Scientists have now shed more light on how a farmers’ variety in Tanzania is able to tolerate the deadly viral Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) disease after infection, showing limited symptoms and impact on yield. The team have established that ‘Namikonga’ plants have a complex line of defense involving many biochemical pathways and genes that…
Researchers employ SAH technology to speed up multiplication of cassava planting materials
Scientists working on cassava breeding now use the Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) technology to rev up the propagation of clean cassava planting materials. Using modified soil that holds plant roots in planting pots with little water, SAH has trays that are filled with a little amount of water, with the soil transporting the moisture up to…
Pollination key to farming in Africa, National Museum of Kenya research shows
By Gitonga Njeru in Nairobi A research Project between the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and Bayer AG, is showing that pollination is the answer to food security and other agricultural solutions. “We need to understand the role of pollinators in agriculture to increase food production and income of farmers. Farmers in semi-arid areas of…
IITA reaffirms its commitment to transforming Africa’s agriculture as it marks its 50th Anniversary
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has vowed to redouble its efforts to transform Africa’s agriculture. This was expressed by IITA Director for Eastern Africa Dr Victor Manyong at a ceremony organized at the Institute’s Eastern Africa hub offices in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, recently to mark its 50th anniversary. Dr Manyong assured guests…
IITA research eases fears over yam supplies as Nigeria kicks off export
Research being conducted by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in seed yam multiplication promises to ensure Nigeria quadruples yam production, says Nigeria’s Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe. Addressing reporters after a tour of IITA facilities including cassava fields on Wednesday, Chief Ogbe said the quality of research at IITA…
Lack of skills, low wages disinterest African youth from Agriculture
Lack of skills, low wages, and limited access to land and financial services continue to disinterest Africa’s young people from Agriculture hence leading to high unemployment. According to FAO, in 2014 alone, about 11 million young Africans entered the labour market. But many see few opportunities in the agriculture sector. The Director-General of the UN…
Agriculture is the way to become wealthy but it can’t happen the way our parents practiced, IITA says
Developing creative messages or methods that would attract young people to agriculture could help Africa to attract youth to agriculture and end the rising unemployment in the continent, says the Deputy Director General Partnership for Delivery, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr Kenton Dashiell today. In a message to journalists to mark the 2017…
Election 2017: Kenyan Farmers commit to protect the country’s food system
Ahead of the August elections, farmers from Machakos have begun a movement, to reclaim their food systems from the clutches of big agribusiness, middlemen and from the lure of agrochemicals. The movement, rooted in agro-ecology, aims to create awareness among farmers and farming communities about the benefits of ecological farming and to create adequate support…