Western Africa Archives | Page 12 of 203

Banana growing in typical clusters near a house in South Eastern Equatorial (South Sudan).

In a country where a good percentage of the population are farmers, there is extreme poverty, which, according to a World Bank report, affects over two-thirds of the population. In South Sudan, the heavy reliance on food importation is not a tale, but a pressing national crisis.

Despite 95% of the population relying on agriculture, over 78% live in poverty. As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, South Sudan is affected by erratic rains, drought, and conflict, leaving 54% of people, especially women and children, in a state of food insecurity. The key to breaking this cycle lies in the speedy growth of the agricultural sector and using it as the primary tool to achieve lasting food security.

IITA–CGIAR, in collaboration with the government of South Sudan through its Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is exploring ways to embed CGIAR technologies and innovative solutions into existing country programs such as the Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems Transformation (CRAFT-1). This will help build pathways for transforming the country’s agricultural sector and strengthen MAFS’ agricultural research capacity for sustainable agricultural development, thereby boosting the country’s economic growth.

The initiative is an outcome of the recent mission conducted from 3 to 10 September by IITA scientists under the umbrella of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), a flagship program of the African Development Bank‘s Feed Africa Strategy. It aims to double crop, livestock, and fish productivity by providing over 40 million African smallholder farmers with proven technologies. Since its inception in 2018, TAAT has supported the Feed Africa Initiative by providing the necessary, productivity-enhancing, and food-processing technologies. The program has also been responsible for implementing inclusion strategies within the bank’s financing of large-scale regional and national agriculture investment projects, driving agricultural transformation across the continent. The IITA mission included field visits to identify crops’ challenges and gaps in the basic principles of good agronomic practices, post-harvest management, and crop disease management.

Rony Swennen explaining to a farmers how to recognize and reduce damage caused by the black Sigatoka disease on banana leaves in South Eastern Equatorial (South Sudan).

The team identified the opportunity to strengthen crop systems, particularly bananas, cassava, and maize. Currently, food is imported from neighboring countries, especially bananas, maize, and non-indexed disease- and pest-infected planting material. IITA is well-positioned to support South Sudan, given its long-standing expertise in agronomy, plant health, and improvement of these three crops. IITA’s track record includes experienced intervention, particularly in its banana and cassava breeding programs and sites in Uganda, as well as in Tanzania and Nigeria for maize, where training and support can be provided. Notably, MAFS can explore partnering with IITA to establish a robust testing program for bananas, cassava, and maize, control pests and diseases, increase production of bananas, maize, and cassava, and target import markets to become self-sufficient in the future.

“A maize farm near Magwi town was grown without fertilizers or chemical control for pests and diseases, and the yields were as high as 3 tons per hectare. This shows a good soil fertility potential when integrated with other agronomic practices,” narrated Dr Silvestro Meseka, Maize Breeder at IITA.

In response to the country’s request for agricultural development, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Union, and other development partners have expressed their satisfaction with the preliminary findings of this mission and are keen on opportunities that create synergies, optimize resources, and maximize impact. This collaboration presents a transformative opportunity for the agricultural sector in South Sudan. “It is exciting to be back in South Sudan and support the country’s agricultural agenda, especially to eradicate the disease in bananas and provide superior varieties,” said Dr Rony Swennen, Banana Breeder at IITA.

By integrating advanced research, capacity building, and supporting smallholder farmers, IITA and its partners aim to create sustainable, resilient, and self-sufficient agricultural development in the country. The collaboration and unwavering support of FAO-South Sudan are the cornerstone of a successful IITA deployment alongside MAFS.

Contributed by Gloriana Ndibalema, Rachel Zozo, Rony Swennen, Silvestro Meseka, and Barbra Muzata

Dr David Chikoye guiding the Presidential Delivery Unit delegation through the exhibition

The world came together on 16 October 2025 to commemorate World Food Day under the theme, “Hand in hand for better foods and a better future.” The theme was a call for collective action to strengthen food systems and value chains, making food affordable, healthy, and accessible to all.

In Zambia, IITA–CGIAR hosted a vibrant food fair that brought together key players in Zambia’s food systems. From government, research institutions, farmers, partners, academia, the private sector, to women and youth, came together to celebrate diversified diets, food security, and agricultural innovation.

Held at the IITA Southern Africa Research and Administration Hub (SARAH) in Ngwerere, Lusaka, the event featured exhibitions and displays of locally processed food products by youth and agribusiness enterprises. It also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on how households can enhance their diets with locally sourced foods. The food fair also served as a platform that promoted healthy and nutritious diets, while highlighting how agricultural research and innovation can drive food security and economic empowerment.

The single node cassava multiplication system

Gracing the occasion as a guest of honor, the Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Kusobile Kamwambi, spoke through her representative, Jones Shimbela, Manager for Efficient Value Chains at PDU. He explained that the theme calls for collaboration across governments, various sectors, and communities to align food systems with sustainability, equity, and resilience. He further called for action beyond words to support smallholder farmers with the tools and resources they need, ensuring that nutritious, safe food is accessible to all, leaving none behind. “On this World Food Day, let us commit ourselves to action, not only by words but in footsteps and pledge to protect our environment that sustains food production today and for our future generation, work hand in hand across sectors and borders,” he said.

Meanwhile, the IITA-Southern Africa Regional Director, Dr David Chikoye, stated that no single actor could ensure food security, emphasizing that collective action of governments, research institutions, farmers, and the private sector could. “We must work hand in hand to produce more food sustainably, to reduce losses and waste, to make diets healthier, and to protect the natural resources that sustain life,” he buttressed.

Colourful displays of local foods, nutritious products, and agribusiness creativity

He explained that IITA has been part of the solution for more than five decades, working to transform African agriculture through research, innovation, and partnerships that improve food security, income, and nutrition. “Our work with national partners, governments, and the private sector under initiatives, such as the Technologies for African Agriculture Transformation (TAAT), IITA Youth Agripreneurs (IYA) program, Soybean for Africa, Legumes for Development, and CGIAR research programs, reflects our belief that science can change lives when put in the hands of farmers,” he added.

“In the spirit of this year’s theme, we will continue to work hand in hand with farmers, to co-develop technologies that respond to their needs, governments, and policymakers. We will also ensure that research informs national priorities and the private sector, to expand markets, create jobs for the youth, and empower the next generation of food system leaders,” he finalized.

Representatives from the National Food and Nutrition Council, University of Zambia, and Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) engage in a panel discussion exploring the future of nutrition

Also speaking at the event, the Administrator of the IITA-Southern Africa Regional Hub, Dr Adeleke Ali, expressed appreciation to all partners who participated in the food fair and continue to support IITA’s mission of transforming African agriculture through research and innovation. He underscored IITA’s commitment to promoting diversified diets and sustainable food systems that improve nutrition and livelihoods.

The food fair concluded with a renewed call for stronger partnerships and collaborative action to scale agricultural innovations and ensure research continues to benefit smallholder farmers, youth, and communities across Zambia and beyond. The event had over 200 participants from 15 organizations in attendance, representing a diverse range of partners across research, academia, government, and the private sector.

Contributed by Rachel Namukolo-Covic

Honey harvesting with forest-edge communities after bee-keeping training from IITA Forest Center

At the IITA Forest Center, sustainability goes beyond conserving trees to creating opportunities that allow forest communities to thrive. The Forest Center continues to explore innovative, profitable, and environmentally sustainable ventures that transform non-timber forest products into viable livelihoods. These efforts directly support several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

Recognizing that poverty often drives deforestation, the Forest Center has taken a proactive approach to provide alternative sources of income that are both environmentally friendly and rewarding for forest-edge communities. One major success story is bee-keeping, an initiative that trains local farmers in hive management, harvesting, and packaging of honey and beeswax, while also supporting pollination and biodiversity.

Building on this achievement, the Forest Center has explored another promising climate-smart venture to support the livelihoods of forest-edge farmers— mushroom cultivation. The mushroom cultivation process is a simple, replicable setup that converts agricultural residues into nutritious, high-value food using low-cost, locally available materials. This initiative promotes food security, waste recycling, and local innovation. Simple, replicable setups and hands-on training enable rural households to scale production sustainably.

New Mushroom Cultivation venture to support biodiversity conservation, nutrition, and economic empowerment at IITA Forest Center

Beyond empowering communities, these ventures generate modest revenue for reinvestment into the Forest Center’s conservation and research programs, ensuring long-term sustainability. Located within the 350-hectare IITA Forest Reserve in Ibadan, the Forest Center integrates research, education, and livelihood innovation to balance human needs with the conservation of nature.

By linking conservation with economic opportunities, the IITA Forest Center provides a replicable model for building resilient ecosystems, fostering green livelihoods, and promoting environmental responsibility. In a world facing growing pressure from deforestation and climate change, the Forest Center’s approach provides a blueprint for how science, innovation, and community participation can work together to ensure both people and forests continue to flourish in harmony.

Contributed by Folake Oduntan

Highlighting benefits and challenges of Olokemeji Reforestation Project in Nigeria

CRISPR Course fellows and facilitators during the graduation ceremony

The third cohort of the Africa Plant Breeding Academy (AfPBA) CRISPR Course has officially graduated, marking another milestone in strengthening Africa’s capacity for advanced crop improvement technologies. This cohort hosted eleven scientists from five African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.

The training, hosted at the IITA–CGIAR Biotechnology Platform in Nairobi, on the ILRI campus and at CIFOR-ICRAF, is part of a multi-partner initiative of the African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC), in collaboration with IITA, the University of California, Davis, and the Innovative Genomics Institute at UC Berkeley. The course provides African researchers with both theoretical and practical knowledge in the use of CRISPR-Cas systems for precise and efficient genome editing in plants.

Over the intensive 6-week training period, fellows learned to design and execute genome editing, from guide RNA design to plant transformation, molecular analysis, and phenotyping, gaining hands-on experience that bridges the gap between science and application. The course also included sessions on biosafety, regulatory considerations, and communication, reinforcing a holistic understanding of responsible research and innovation.

“This program is building a network of African scientists who can lead the application of genome editing to solve agricultural challenges on the continent,” said Dr Leena Tripathi, Director of Genetic Innovations Science Area and leader of the Biotechnology Program. “We are proud of this new cohort of fellows, and confident that they will make meaningful contributions to their home institutions and national programs.”

Speaking on behalf of the graduating fellows, one participant reflected, “This training has transformed how we view biotechnology. We now have the confidence and the technical skills to apply CRISPR in our work and contribute to Africa’s food security.”

Fellows during a training session in the IITA Biotechnology laboratory

Following the course, each fellow will receive one year of post-course mentorship from experts to support the establishment of genome editing programs for crop improvement at their respective home institutions. IITA remains committed to providing ongoing technical advice and guidance to these fellows as they apply their new skills and develop practical research outputs.

With this third cohort, the CRISPR Course has now trained 32 scientists from 10 African countries, equipping them to advance crop research focused on disease resistance, drought tolerance, improved nutrition, and yield. The program aims to establish a critical mass of African genome editing experts capable of driving innovation in plant science.

The graduation ceremony was marked by enthusiasm and reflection as fellows received their certificates, symbols of both achievement and commitment to advancing modern biotechnology for Africa’s agriculture.

“Our goal,” added Dr Tripathi, “is to ensure that African scientists are not just consumers of technology but active innovators shaping solutions for the continent.”

Contributed by Rose-Harriet Okech

Agriculture production in Liberia faced a major challenge, i.e., limited access to high-quality seeds of important African food crops, including soybeans. Most farmers relied on informal seed networks for the next production season. These networks are crucial for agricultural continuity among farmers, who often lack the technical skills required to determine seed quality. As a result, yields have been low, affecting farmers’ income and undermining Liberia’s quest for food sufficiency.

Soybean breeder field developed by IITA under the EU-funded Seeds4Liberia Project

The EU-funded Seeds4Liberia project, in partnership with the Liberian government, is a crucial initiative to boost Liberia’s seed systems, including soybean. It does this through demand-driven, structured, and regulated seed systems for soybean and other important value chains—rice, cassava, coffee, and fish. The project’s collaboration with key institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), the Seed Development and Certification Agency (SDCA), and the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) underscores its importance and support to national development frameworks for enhanced food and nutrition security and job creation in Liberia.

Why soybean?

Soybean is a primary plant-based protein source, with 76-80% used for animal feed and 20% for human consumption. Africa’s soybean market is also vying for a stake in the global soybean market. According to reports, Africa’s soybean market is projected to grow at more than 5.52% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Liberia, in its efforts to diversify to ensure food sufficiency and economic growth, is charting a new course to tap into the potential of the soybean market. Here are four pillars the EU-backed project is strengthening to build a resilient soybean seed system for sustainable growth.

Human capacity strengthening

In addition to increasing public awareness about the benefits of soybean, the project has conducted training sessions to promote best practices in soybean production. To date, the project has empowered approximately 30 extension agents, with plans for additional training focused on various aspects of production, including harvest, post-harvest handling, and value addition. Also, the project has established eight farmer field schools (demo sites) in five counties–Bong, Lofa, Margibi, Montserrado, and Nimba to provide training on production practices.

Infrastructure strengthening

Weak infrastructure, including inadequate testing laboratories, limited processing, and poor storage facilities, continues to affect seed development. The Seeds4Liberia project, in partnership with CARI, is renovating a seed-testing laboratory to support resilient seed systems for the distribution of high-quality seeds, including soybeans.

The IITA soybean breeding unit is implementing the soybean component of the EU-funded Seeds4Liberia project in collaboration with MoA, CARI, NaFAA, SDCA, and LACRA.

Field resilience

Farms still use traditional seed production methods, which do not help the seeds thrive under climate change. In response, the Seeds4Liberia Project has introduced climate-smart and market-preferred soybean varieties into Liberia’s ecology through a series of processes: breeder and foundation seed production, followed by seed certification to ensure field resilience. Moreover, six soybean adaptation trial sites have been established across five counties—Bong Lofa, Margibi, Montserrado, and Nimba—to evaluate six high-performing varieties and determine which are best adapted to the Liberian climate. The project is also collaborating with local seed enterprises and government ministries and agencies to promote the broader adoption of best practices and to ensure the development of climate-resilient soybean varieties.

Policy strengthening and enforcement

In addition to strengthening human capacity, infrastructure, and field resilience, the Seeds4Liberia project is actively contributing to Liberia’s seed systems reform by generating comprehensive market intelligence, sharing expertise in implementing robust certification systems, and formulating policies to reinforce seed value chains—particularly those related to soybeans.

As Liberia strives for resilient seed systems, a crucial step toward achieving food sufficiency, improved nutrition, and overall agricultural prosperity, the Seeds4Liberia project serves as a model of impactful collaboration among research, policy, and grassroots engagement. The project will continue to extend its capacity-building support to farmer groups and seed companies to improve their ability to multiply and supply high-quality seeds of the best soybean varieties.

Contributed by George A. Harris

Engineer Thierno Diallo, IITA Postharvest Specialist; Ismail Oyinlola and Oluwasegun Ibajesomo, Representatives of Agroloop Farms Limited, Nigeria; and Idowu Osun, Business Development Officer, ENABLE-TAAT Compact, during the visit of Agroloop Farms Ltd representatives to the Mobile Cassava Processing Plant at IITA Headquarters.

The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Cassava Compact, led by IITA-CGIAR, has partnered with ENABLE-TAAT to strengthen private sector participation in cassava value chains across Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The collaboration aims to promote the adoption of proven TAAT technologies that enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost agribusiness profitability.

In September 2025, the ENABLE TAAT Compact worked in collaboration with the TAAT Cassava Compact and the Cassava Value Chain Development (CVCD) Project to engage two private sector companies: Agroloop Farms Limited in Nigeria and Bien-être – Bien Vivre SARL in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to explore opportunities for cassava technology transfer and commercialization.

At IITA headquarters in Ibadan, the TAAT team introduced Agroloop Farms Limited to the Cassava Mobile Processing Plant technology. The company, which plans to process cassava from over 2,500 hectares through its own farms and an outgrower scheme, was advised to adopt the mobile processing plant to convert cassava roots into cake before transporting them for further processing.
This innovation is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs and post-harvest losses, while ensuring higher-quality raw materials, better engagement with farmers (outgrowers), and improved business efficiency. Agroloop’s adoption of this technology will also strengthen linkages with smallholder farmers, creating an inclusive model that benefits both processors and producers.

In the DRC, the team engaged Bien-être – Bien Vivre SARL, a company aiming to establish over 100 hectares of cassava plantations for processing into High-Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) and fufu for local and export markets.

Benjamin Muganga, Technology Transfer Officer, TAAT Cassava Compact; Adeniyi Ogunkoya, Cassava Processing Specialist, Cassava Value Chain Development Project, IITA Kinshasa; and Idowu Osun, Business Development Officer, ENABLE-TAAT Compact with Kasereka Katondolo Zibrael and Yongesa Mbunge Didier, Representatives of Bien-Être Vivre SARL, DRC.

Muganga Benjamin, TAAT Cassava Technology Transfer Officer, introduced the company to several TAAT innovations, including improved and high-yielding cassava varieties, rapid propagation of virus-free planting materials, good agricultural practices, and post-harvest processing technologies.

During both engagements, ENABLE-TAAT Business Development Officer, Idowu Osun, emphasized how the adoption of TAAT cassava technologies can improve efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness within agribusiness enterprises.

“TAAT’s technologies are designed to help agribusinesses reduce costs, minimize post-harvest losses, and achieve sustainable business growth,” he said. “Through these innovations, companies can achieve up to 40% reduction in labor costs, faster turnover on existing facilities, and earlier business expansion compared to local technologies. By working with the private sector, we are ensuring that these innovations reach more farmers and create sustainable impact.”

He further highlighted that the TAAT model enables businesses to transition from traditional systems to technology-driven operations, improving cash flow, and ensuring sustainable growth. “The benefits extend beyond profitability,” he added. “TAAT supports companies with business plan development, de-risking strategies, and facilitation of access to credit and blended finance instruments. This holistic approach ensures agribusinesses are not only viable but scalable and sustainable in the long term.”

The collaboration marks a significant step in TAAT’s broader mission to de-risk agribusiness investment, strengthen linkages with private sector actors, and promote large-scale adoption of proven agricultural technologies across Africa.

Contributed by Jesutofunmi Robinson

Some IARSAF Fellows with Professor Michael Abberton, Head of IITA Genetic Resources Center and Director Western Africa Hub.

The African Plant Breeders Association (APBA) Conference 2025 was an inspiring experience for members of the IITA International Association of Research Scholars and Fellows (IARSAF) as they took the center stage during various sessions, sharing their research, exchanging ideas, and representing the spirit of scientific excellence that defines vision of the community.

Several scholars, including Uzoma, Chizaram Oluebube, Marvelline Chifamba, Olamide Afolarin, Omoboluwape Diekade, Ayomide Bhadmus, and Surprise Adedeji, displayed posters based on their ongoing research. Each of them offered fresh perspectives and innovative findings to discussions during the conference. Their work reflected the diversity of IARSAF’s research interests, ranging from improving crop resilience to enhancing nutrition and productivity.

A notable highlight was the oral presentation by Omotola Dorcas Olaoye titled “Exploiting genetic background in cassava nested association mapping population.” Her delivery captured both the complexity and potential of cassava genetics. Dorcas also made the IARSAF community proud by receiving the prestigious Borlaug Fellowship Award, one of only six awards given to Africans. The Borlaug Fellowship supports young researchers who make meaningful contributions to global food security, providing them with training and opportunities to enhance their scientific and leadership skills. Her recognition reflects her hard work, dedication, and the supportive mentorship culture at IITA.

The conference extended beyond presentations to emphasize meaningful conversations and connections. Omoboluwape Diekade spoke at a fireside chat organized by the Feed the Future VACS Capacity Project, where she participated in an open discussion with funders, including Dr Claudia Canales of Kirkhouse Trust and Dr Rufaro Madakadze of AGRA, to understand their expectations and how researchers can align their work with real-world impact. Her contribution provided an important voice to the dialogue on bridging the gap between research and implementation.

IARSAF Fellows with Sore Sougrynoma, Head of IITA Capacity Development Office

Following the conference, several IARSAF scholars and alumni, including Ufuoma Akpojotor, continued their engagement by participating in the Genomics and Bioinformatics Hackathon. Their active involvement showcased a strong commitment to continuous learning and the practical application of advanced scientific tools to tackle challenges in food and nutrition security. The APBA Conference was a truly memorable event for the IARSAF community serving as an environment for exploring establishing research partnerships and learning experience. The visibility, passion, and teamwork displayed at the APBA Conference serve as reminders of what can be achieved when young African researchers are supported and inspired to succeed.

Contributed by Chizaram Uzoma and Victor Diekade

Heifer International delegates with IITA Acting DDG P4D, Dr Abdoulaye Tahirou, and some IITA scientists and staff.

Collaboration is essential for transforming Nigeria’s food systems and IITA –CGIAR continues to champion this cause through its open-door policy for inclusive partnerships. On 16 October, IITA welcomed a four-member delegation from Heifer International Nigeria, led by Dr Lekan Tobe, the Country Director and IITA alumnus, alongside Grace Dangana, the Signature Programme Technical Lead; Onyekachi Ayevbuomwan, the Program Lead; and Engineer Gift Umor, the Crop Programme Coordinator.

The visit was a homecoming for Dr Tobe, who reflected warmly on his time at IITA. “This visit is a homecoming for me, and for the team, an opportunity to reconnect and explore the different innovations IITA has developed over the years,” he said. The purpose of the visit was to explore collaborative opportunities that leverage IITA’s innovations and technologies to support Heifer’s locally led development programs. Heifer aims to co-create and co-develop initiatives with IITA that deliver proven solutions for food security to farmers and communities across Nigeria.

Heifer International, a globally recognized organization dedicated to its mission of ending hunger and poverty while caring for the earth, has been operating in Nigeria for five years, with programs in Benue, Nasarawa, and Ogun States. “We are here to deepen our collaboration with IITA, CGIAR, and other food research systems so we can together run the race called food systems transformation.”

During the visit, the Heifer team expressed keen interest in IITA’s work on climate adaptation, nutrition improvement, and One Health. They explored the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health, which provides site-specific fertilizer recommendations through the Agwise AI tool. This initiative spans 11 West African countries and supports policy investments aimed at enhancing soil health and agricultural productivity.

Heifer International delegates with Dr Titilayo Falade, IITA Food Safety Scientist, at the Aflasafe building.

Discussions also focused on integrating IITA’s digital innovations, such as Seed Tracker and other pathogen surveillance tools, into Heifer’s operations to track and strengthen the delivery of agricultural innovations to farmers. The team explored the potential of IITA technologies, such as Aflasafe and NoduMax, already distributed by private sector partners, to enhance yields and food safety in Heifer’s project areas.

A visit to the IITA Youth Agripreneurs (IYA) program highlighted IITA’s success in empowering young people through agribusiness. With over one million youths reached across 17 countries, the program aligns with Heifer’s youth engagement goals. “We are eager to learn more about how IITA nurtures young agripreneurs and transforms innovations into market-ready opportunities,” Tobe noted.

The delegation also explored delivering value-added solutions to farmers, women, and youth in the cassava and yam value chains, alongside IITA’s technologies for seed multiplication (SAH and yam vine cuttings) for cassava and yams. They also discussed strategies to improve soybean production in Nigeria. Both organizations expressed interest in driving policy changes to support the transformation of food and nutrition systems.

In his remarks, IITA Acting Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery, Abdoulaye Tahirou, highlighted some of IITA’s technological advancements and growth since Tobe last worked at IITA. He shared insights from IITA’s Policy Hub Document, prepared to support policy decisions for Africa’s food crops based on data. Abdoulaye said, “Nigeria now produces ten times more maize than it did in 1960. Owing to innovations that solved the maize streak virus and supportive policies.” He emphasized the need for stable extension systems to bridge the gap between research deliveries and farmer adoption. “We are committed not just to developing innovations that boost yields, but to ensure the food produced is nutritious, safe, and reaches markets in ways that improve livelihoods,” he said.

Heifer International delegates inside IITA Seed Yam Multiplication Laboratory

Reflecting on Heifer’s journey in Nigeria, Dr Tobe shared, “We started with milk distribution, then moved into rice, livestock, and cassava because we recognized that smallholder farmers need more than one entry point.” He emphasized Heifer’s alignment with government priorities and its commitment to expanding its reach through strategic partnerships.

At the close of the visit, both IITA and Heifer reaffirmed their shared vision to build a resilient, inclusive, and transformative agricultural future for Africa. By combining IITA’s research-based innovations with Heifer’s on-the-ground systems approach and market focus, the partnership promises real-world impact for smallholder farmers, women, and youth.

Contributed by Folake Oduntan

L-R: Human Resource Manager, Nutri K, Mr Bashir Yerima; Zonal Coordinator, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Dr Ajani Alice Olapade; CEO/Executive Director, SMART Agribus, Mr Ridwan Adebisi; Chief Regulatory Officer of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Kano, Hajiya Halima Abdulkarim; Director, Irrigation, Kano State Ministry of Agriculture, Mallam Ado Ibrahim; and Regional Manager, North-West, Fidelity Bank, Mr Abdulazeez Suleiman, during the panel session.

The Kano State Government has commended the IITA–CGIAR Youth in Agribusiness: Enabling scaling of innovative technologies for sustainable food solutions, also known as YAS Project, for its significant contribution to driving youth involvement in agriculture, bolstering better livelihoods, and increasing food availability in the state.

The Commissioner for Women, Children, and Persons with Disabilities, represented by the Director of Women Affairs in the Ministry, Hajiya Nafisa Yakasi, gave the remark at the conference organized by YAS recently in Kano State. She commended IITA-CGIAR for its gender inclusion approach and deliberate efforts in empowering women in agriculture.

The conference, which had the theme ‘Enhancing Public–Private Partnership to Sustain the Capacity of Youth in Agribusiness’ was attended by project participants, partners, government representatives, community leaders, representatives from food regulatory and certification agencies, financial institutions, and other development partners. The conference provided a networking platform for participants and other stakeholders.

The YAS Project Coordinator, Adebayo Awotodunbo, noted that the project, had, since its inception three years ago, enhanced youth participation in agriculture through training, mentorship, and enterprise support. According to him, this facilitated the establishment of several youth-led enterprises.

The Country Director of BopInc, YAS’ implementing partner, Mercy Mayaki, emphasized that public–private partnerships remain essential to addressing the critical challenges faced by young agripreneurs, including access to finance, market opportunities, and innovative technologies.

One of the speakers addressing the participants

A major highlight of the event was the business pitch competition by past participants. The judges included the Chief Regulatory Officer of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Kano, Hajiya Halima Abdulkarim; Human Resource Manager, Nutri K, Bashir Yerima; and the Accountant of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Kano, Bashir Abdullahi.

At the end of the competition, Gambo Zakari, a catfish farmer, was declared the winner; Hassana Abdulaziz emerged as the first runner-up, and Fiddausi Galadima the second runner-up, while Mohammad Suleiman Mahe and Safiya Mohammad came fourth and fifth respectively.

The winner would receive N500,000 worth of inputs; the second-place winner would receive N300,000 worth of inputs, the third-place winner N200,000 worth of inputs, while the fourth- and fifth-place winners would receive consolation prizes of N100,000 worth of inputs, respectively. Impressed by their performance, one of the project’s partners and CEO/Executive Director, SMART Agribus, Ridwan Adebisi, promised to reward Mahe and Safiya with an additional N50,000 each.

During the panel session, Mallam Ado Ibrahim, Director of Irrigation at the Kano State Ministry of Agriculture, noted that the Ministry of Water Resources had recently allocated land to the YAS project for training participants. He added that the government was committed to collaborations that foster a supportive ecosystem for youth agripreneurs.

Similarly, Dr Ajani Alice Olapade, Zonal Coordinator at the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), stated that the institute recently trained 40 YAS participants in the processing of tomatoes, dates, and maize into various products. She listed the innovations deployed by the institute, including a parabolic solar dryer for drying farm produce, hermetic steel drums for storing dried products, bulk storage units for grains and seeds, and an agrometeorological station that provides data on humidity, temperature, sunshine, and wind direction.

The YAS Project Coordinator, Adebayo Awotodunbo; the Country Director of BopInc, Mercy Mayaki, and other guests after the event.

Speaking on the issue of access to finance, Abdulazeez Suleiman, North-West Regional Manager of Fidelity Bank, stated that while zero-interest loans desired by many might not be available, there are low-interest loans that young agripreneurs can take advantage of, whether as startups or existing business owners.

Similarly, Yerima of Nutri-K urged the youth to embrace opportunities in the sector, noting that the company was sourcing peanuts and other raw materials from farmers to support the local economy and smallholder farmers. He called on young farmers to apply for opportunities that offer funding and visibility, join hubs that provide access to mentorship, prepare feasible business plans to qualify for integrated credit schemes, and invest in financial literacy to navigate formal financial systems effectively.

Speaking about the bottlenecks people face during product registration, Abdulkarim from NAFDAC emphasized that business owners must comply with regulatory standards before they could obtain approval, noting that branding and packaging also play key roles in product acceptability.

The Station Administrator at IITA Kano, Shuaibu Rabo-Ado, who thanked the Netherlands Embassy for supporting the YAS project, charged financial institutions to fulfill their role as key enablers of agribusiness growth by improving access to credit and financial advisory services. He called for products that support young agripreneurs. Through the YAS project, IITA has significantly contributed to economic development by empowering over 10,000 youths across Nigeria. Such interventions should complement, not replace, the government’s broader mandate of youth and citizen empowerment,” he added.

Participants also had the opportunity to share their success stories. Jibril Lawal said he started his fish farm relying on guesswork, which resulted in huge losses. However, he said after participating in the YAS training, his farm became profitable, and he was able to expand significantly. He added that he ensured that the knowledge he received had been stepped down to many young people in his Madobi community. “From the profit I made, I now cultivate soybeans and okra on three hectares of land, which has augmented my income significantly,” he added.

Contributed by Babatunde Ajaja

region: Western Africa

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