IITA to partner with CPTI on technology transfer

18 November 2022

IITA–CGIAR recognizes the importance of agriculture in Africa’s development; hence, it is open to transferring technology to private and government institutions. In line with this, IITA hosted Mme Mamadou Djiwo Barry, the Director General of Centre Pilote de Technonolgie Industrielle (CPTI), Guinea, at the Institute’s headquarters from 8 to 11 November. She visited to explore possible areas of partnership with a focus on potential knowledge and technology transfer.

Mrs Barry on a tour of SAH where cassava planting materials are multiplied in IITA.
Mrs Barry on a tour of SAH where cassava planting materials are multiplied in IITA.

CPTI has a mission to facilitate the work of farmers for increased yield through mechanization. The organization went through a phase that exposed them to the importance of technology in agricultural development. Hence, CPTI came seeking a partnership with an organization for technology transfer. Mme Barry gained access to IITA through IITA Post-Harvest Engineer Diallo Thierno, who had previously partnered with CPTI while in his previous organization.

Digital Librarian Soji Oloyede sharing with Mrs Barry the ways Communication Office support researchers and IITA in general.
Digital Librarian Soji Oloyede sharing with Mrs Barry the ways Communication Office support researchers and IITA in general.

Mme Barry visited the IITA Communication Office, where the Digital Librarian Soji Oloyede highlighted the activities of the Communication Office and Knowledge Center in supporting and showcasing IITA and researchers’ works. Stating the various activities to support scientists through their publication cycle, Oloyede mentioned research literature review, manuscript, guidance on the correct process for work submission, publication and archiving, and general inquiry on research resources.

Mrs Mamadou Djiwo Barry at Bishop Philips Academy to assess the agribusiness training under STEP for secondary school students.
Mrs Mamadou Djiwo Barry at Bishop Philips Academy to assess the agribusiness training under STEP for secondary school students.

Mme Barry shared how impressed she was with the excellent service being offered by IITA Communication Office. “From what I have learned here, I can see the importance of a communication center in an organization,” she added. Mme Barry also toured other units, including the Genetic Resources Center, Virology Laboratory, Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH), Cassava Processing, and Aflasafe/Nodumax. She also visited IITA facilities in collaboration with Oyo State, such as schools under the Start Them Early Program (STEP) and Oyo State Youth Agribusiness Park in Awe.

Mrs Barry in a meeting with the IITA management team.
Mrs Barry in a meeting with the IITA management team.

In a wrap-up meeting with IITA Management staff, Mme Barry appreciated the Institute’s warm welcome and enlightening tour. Highlighting areas of her interest, she mentioned Capacity Development, Knowledge Center, Virology, SAH, and Youth in Agribusiness programs, including STEP. She stated that CPTI has been training and setting up youths as mechanics and electricians, but IITA has opened her eyes to a broader area of training in agribusiness and mechanization.

IITA Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery, Kenton Dashiell, indicated his support for all the areas she highlighted for collaboration. He added that this could be the beginning of a healthy partnership between IITA and CPTI while suggesting that Mme Barry could be the link between IITA and Guinea. “I recommend that you start up with the youth program in your country since we have a model that will make the set-up prompt. My colleagues will work out the details for the partnership, and I will follow up,” he concluded.

Contributed by Ochuwa Favour Daramola