Every year on May 22, the world comes together to observe the International Day for Biological Diversity, spotlighting the critical role of biodiversity in sustaining life on Earth. But while forests, oceans, and wildlife often take center stage, thereโs a silent crisis happening right on our plates. Did you know…
This May, as the world observed the International Plant Health Day, the spotlight turned to the urgent need to protect plants, the foundation of our food systems, from ever-evolving threats. At the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), this isnโt a once-a-year concern. Itโs a daily mission. At the center…
Radio IITA 88.5 is strengthening its outreach efforts in 2025 with a targeted maize training session held in Oyo State on April 17. In partnership with IITAโs maize improvement program, the session brought together local maize farmers for a full-day learning experience designed to boost productivity through improved agronomic practices.…
Food safety in Nigeriaโs informal sector is receiving a much-needed boost through a collaboration between Food Safety for Africa (FS4A) and Radio IITA. Recently, over 60 participants, including farmers, traders, food processors, and transporters, gathered at Akinyele Local Government Headquarters in Moniya, Oyo State, for a critical training session aimed…
In 2024, RadioIITAโs Farmers Outreach Initiative continued its mission to empower smallholder farmers with cutting-edge agricultural knowledge and practical tools, transforming livelihoods across Nigeria. Through strategic collaborations with IITAโs specialized crop breeding programs of yam, cassava, maize, soybean, cowpea, plantain, and banana, the outreach addressed critical challenges, introduced innovative techniques,…
The Information Technology Center at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) recently held its 2024 Operation Management User Empowerment Week, a dynamic, week-long event packed with activities aimed at enhancing employee productivity and cybersecurity awareness. Through engaging roadshows, office-to-office campaigns, and interactive online sessions, the initiative focused on how…
RadioIITA 88.5 FM has collaborated with the Wild Africa to premiere a new bi-weekly radio program, Conservation Focus, aimed at raising awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental issues in Nigeria. The show, anchored by conservationist Dajie Odok, is designed to bring attention to the vital role forests, birds, and conservationists…
RadioIITA 88.5 recently hosted a successful farmers’ outreach event in collaboration with the maize improvement program. The event, held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aimed to equip local farmers with advanced agricultural knowledge and practices. It drew a significant number of eager participants looking to enhance their…
Nigeria, the worldโs largest producer and consumer of cowpeas, faces a paradox: despite its leading position, over 40 percent of cowpeas consumed in the country are imported. This is largely due to the crop’s vulnerability to infestations from insects such as pod borers, whiteflies, and various seed-sucking bugs. In response…
Over the past five years, RadioIITA has played a crucial role in agricultural extension, providing farmers with essential information on best practices, pest management, crop rotation, and new agricultural technologies. Its widespread reach has ensured that even the most remote farming communities receive the knowledge needed to enhance productivity and…