The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is stepping up efforts to tackle malnutrition and hidden hunger in Africa, with its nutrition research agenda gaining strong momentum in recent months. As global stakeholders gather this week for the African Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Dakar, IITA-CGIAR is bringing a strong voice on the role of nutrition research in shaping sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems.
Across sub-Saharan Africa, millions continue to face the challenges of stunting, micronutrient deficiencies, and diet-related diseases. IITA is responding by embedding nutrition into its agricultural innovations, ensuring that improved crop varieties and technologies not only increase yields but also deliver better health outcomes.
Key Achievements of IITA’s Nutrition Agenda
- Biofortification and Food Quality: Development and promotion of nutrient-rich cassava, maize, and cowpea varieties fortified with essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, iron, and zinc.
- Food Systems and Diets: Research into diversified farming systems and local food processing innovations to improve dietary diversity, especially among women and children.
- Community Engagement: Raising farmer and consumer awareness on nutrition-sensitive agriculture, linking food production with household nutrition and better health outcomes.
- Policy and Partnerships: Collaborating with governments, CGIAR partners, and international agencies to embed nutrition goals in agricultural transformation strategies.
“At IITA, we believe that food security must go hand-in-hand with nutrition security,” said Dr Simeon Ehui, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa. “Our research ensures African families not only have enough to eat but also access safe, nutritious, and affordable foods that drive healthier lives and stronger futures.”
IITA at the African Food Systems Forum 2025
At AFSF 2025, IITA will engage stakeholders across multiple platforms to showcase how research and innovation can accelerate nutrition outcomes:
- High-Level Panel Participation: Dr Simeon Ehui will join African leaders and development partners to advance dialogue on nutrition-sensitive food systems.
- Side Event on Nutrition Research: Led by Dr Mercy Lungaho, IITA’s program lead for food security, nutrition, and health, alongside other scientists, the session will highlight groundbreaking work on biofortified crops, food processing innovations, and integrating nutrition across food systems.
Through these engagements, IITA is amplifying Africa’s nutrition agenda—demonstrating how science and innovation can deliver healthier diets, tackle malnutrition, and provide scalable solutions that strengthen both agriculture and human well-being across the continent.
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