Understanding and overcoming the challenges facing the poor and the smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa is important in achieving greater impacts through agricultural research for development.
IITA focuses its research for development around farming system-based outcomes primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, while recognizing that the products of its research will be relevant for tropical Asia and America. Our research supports innovation processes to achieve a reduction in food insecurity and poverty.
IITA’s strategic goals include:
- increasing yields of food crops by 60%
- lifting over 11 million Africans above the poverty line
- revitalizing 7.5 million hectares of badly degraded farmlands
- reducing the number of malnourished  children by 30%
Our measures of success
Success stories
The agricultural sector occupies an important place in the economy of Togo, significantly contributing to the gross domestic product. The cassava subsector has been identified to have high growth potential for contributing to job creation
International cassava improvement research at IITA was initiated in the early 1970s with a focus on developing high-yielding varieties with resistance to major pests and diseases.
Insects are part of the diet for humans and domesticated animals in many African cultures. Insect farming has great potential to contribute to food security by increasing the essential nutrients–protein and micronutrients–in human and livestock diets.