The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture has renewed its commitment to driving agricultural transformation and enhancing food security in Nigeria through stronger partnerships and coordinated action.
In a statement on Monday signed by the Head of Communication, IITA, Katherine Lopez, after the IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr. Simeon Ehui, held a high-level meeting with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria in Abuja, Mr. Mohamed Fall, Ehui said the institute aims to leverage research-backed solutions to tackle pressing challenges in the country’s agrifood systems.
“For IITA, the biggest challenge remains scaling, taking proven technologies from the lab to farmers at a much larger scale.
“Strategic partnerships are essential. We are committed to working closely with the United Nations to ensure Africa becomes food-sufficient.”
The partnership is apt as Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, continues to face significant challenges in achieving food security due to climate change, declining soil fertility, post-harvest losses, and limited access to improved technologies.
Ehui highlighted IITA’s research milestones and innovations addressing Africa’s key agrifood challenges, including soil health, seed systems, and plant health.
He showcased successful technologies such as the award-winning Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics system, which significantly improves crop propagation and productivity.
He said by deepening collaboration, IITA and the UN aim to strengthen Nigeria’s food systems, promote youth participation in agribusiness, and ensure that agricultural transformation is inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable.
On his part, Fall emphasised the UN’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural transformation as part of broader Sustainable Development Goals initiatives.
“For a country like Nigeria, agriculture is the biggest channel for economic transformation if the right investments are made,” he stated.
The meeting underscored a shared vision between IITA, CGIAR, and the UN to deliver science-driven, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that strengthen food systems and improve livelihoods across Africa.
