The IITA Youth in Agribusiness Unit (IYA) hosted a delegation from Light for the World, along with representatives of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), to deepen collaboration and strengthen the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the unit’s agribusiness and youth employment initiatives.
JONAPWD Inclusion Advisor, Dolapo Agbede, who led Daniel Oloo, Eric Kataka Mukabi, and other advisors on the visit, explained that, in addition to ensuring the inclusion of PWDs in development programs, the measurable impact of the interventions should be given the deserved attention.
She added, “Light for the World has developed practical templates and validated guidelines to ensure that disability inclusion is not just implemented but also done with meaningful impact in a sustainable way, creating dignified and fulfilling work opportunities, especially for young women with disabilities.”
She pointed out that Light for the World operates across multiple African countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda, supporting the development of practical tools and frameworks that promote sustainable disability inclusion. She explained that implementation in Nigeria is led by JONAPWD, ensuring that strategies are adapted to local contexts.
Also speaking, Oloo said, “We are really excited to be at IITA on a learning exchange to see the successes around disability inclusion and identify adjustments needed so our advisory services can better respond to the needs and aspirations of young people with disabilities.”
Speaking on the need to adapt agricultural technologies, training environment, and advisory services to ensure accessibility for all, Mukabi stated, “We need to look at how technologies, tools, and equipment can be adapted to ensure they are accessible, affordable, and usable for persons with disabilities across different value chains.”
The delegation commended IYA’s efforts in integrating inclusion into its enterprise development and training programs, particularly through initiatives such as the Innovative Youth in Agriculture Project (I-Youth). The team also introduced innovative concepts such as the Rural Academy Test Lab, designed to explore deeper inclusion for underserved groups, including individuals with complex or multiple impairments.
In her remark, the Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement Manager at IYA, Adetola Adenmosun, stressed the unit’s commitment to inclusion, especially for young women. She expressed the unit’s commitment to continuous learning and adaptation, noting that its partnerships and field experiences across Nigeria and other African countries had strengthened its capacity to deliver inclusive, impact-driven programs.
The delegation toured several IITA facilities, including the Cassava Breeding Unit, the Research Farm Unit, and the Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) facility, which gave them a firsthand insight into the institute’s innovations and ongoing research efforts.
Contributed by Jesutofunmi Robinson
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