On World Meteorological Day, marked on 23 March, the world is asked to reflect on the importance of weather observation. This year’s theme, ‘Observing today, protecting tomorrow,’ could be read as an abstract aspiration. However, at the International Institute…
Western Africa
On 9 March, IITA–CGIAR hosted a special hybrid event at the institute’s headquarters to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of women. The gathering brought together leaders, professionals, and partners to reflect on the importance of empowering women, promoting…
Cowpea: A powerhouse pulse for nutrition, resilience, and sustainable food systems
As the world celebrates World Pulses Day, it’s time to shine a spotlight on one of the most resilient, nutritious, and climate-smart crops on the planet—cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Often called “poor man’s meat,” cowpea has long been a…
For three years, the IITA Gender Science Network (GSN) has remained a driving force in strengthening gender integration across agricultural research and institutional processes. Through its Gender Learnings and Exchanges for New inSights (GLENS) webinar series, the team continues…
For most of her life, Heritage Ajolo kept her dream a secret. When her classmates at Our Lady of Fatima Academy asked what she wanted to become, the SS2 student hesitated before quietly saying she wanted to be a…
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…
Advancing gender transformative approaches in agrifood systems: University of Ibadan hosts pilot training
There is an increasing call for researchers, practitioners, and development professionals to adopt more transformative approaches to gender integration.…
In 2024, IITA-CGIAR, in collaboration with its Nigerian partner, the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Ibadan…





