AfDB, IITA Sign €5m Deal to Boost Agriculture

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have signed a €5 million agreement aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and food security across Africa. The deal is expected to support research, technology adoption, and capacity-building initiatives to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and agribusinesses.

Under the partnership, AfDB will provide funding to IITA for the development and dissemination of climate-resilient crop varieties, modern farming techniques, and sustainable agricultural practices. The initiative is designed to address key challenges such as low yields, post-harvest losses, and limited access to improved seed varieties and fertilizers.

IITA, a leading agricultural research institute, will leverage its expertise to implement innovative farming solutions, focusing on staple crops such as maize, cassava, and soybean. The funding will also support training programs for farmers, equipping them with knowledge on climate-smart agriculture and efficient resource management.

Officials from both organizations emphasized that the partnership aligns with Africa’s broader food security goals and AfDB’s Feed Africa strategy, which seeks to transform agriculture into a key driver of economic growth. They highlighted the importance of research-driven solutions in tackling food shortages and ensuring a more resilient agricultural sector.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the agreement, noting that increased investment in agricultural research and innovation is essential for reducing reliance on food imports and improving rural livelihoods. With this deal, AfDB and IITA aim to create a more robust agricultural system that can withstand climate change impacts while boosting productivity and farmer incomes across the continent.