IITA commissions advanced irrigation systems and mechanized farm equipment to boost research excellence

12 January 2026

 

Board Chair Roel Merckx and IITA DG Simeon Ehui unveiling the newly commissioned irrigation systems, equipment, and enhanced cassava research facility.
Board Chair Roel Merckx and IITA DG Simeon Ehui unveiling the newly commissioned irrigation systems, equipment, and enhanced cassava research facility.

IITA–CGIAR commissioned newly installed advanced irrigation systems and state-of-the-art mechanized farm equipment at the Research Farm Unit on 4 December. The commissioning, with members of the IITA Board of Trustees present, reaffirmed IITA’s commitment to scaling climate-smart research through modern mechanization for the continent. The investment—funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ through the Crops to End Hunger (CtEH) initiative—represents one of the most significant upgrades to IITA’s research infrastructure in recent years.

The commissioning ceremony drew IITA leadership, scientists, farm managers, technical teams, and development partners who expressed pride in a project that strengthens IITA’s ability to deliver cutting-edge, climate-smart agricultural solutions for Africa. IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui described the moment as “a proud step forward for our Institute,” noting that the infrastructure positions IITA to accelerate innovation and deliver improved varieties to farmers across the continent. He acknowledged the unwavering support of BMZ, GIZ, CtEH, and partners who “continue to stand with IITA in transforming African agriculture.”

Alick Mulenga, Head of IITA Farm Management and Breeding Operations leading Dr Simeon Ehui and invited guests on a guided tour and demonstration of the irrigation facility and newly acquired farm machinery.
Alick Mulenga, Head of IITA Farm Management and Breeding Operations leading Dr Simeon Ehui and invited guests on a guided tour and demonstration of the irrigation facility and newly acquired farm machinery.

The newly installed irrigation system expands the Institute’s irrigable land with an additional 70 hectares, enabling year-round experimentation and eliminating seasonal limitations that previously slowed breeding progress. The system features a modern filtration unit, lateral irrigation infrastructure, and mechanized solutions that enhance efficiency in field operations.

Hapson Mushoriwa, Head of IITA Breeding Programs, emphasized that these investments arrive at a critical time. “Africa faces depleted soils, a rapidly growing population, and the escalating challenges of climate change,” he said. “With this irrigation system, we can collect high-quality phenotype data, scale up seed multiplication, run large-scale trials, and shorten breeding cycles. This is how we accelerate genetic gains and modernize our breeding programs to meet today’s challenges.”

Head of IITA Farm Management and Breeding Operations, Alick Mulenga, highlighted that beyond irrigation, the project includes major upgrades to research infrastructure long overdue for renewal. “Infrastructure in project proposals is often the first to be rejected,” he noted. “But this investment changes that story. It allows us to run more efficient, reliable, and safer field operations.”

Representing GIZ, Dr Sarah Schmidt, Advisor Fund International Agricultural Research (FIA) GIZ reaffirmed the commitment of the German government to agricultural transformation in Africa, describing CtEH’s support to IITA as one of the largest single investments the initiative has made. “This reflects our strong commitment to productive, sustainable agriculture and the future of African agrifood systems,” she said. “These facilities will accelerate breeding, respond to climate challenges, and create economic opportunities across value chains. Looking forward to the improved varieties that will be developed for farmers in East, West, and Central Africa.”

Dr Simeon Ehui and Board Chair Prof. Roel Merckx testing the newly installed irrigation system.
Dr Simeon Ehui and Board Chair Prof. Roel Merckx testing the newly installed irrigation system.

IITA Deputy Director General, Research for Development (R4D), Dr Bernard Vanlauwe, with deep appreciation to GIZ underscored the importance of responsible resource use. “Collecting reliable data is one of our key mandates—these facilities give us the tools to do it better, faster, and more consistently,” he said. “Let’s keep using funding right to deliver improved varieties into the hands of farmers.”

IITA Board Chair, Professor Roel Merckx, commended the Institute’s dedication to improving its working environment. “You cannot have a high-performing institute without staff being proud of their facilities,” he noted, thanking GIZ for supporting infrastructure development—an area many funders hesitate to finance.

The ceremony ended with a guided field tour and demonstrations, during which some of the scientists expressed optimism about the facility’s potential to strengthen breeding efficiency, improve data quality, and reinforce IITA’s leadership in agricultural innovation.

“Together with our partners,” Dr Ehui said, “we are building a resilient, food-secure Africa—one innovation at a time.”

Contributed by Folake Oduntan