International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
AbbreviationIITA
Formation1967
TypeIntergovernmental Organization
PurposeAgricultural research and development
HeadquartersIbadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Region served
Africa
ServicesProviding better living for the rural farmers
MembershipCGIAR
Official language
ALL
Director General
Simeon Ehui[1]
Main organ
Board of Trustees
AffiliationsCGIAR
Websitewww.iita.org

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a nonprofit organization that works with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture, with the ultimate goals of reducing hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.[2] IITA's research-for-development (R4D) focuses on addressing the development needs of tropical countries.[3] The institute was established in 1967 and headquarters located in Ibadan, Nigeria, with several research stations spread across Africa.[3] The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees, supported by several countries and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

History

IITA was established in 1967 in Ibadan as a result of the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations' desire to establish a center for the improvement of the quality of tropical foods.[4] The institute came into existence with the enactment of decree 32. of 1967. Part of the institute's initial goals was to develop a better productive farming system, the selection and breeding of high-yielding crop varieties that are resistant to diseases and pests, and strengthening agricultural research in the humid and tropic regions. The institute was initially situated on a 1000-hectare land. The institute focused on a cereal improvement program, grain and legumes improvement program, farming systems, and root and tuber improvement program. The grain and legume improvement system consisted of soybean, cowpea and tuber program composed of yam and cassava.[5]

IITA joined CGIAR in 1971.[6] It later added tree products such as plantain and banana.

Partnership

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is partnered with the federal government of Nigeria and World Bank to improve agriculture in Nigeria.[7]

Jigawa

The institute partners with the Jigawa government to revolutionize agriculture in Jigawa state.[8]

Training

In early 2024, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) trained youth in agriculture business to empower and boost productivity in agriculture in Nigeria.[9]

Stations

See also

References

  1. ^ "Saginga Nteranya, Director General". IITA. 2019-07-11. Retrieved 2021-12-09.
  2. ^ "International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)". IFPRI : International Food Policy Research Institute. Retrieved 2020-12-27.
  3. ^ a b "International Institute of Tropical Agriculture - IITA". ProMusa is a project to improve the understanding of banana and to inform discussions on this atypical crop. Retrieved 2020-12-27.
  4. ^ Barbara Shubinski and Barry Goldberg (January 6, 2022). "The Birth of International Agricultural Research Institutes in the Mid-20th Century". REsource. Retrieved 2022-12-18.
  5. ^ Coker Onita. (1987). IITA and Massive Production of Food. Spear Focus, Spear Magazine, P. 4-7
  6. ^ Baum, Warren C. "Partners against hunger : consultative group on international agricultural research (CGIAR)". World Bank. Retrieved 2022-12-18.
  7. ^ Jaiyesimi, Feyishola (2024-05-26). "Nigeria forms partnership with World Bank, IITA to boost agric innovation". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
  8. ^ "Jigawa, IITA partner to revolutionize agriculture | Western Post". 2024-05-18. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
  9. ^ Odifa, Damilola (2024-01-29). "IITA trains 1,918 youths in agribusiness". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2024-07-17.