Blockchain technology is a game changer. It is transforming agriculture by enabling smallholder farmers in Africa to improve their production and enhance their trade through a platform of trust. Blockchain is a decentralised, digital ledger which works through a series of digitally connected records where information can be shared openly and publicly verified through a…
Firm plots to bring nutritious, high-yielding crop varieties to farmers
Henry Opondo Fifteen African countries encompassing 315 million people and with average child malnutrition rates of 38 per cent could significantly improve food security and nutrition by developing their seed industries, according to a new report from the Nairobi-based Seed Systems Group (SSG). SSG analysis reveals that even if only one-third of the farmers in…
Nigeria asked to double investment in the agricultural sector
Dr Nteranya Sanginga, Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has advised Nigeria to double investment in the agricultural sector. In addition, Dr Sanginga said this should be backed by a vibrant rural infrastructural network development. “No matter our good intentions, we will not see a transformation in agriculture if we continue…
Climate Change: African must build resilience
By Habimana Brian Participants at the high-level Africa Food Security Leadership Dialogue hosted by the Government of Rwanda in Kigali urged Africa to build resilience to respond to climate change. Africa’s food and agriculture sectors are among the most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change. Small-holder farmers, small entrepreneurs, and their families, whose livelihoods depend…
Sustainable food and agriculture: IITA Youth Agripreneur program wins the 2019 International innovation award
The youth program of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has won the 2019 International Innovation Award for sustainable food and Agriculture. The award is in recognition of IITA’s commitment to improving both agribusiness opportunities and creditworthiness of youth across Africa. The award which is the first of its kind and funded by the Government…
What room for ruminants in a sustainable food future?
Leading scientists meet to assess the climate impact of the agri-food sector in a review of sustainable eating habits… In the climate change debate, the environmental footprint of agriculture is often under discussion, with much of the recent discourse around food focusing on the potential impact of cattle. However, not all information in circulation stands…
Obasanjo, Ajimobi launch accelerating agricultural research projects
Nigeria’s former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on Saturday commissioned two key projects at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan— an Agricultural Transformation Building dedicated to research and delivery of innovations to farmers across Nigeria in particular and Africa in general, and a 10.5Km ring road…
Kenya drought: agriculture experts urge governments to deploy climate-resilient seeds
Agriculture experts from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) have called for an intensive scale-up of climate-resilient seeds and climate-smart innovations, including drought-tolerant seeds and soil and water conservation practices in Eastern Africa. The call comes against rising drought impacts in Kenya and other parts of East Africa. In Kenya, farmers are eager…