana improvement. This collaboration has the potential to benefit both IITA-CGIAR and the Guangxi Academy, enabling an exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise.

Prof. Swennen’s appointment letter as Visiting Professor at Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences

The partnership is expected to yield mutual benefits. IITA-CGIAR will leverage the Guangxi Academy’s advanced facilities and expertise to test its banana hybrids for resistance to Panama TR4 disease, a significant threat to banana crops currently confined to Mozambique in Africa.

This will help identify resistant varieties and inform breeding decisions. Meanwhile, the Guangxi Academy can utilize IITA-CGIAR’s advanced breeding strategies and germplasm, enhancing breeding programs and developing more resilient banana varieties.

Prof Rony Swennen with certificate, flanked by IITA colleagues and Chinese partners

This award is a testament to Prof. Swennen’s expertise and IITA-CGIAR’s commitment to international collaboration. As a leading research institute, IITA-CGIAR continues to forge strategic partnerships with institutions worldwide to address pressing agricultural challenges and improve food and nutritional security.

The visiting professorship award is a significant achievement for IITA-CGIAR that can drive positive changes in agriculture and food security. Congratulations, Prof. Swennen, on this well-deserved recognition.

Contributed by Moureen Awori, Prof. Rony Swennen and Katherine Lopez

The IITA–CGIAR biotechnology program has officially launched a new Genome Engineering website. A dynamic digital platform showcasing cutting-edge science that is shaping the future of crops in Africa.

Cake-cutting moment to mark the genome editing website going live.

The website serves as a hub for knowledge, bringing together information on IITA’s pioneering work in genome engineering and precision breeding in bananas, yams, legumes, and other staple crops. It highlights how researchers are rewriting the DNA code to tackle persistent challenges such as pests, diseases, drought, and low yields to ensure food security and improve livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers.

Beyond showcasing research, the platform also serves as a learning and capacity-building hub for students, researchers, and partners eager to understand genome editing better. Visitors can explore detailed case studies, videos, learn about the science behind the technology, and follow IITA’s ongoing training initiatives, including specialized courses designed to empower the next generation of African genome engineers.

Dr Leena Tripathi, Director of IITA’s Eastern Africa Hub, Director of Genetic Innovation Science Area, and Biotechnology Program Lead, described the platform as a milestone for the institute:

Ribbon-cutting by Dr Leena Tripathi to launch the IITA genome editing website.

“We see this website as a digital home for our work. It is a living showcase of our vision. Through modern biotechnology, including genome editing and transgenic approaches, we are advancing precision breeding, building African scientific capacity, and openly sharing knowledge to accelerate impact for food security.”

The platform reflects IITA’s commitment to stewardship, transparency, and communication. By providing clear, accessible information on genome engineering, IITA hopes to foster greater understanding and dialogue with policymakers, partners, and the public.

The launch took place during the training workshop on genome editing for crop improvement in Nairobi, where scientists, partners, and trainees had the first opportunity to explore the platform together. It marks an exciting step forward in IITA’s mission to harness cutting-edge science for development.

Explore the new website and learn how the IITA biotechnology program contributes to Africa’s food security story.

Contributed by Rose-Harriet Okech

Genome editing workshop participants and facilitators pose for a group photo.

From 2 to 5 September 2025, the IITA–CGIAR Biotechnology program hosted a four-day training workshop on Genome Editing in Nairobi, Kenya. The workshop brought together young African scientists from Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, eager to deepen their knowledge and practical skills in this technology.

The workshop blended theory with practice. Participants explored the foundations of CRISPR/Cas systems. They then moved into hands-on sessions covering gRNA design, genome browsing, BLAST searches, CRISPR reagent delivery systems, plant transformation, genotyping, and phenotyping. Case studies on genome editing for crop improvement were also shared, focusing on banana and cereal crops, giving participants a clear view of how these technologies are already being applied to address agricultural challenges.

Participants exploring hands-on techniques in the IITA Lab and Greenhouse.

A highlight of the week was the lab tour at IITA-CGIAR’s Genome Editing platform, where participants looked closely at the world-class facilities supporting research on key African crops. For many, stepping into a working biotech lab for the first time was inspiring and motivating.
The workshop also created space for collaboration and exchange. Through group activities, discussions, and peer learning, participants built connections that will strengthen African research networks long after the training.

“Equipping young African scientists with cutting-edge skills in genome editing is central to our mission,” said Dr Leena Tripathi, Director of Genetic Innovation and Biotech Program Lead at IITA. “Workshops like this ensure that the next generation of researchers can harness advanced tools to deliver solutions for resilient and productive African agriculture.”

Participants during a session at the genome editing Workshop.

By the end of the workshop, participants had gained hands-on experience, new perspectives, and a renewed drive to use gene editing to address Africa’s pressing agricultural challenges.

“The Genome Editing for Crop Improvement workshop was an incredibly insightful and well-organized event. The presentations provided a comprehensive overview of recent advances and practical applications in genome editing, which deepened my understanding and inspired me to explore this area further. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from experts and gain practical skills that will shape my future research. I look forward to more such trainings that strengthen African scientific capacity.”
Wambugu Wahito – Postgraduate Student, Kenya.

“This was a wonderful meeting that combined solid technical training with collaboration, making genome editing concepts accessible and impactful for Africa’s agricultural future,” Professor Pascal Ojwang of Egerton University said.

“The workshop was an eye-opening experience and an important starting point for applying genome editing in crop improvement programs in Burundi,” said Jean Marie Niyoyankunze – ISABU, Burundi.

This training reflects IITA’s ongoing commitment to building African capacity in advanced science, ensuring the continent is well-positioned to harness modern tools for resilient and productive agriculture.

Contributed by Rose-Harriet Okech

IITA–CGIAR organized a scientific seminar on 27 August, themed “Genome engineering of African staple food crops.” The event, anchored by IITA Director of the West Africa Hub, Michael Abberton, showcased the pioneering research work of IITA Plant Transformation Specialist, Jaindra Tripathi.

In his presentation, Tripathi highlighted the urgency of addressing global hunger and food insecurity, particularly in Africa, where the situation is increasingly critical. He noted that hunger on the continent has been rising since 2010, with approximately 61% of Africans currently food insecure. He added that 38% of the world’s hungry people live in Africa, and 20% of the continent’s population is undernourished. Compounding the problem, the cost of a healthy diet in Africa increased by 53% between 2020 and 2021.

Tripathi’s research addresses production constraints in banana, one of Africa’s key staple crops. He explained that banana production suffers up to 50% losses globally due to devastating diseases, such as Fusarium wilt and other pathogens. In response, his team has made significant strides in advancing plant transformation and genome editing technologies to combat these challenges.

Highlighting his notable achievements, he mentioned the development of embryogenic cells of banana cultivars; establishment of transformation systems for tropical crops like banana, yam, and cassava; application of genome editing approaches to produce disease-resistant bananas; generation of mutants, molecular characterization, and phenotyping of edited lines; and transient expression of transgenes in tropical crops.

Tripathi emphasized that his research continues exploring transgenic and genome editing approaches to strengthen crop resilience. Sharing the importance of his genome editing work on crops like banana, yam, and bambara groundnut, Tripathi mentioned that genome editing is a precise, powerful, and sustainable solution to food production challenges. He revealed that tolerant mutant banana plants developed under these technologies are currently being multiplied for further evaluation.

Looking ahead, Dr Tripathi outlined a series of future research activities. For Banana improvement, there is an evaluation of transgene-free genome-edited banana events in Kenya and Rwanda, conducting field trials of stacked-gene transgenic banana lines, and assessing the performance of genome-edited lines against Fusarium wilt under controlled conditions.

To improve yams, there are plans to develop short-stature yam varieties through genome editing and expand to other crops by establishing genome editing systems for Bambara groundnut, cowpea, maize, and enset.

Regarding knowledge sharing and capacity development, Tripathi plans to publish findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, present at international conferences, and continue mentoring young scientists, MSc, and PhD students. He also plans to strengthen the expertise of National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS). He also shared the importance of resource mobilization and partnerships to sustain and expand this groundbreaking research, noting that securing funding will accelerate progress.

The seminar reaffirmed IITA’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge science and innovation to contribute to the transformation of African agriculture and the fight against hunger.

Contributed by Ochuwa Favour Daramola

As part of IITA–CGIAR’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of national institutions and partners, the Project Development and Administration Unit (PDAU) held a webinar on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, with 54 participants from 12 partner institutions across locations hosting IITA hubs. The session focused on equipping partner staff with the knowledge and skills to manage development grants effectively, emphasizing donor compliance, accurate financial reporting, and adherence to institutional and regulatory standards. In his opening remarks, Kayode Awobajo, Head of PDAU, encouraged active engagement, while outlining the session’s objectives and expected outcomes.

The training session covered key areas, including grants management overview, roles and responsibilities, workflow processes, common reporting challenges, standard practices, and IITA’s practical approach to effective grants administration. Facilitated by members of the PDAU team Ovegho Okome and Omotunde Adesina, an interactive question and answer session allowed participants to seek clarifications, share experiences, and provide feedback.

Commending the experience sharing during the sessions, some of the participants said IITA-PDAU’s support and collaboration with national partners especially in the area of grant management will go a long way to aid the research and development sector in the region, while adding that such capacity building efforts will further strengthen national systems.

To improve subsequent trainings, participants completed an evaluation survey, sharing feedback and suggestions for improvement.

In his closing remarks, Awobajo appreciated the participants’ active contributions and reiterated IITA-PDAU’s commitment to supporting national institutions and partners in strengthening their grant management capacity. The webinar highlighted PDAU’s role in fostering compliance, transparency, and project implementation accountability, aligning with donor expectations and institutional standards.

Contributed by Joseph Taiwo

Visit of the CEO of Agri-Impact to the IITA BBEST Exhibition booth at the Agrifair.

The IITA–CGIAR led BSF for Bio Circular Economy and Environmental Sustainability BBEST Project, engaged farmers at the maiden Edition of Channel One TV’s AgriFair, held from 20 to 22 June at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra.

During the three-day event, the project exhibited a live display of the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) life cycle, attracting livestock and aquaculture producers, vegetable farmers, children, potential investors, agriculture institutions, and the general public.

The Production Manager of the BSF Production Unit engaging visitors at the Agrifair.

Amuetey Nagetey, the BSF production manager, said, “The BSF technology is transforming the poultry and the agriculture landscape by converting fruit, vegetable, slaughterhouse, and kitchen wastes into larvae, which are a rich protein supplement used in aquaculture, poultry, and livestock production.”

In addition to reducing a substantial amount of waste in landfills, the BSF also reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, leading to urban sanitation.

Twumasi, the Monitoring and Evaluation and learning specialist on the IITA-BBEST project, said, “Adopting the sustainable production of the Black Soldier Fly larvae will aid in reducing the import of fish and soybean meal.” This will make the poultry industry more profitable.

A member of the IITA BBEST team explaining the BSF technology to potential investors at the Agrifair.

After being sensitized on the benefits of BSF, a substantial number of poultry farmers, vegetable farmers, and individuals showed interest in receiving training on BSF farming to start producing the larvae and the frass after learning the production process is environmentally friendly.

The BSF frass, a certified product by the Plant Protection and the Regulatory Service (PPRDS) under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), was also exhibited and marketed during the Agrifair. It is used to produce vegetables and to restore soil.

Visiting the IITA-BBEST Project exhibition booth, Daniel Fahene Acquaye, the CEO of Agri-Impact, acknowledged the potential of the BSF technology to create jobs for the youth and showed interest in partnering with the project.

Officers from the Ghana Prisons Service at the exhibition booth.

The Ghana Prisons Service team, led by the Agriculture Director, Kwaku Ababio Ali, who also visited the project exhibition booth, expressed interest in incorporating BSF farming into the prisons’ rehabilitation and agriculture programs.

“This aligns with our poultry and aquaculture production programs. We see great potential in the BSF for food security and skills development for inmates,” Ali said.

Through its participation in the Agrifair, the project has increased farmers’ and feed producers’ awareness of BSF technology, promoted the BSF frass among farmers, and established relationships with private and public institutions to enable the adoption and scaling of BSF technology and the promotion of climate-smart agriculture.

Contributed by Francisca Ocloo

Initiative: Genetic Innovation Initiatives

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