Lusaka, April 4 – The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) announced today that it has gained full diplomatic status as an international organization working in Zambia, according to the Zambian government. This is coming on the eve of the launch of the Institute’s Southern Africa Research and Administrative Hub (SARAH) and food system research and delivery facilities in the country.
According to a statement issued in Lusaka, this timely development will strengthen partnership with the government and increase IITA-CGIAR’s contribution to the research and agricultural transformation efforts in the country.
Speaking at the Zambia office in Lusaka, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr. Simeon Ehui said this marks a significant step forward in strengthening agricultural research and development efforts in Zambia and across the Southern Africa region and establishing sustainable food systems.
The launch of IITA-SARAH, which would host food system research and delivery facilities in Lusaka, will produce state-of-the-art technologies geared towards addressing critical issues like food insecurity, plant health, and seed systems in Zambia.
The launch event will bring together key stakeholders from the government, research, development and agricultural sector, and donor community to commemorate this significant milestone.
The event will feature an exhibition tour of innovations from CGIAR centers based in Zambia and IITA, and a program to commission the facilities. High-level officials from IITA, CGIAR and the Zambian government will highlight the shared vision and objectives of the partnership and the research and delivery facility.
The establishment of SARAH in Zambia 38 years ago and the launch of the food system research and delivery facilities underline the commitment of both IITA and the Zambia government to enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and livelihoods of millions in Zambia and the Southern Africa region.
The partnership will leverage IITA and CGIAR’s expertise in research delivery and agriculture innovation scaling to support the Zambian Government’s efforts in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing crop productivity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Simeon Ehui remarked, “We are excited to launch the IITA regional hub in Zambia, which will serve as a melting pot for innovative research, capacity building, and knowledge sharing in research and agriculture. This partnership with the Zambian Government reflects a mutual commitment to drive food systems’ transformation and improve the lives of millions of smallholder farmers in Zambia.”
IITA-Zambia Country Director and IITA Regional Director for Southern Africa David Chikoye expressed excitement at hosting the event, which he said took lots of planning and engagement. “IITA will continue to support the Zambia government to achieve the agricultural transformation agenda, enhance food security, and promote sustainable development across the country and the region.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
IITA Southern Africa Research and Administration Hub (SARAH)
David Chikoye, d.chikoye@cgiar.org
IITA Communication
Katherine Lopez, k.lopez@cgiar.org
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