IITA–CGIAR is proud to be a central partner in launching the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) Capacity Building Program. The VACS capacity team received 43 eligible applications, but only three institutes were selected as hubs, and IITA is one of the three hubs for the VACS capacity-building efforts.
The VACS Capacity Building Program launch took place from 1 to 4 October in Nairobi, bringing together representatives from all three hubs, including IITA-Nigeria, WACCI in Ghana, and BecA-ILRI in Kenya. IITA-Nairobi has partnered with BecA-ILRI Hub to support new breeding tools such as genome editing and bioinformatics. Breeding Programs Head Hapson Mushoriwa and Molecular Geneticist Ranjana Bhattacharjee represented IITA-Nigeria.
During the launch, Bhattacharjee provided an overview of IITA’s multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary facilities, showcasing the hub’s diverse crop breeding and research expertise. Mushoriwa followed with a presentation on IITA’s breeding achievements across its mandated crops, emphasizing its leadership role in the VACS initiative, particularly in breeding Bambara groundnut. The event was attended by 10 PhD and 20 MSc students focused on seven key crops, including taro and Bambara groundnut.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Julia Sibiya, who leads the VACS Capacity Development Hub for CIMMYT, stressed the significance of the VACS initiative at a time when there is a pressing need to diversify diets away from cereal-based foods toward more nutritious indigenous crops. She highlighted that the students and professionals selected in the VACS-Capacity Building Program will benefit from the selected hubs and all other affiliated national, regional, and international institutes that would aid their professional development and contribute to creating effective breeding pipelines for the selected crops.
The VACS team and selected fellows visited the IITA Biotechnology Program at BecA-ILRI Hub on the final day of the meeting. In partnership with BecA-ILRI Hub, the IITA Gene Editing platform aims to enhance African researchers’ expertise and technical skills in modern breeding technologies.
IITA’s long-standing leadership in agricultural research is reflected in its contributions to the VACS platform, particularly in strengthening genome editing and breeding capacity in African crops. During the event, IITA Eastern Africa Hub Director Leena Tripathi delivered a compelling presentation on genome editing. Her presentation highlighted the practical applications of genome editing in addressing key challenges such as disease resistance, nutrition enhancement, and climate resilience.
Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng, ILRI Director General, expressed his excitement at hosting the VACS platform at the BecA ILRI Hub, remarking that “this platform represents a significant step forward in empowering African scientists to lead the charge in addressing the continent’s agricultural challenges.”
After the presentations, participants toured the laboratory facilities, offering them a firsthand look at the technologies driving innovation at the hub. The event culminated in a ceremonial tree planting, symbolizing the partners’ commitment to this noble cause.
IITA expressed its enthusiasm for the program, emphasizing its commitment to providing high-quality training and mentorship. They noted the initiative’s exciting potential to positively shape the professional trajectories of the students and professionals involved. IITA appreciated USAID and CIMMYT’s invaluable support, reinforcing their dedication to making the VACS Capacity Building Program successful.
The VACS platform is an initiative spearheaded by CIMMYT. A core feature of the program is the creation of a cohort of VACS Fellows, who will be mentored by experts from CGIAR, universities, and other key partners worldwide. This program integrates private and public sectors, ensuring a broad-based approach to capacity building in African agriculture.
With its strong partnership network and a focus on cutting-edge agricultural science, the VACS platform is set to empower the next generation of African scientists and breeders and ultimately transform the continent’s agricultural landscape.
Contributed by Rose Harriet Okech
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