IITA and Plateau state government sign MoU to boost agricultural productivity and job creation

25 July 2025

IITA–CGIAR and the Plateau State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance agricultural development and deepen food and nutrition security in the state.

The collaboration aims to help the state adopt agricultural innovations and technologies, sustainable farming practices, and environmental sustainability, generating employment, increasing productivity, food and nutrition security, and economic development.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon Samson Bugama, who signed on behalf of the state government, said the partnership’s objectives aligned with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s agenda for the state’s agricultural transformation and food security. He affirmed that the “strategic partnership” would promote sustainable farming practices that minimize environmental impact and ensure long-term productivity in the state.

He added, “I am excited to sign this MoU, knowing it’s a relationship that will benefit both IITA and Plateau State. I want to let you know that we are signing this agreement wholeheartedly and will see to it that our people benefit from this relationship with IITA.”

The CEO of IITA Youth Agripreneurs (IYA), Aline Mugisho, who led the IITA team and signed on behalf of the institute, noted that the partnership aligns with IYA’s mission to promote food security, improve livelihoods, and support the youth as the catalyst for technologies and innovations in the agricultural sector.

She said IITA would provide expertise and support in training, research, and technology transfer to help the state improve its agricultural sector over the next five years. Young people in the state would be engaged in productive agricultural ventures that would improve their livelihoods and contribute to food security.

She stated, “The youth are central to the transformation we want to see in agriculture, and that is exactly our mandate; to transform agri-food systems across Africa, by creating sustainable employment in agriculture and building a qualified workforce so that young people can contribute viably to food security.”

Speaking when the IITA team visited him at the Government House in Jos, Governor Mutfwang applauded the visit, saying the fusion of IITA’s innovations and the state’s agricultural potential would result in enhanced productivity, job creation, and improved livelihoods for farmers in the state. He pledged the state government’s commitment to the partnership.

Meanwhile, highlights of the partnership include the training of 10,000 youths in various agricultural commodities within five years; provision of high-yield varieties of cassava, potatoes and other seedlings; establishment of agribusiness hubs to promote experiential learning and support agro-based industries; implementation of sustainable agricultural practices and exploration of financing models; including access to low-interest loans, for farmers.

“This partnership supports Nigeria’s development priorities and positions Plateau State as a leader in agricultural innovation. We are confident it will deliver tangible benefits to our farming communities and contribute to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector,” the governor added.

Contributed by Babatunde Ajaja