What if farmers could produce more food for their families from a small piece of land by managing it better? This is the idea behind SmartPlot Naija, a farming concept designed…
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Western AfricaDecoding yam genetics to accelerate crop improvement: The research behind Paterne Agre’s award
Developing improved yam varieties is a time-intensive process that involves identifying desirable traits, selecting superior breeding lines, and assessing their performance over several growing seasons. However, the scarcity of genomic resources…
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Across Nigeria’s tomato fields, smallholder farmers are navigating a rapidly transforming food system, shaped by growing urbanization, rising incomes, shifting diets toward fresh, safe, high-quality food. This has fueled the growth…
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Western AfricaFrom more cassava to more value: How IITA research is helping transform Africa’s cassava value chain
From high-quality cassava flour to mobile processing and technology delivery through TAAT, Dr Adebayo Abass reflects on how research, markets and partnerships can turn Africa’s cassava production into greater value for farmers and…
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Liberia’s efforts to strengthen agricultural planning, improve soil management, and build a more sustainable food system are receiving renewed attention as IITA, with support from the European Union (EU), leads national…
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Western AfricaFrom research to the farmer’s field: IITA showcases promising soybean and cowpea varieties in Zaria
IITA–CGIAR has showcased promising soybean and cowpea varieties at its research farm in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, highlighting the importance of aligning crop improvement with farmers’ needs, industry requirements, and reliable…
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In Maragua, Murang’a County, researchers are testing whether combining crushed basalt, biochar, and compost can help restore soil fertility, improve crop productivity, and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The CarboRestore…
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Western AfricaFrom curious onlookers to young conservationists: How one day changed the way students see birds
For many of the students, binoculars were the only thing standing between them and a world they had never noticed. Looking through the lenses for the first time, the quiet rustle…