Kikwete applauds agricultural innovations driving impact in Tanzania

12 May 2026

“The future of African agriculture will depend not only on resources,” he said, “but on our ability to work together—governments, research institutions, the private sector, farmers, development partners, and young innovators—to scale solutions with urgency, ambition, and purpose.” – Simeon Ehui, IITA Director General

As part of efforts to strengthen partnerships and showcase research impact in Tanzania, IITA–CGIAR organized a stakeholder engagement and open day on 6 May 2026, under the theme “Agricultural Research Innovations in the Hands of Users”. The event brought together the IITA Board of Trustees, government institutions, research organizations, development partners, private sector actors, and farming communities to highlight how innovation is transforming agriculture and livelihoods across Tanzania.

Former Tanzanian President, H.E. Dr Jakaya Kikwete, who served as Chief Guest, commended IITA’s contributions to agricultural development across Africa. After touring the exhibition booths, he praised the visible impact of research on farmers and youth. “I saw the wonderful work being done—not only by scientists but also by young people and farmers. This shows the transfer of knowledge and technologies,” he said.

He urged stronger efforts to ensure research outputs reach farming communities and recalled commissioning the Institute’s Tanzania facilities in 2013, marking the start of its long-term presence in the country.

Dr Simeon Ehui, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Africa, noted that over the past 12 years, investments in Tanzania have reached approximately US$154.57 million (TZS 410.75 billion) in Tanzania. These investments have supported research, infrastructure, and equipment, partnerships with national institutions, and capacity building. More than 1.39 million farmers have benefited from improved technologies, while over 10,000 youth and 11,000 farmers have been trained. agricultural practices. IITA also supported 60 PhD and 80 MSc students and hosted over 500 undergraduates.

“Behind these numbers are transformed livelihoods, stronger institutions, empowered youth, and renewed hope for farming communities,” Ehui said.

Dr Leena Tripathi, Director of the Eastern Africa Hub, emphasized that IITA’s focus goes beyond developing innovations to ensure real impact. She noted that through partnerships, IITA is advancing resilient agrifood systems, improving seed access, promoting digital agriculture, and creating opportunities for women and youth. She reaffirmed IITA’s commitment to translating research into practical solutions that improve livelihoods and strengthen food systems across the region.

Exhibition booths showed how research translates into real-world solutions. Visitors explored advances in cassava and banana breeding, tissue culture, seed systems, and digital tools already used by farmers. Seed entrepreneurs and trained youth showcased  agribusiness ventures built from these innovations.

Social scientists showcased how IITA’s research support youth, give women an equal place in farming, and help seed entrepreneurs and agribusinesses grow. They demonstrated how inclusive and resilient agrifood systems are built and sustained.

Speakers highlighted the urgent challenge of feeding Africa’s growing population amid climate change, land degradation, and economic pressures, stressing that stronger collaboration across governments, research institutions, private sector actors, and farmers is essential.

Contributed by Gloriana Ndibalema