The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is now to focus on researches that will bring greater development to agriculture and benefits to the small holder farmers in years to come.
Kwesi Atta-Krah, director for Systems and Site Integration, and Chairman, organising committee for the celebration of the 50 years of IITA, who disclosed this in Ibadan, said in the next few years, the institute’s researches will be geared towards the development of Agriculture for it to be key engine for growth in national economy.
According to him, IITA is 50, so from now there will be a paradigm shift in our research towards development of agriculture and translate to economic growth nationally.
While reflecting on the last 50 years, he noted that the Institute will continue to strengthen excellent research and address critical challenges facing Agriculture.
With climate change and massive population, he opined that the challenges are much bigger now, thus the need for paradigm shift by linking research to development as well as through extension and impact.
Akrah, who spoke at IITA@50 media day in Ibadan, stated that the institute will focus more on youth for them to embrace agriculture saying that the before now agric was seen for old people with the use of hoes and cutlasses but “young people should be encouraged to embrace agriculture”
To bring the needed change, he said that the institute has created two directorates which is research for development and partnership for delivery.
He however disclosed that IITA will key into the Federal Government green alternative so as to make it a huge success.
In his welcome address, Kenton Dashiell, deputy director-general for Partnerships for Delivery, said in the last 40 years, IITA had concentrated on research and to make small scale farmers prosperous saying that more will be done to improve the livelihoods of farmers.
While saying farmers are faced with low yields due to attack from pests and insects, Dashiell stressed that the institute is developing pesticides to fight diseases so that farmers can get high yields and create markets.
While adding that the main target of the institute is to reduce hunger and poverty through agriculture and food production solicited the support of the media in showcasing efforts made at reducing hunger in Africa through its Zero Hunger initiative.
The 50th anniversary started yesterday, Saturday, 24 July 2017 at the conference Centre, IITA, Ibadan with former Olusegun Obasanjo as chairman.
Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were expected to attend the ceremony.
Others expected at the ceremony were Audu Ogbeh, minister of Agriculture and Rural development as well as Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank.,Tony Elumelu,CEO Tony Elumelu Foundation; Aliko Dangote,CEO, Dangote Foundation, among others.
Akinremi Feyisipo, Ibadan.
