As IITA gears up to host over 200 scientists from diverse disciplines at the headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria, for its annual Planning Week today, looking at the need for such gatherings to advance agricultural research is imperative. This flagship event will be a hub of innovation, collaboration, and strategy as experts tackle the most pressing challenges in African agriculture and food systems. With 2025 on the horizon, the Planning Week aims to map out sustainable solutions that promise to transform millions of lives and the livelihood of smallholder farmers across the continent.
A shared mission: Shaping Africa’s agricultural landscape
From the devastating effects of climate change to post-harvest losses and market inefficiencies, Africa’s agricultural sector faces complex challenges. Recognizing this, IITA has convened a think tank of world-class scientists committed to turning these obstacles into opportunities.
Dr Simeon Ehui, IITA’s Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, highlighting the importance of this annual gathering said, “Science must respond to the needs of our continent. Together, we can provide solutions that not only lift farmers out of poverty but also ensure food security for future generations.”
Scaling innovation to transform lives
One of the central themes of the Planning Week is scaling proven agricultural technologies to maximize their reach and impact. Whether it’s pest and disease-resistant seed varieties, digital agriculture tools, or climate-smart practices, the focus will be on technologies that empower Africa’s smallholder farmers—the backbone of the continent’s agricultural economy.
Participants will explore practical pathways for these innovations to reach millions of farmers, helping to enhance crop yields, improve climate resilience, and boost livelihoods.
Nutrition: The heart of food security
Food insecurity and malnutrition continue to plague millions across Africa, threatening the continent’s future. At the Planning Week, scientists will prioritize discussions around ensuring equitable access to affordable, nutritious food. This includes exploring how to strengthen value chains for nutrient-dense crops, enhance food system resilience to shocks, and incorporate gender-sensitive nutrition strategies.
The event will also foster strengthening synergies between research areas and crops toward building coordinated, impactful initiatives.
Toward resilient food systems
With IITA’s mission to build resilient and inclusive food systems, the Planning Week will focus on how cross-disciplinary collaboration between scientists will develop holistic strategies to:
- Increase scaling efforts of existing technologies for impact.
- Strengthen agricultural value chains to improve farmers’ livelihoods.
- Leverage digital tools for data-driven agricultural innovation.
Collaboration for lasting change
Every year, the IITA Planning Week creates an avenue to examine lessons learned in the outgoing year and chart pathways for the coming year. Researchers working at IITA build on results to catalyze meaningful change in Africa’s agricultural landscape.
A vision for 2025 and beyond
As researchers converge in Ibadan in the coming days, their collective expertise and shared vision will lay the groundwork for a brighter, food-secure future in 2025 and the days ahead, a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges. Together, these leaders in agricultural research and food and nutrition security will chart a roadmap for sustainable growth and resilience, ensuring that agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of development for the continent.
Contributed by ‘Timilehin Osunde.
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