Climate change and the ongoing global pandemic have exacerbated food insecurity, leading to shortages and soaring prices across sub-Saharan Africa. In response to these challenges, Simeon Ehui, the 8th Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and 1st CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, strategically leverages agricultural…
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…
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) proudly welcomes His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, alongside key stakeholders in agriculture and food systems, for a high-level visit focused on strengthening partnerships for agricultural transformation and food security. With support from the Nigerian government and Oyo State Governor,…
The 10th International Day of Women and Girls in Science, themed “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science,” was commemorated on February 11, 2025, at IITA-CGIAR through a hybrid event. The celebration brought together young girls, women leaders, scientists, and representatives from various sectors to discuss women’s leadership roles and…
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) marked World Pulses Day 2025 by highlighting its ongoing work to develop climate-resilient cowpea and soybean varieties, crucial crops for combating African food insecurity. In an exclusive interview with RadioIITA, researchers discussed the institute’s strategies for breeding pulses capable of withstanding increasingly challenging…
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…
In a milestone achievement for RadioIITA and African science journalism, Dajie Odok, Radio Lead, won the prestigious 2023 Emerging Health Technologies (EHTs) Media Award for Excellence in Science Reporting. The award was presented in a virtual ceremony on October 9, 2024, which brought together top science journalists and experts from…
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…
Recently, RadioIITA, in partnership with the IITA Plantain/Banana Breeding Program, hosted a wide-ranging training session for local farmers to improve plantain and banana yields and promote sustainable agricultural methods. The training addressed several critical areas, including choosing high-quality planting materials, soil amendment, sucker management, mulching, staking, and other best practices…