This week, IITA–CGIAR participated in the second edition of the International Conference on Nutrition and Agribusiness (CINA) in Nampula. The event aimed to share and gather insights on agricultural production and the fight against malnutrition in the region, where its prevalence is 46.7%, exceeding the national average.
Discussions focused on sustainable production, nutrition, and climate resilience, exploring strategies to boost the production and availability of nutritious food and to promote resilient agricultural systems, with a particular emphasis on producing quality seeds and making them available to farmers. In this context, the Agricultural Research Institute of Mozambique (IIAM), IITA’s strategic partner in agricultural research, presented key innovations, highlighting the release of new seed varieties for crops such as sesame, maize, cowpea, and soybean. These varieties are better adapted to climate change, offer improved nutritional value, and deliver higher yields, potentially contributing to the goal of reducing malnutrition in Nampula to 40% by 2029.
Discussions also covered aspects of agricultural logistics, infrastructure, and inclusive markets, including transport, storage, and the strengthening of development corridors, and their impact on enhancing the efficiency and resilience of food systems. Attention was also given to investment, innovation, and partnerships for transformation, highlighting investment mobilization, technological innovation, financial inclusion, youth entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership.
The event brought together various stakeholders from the agricultural production and nutrition value chain, including local government representatives, researchers, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations.
That same week, IITA participated in the Nampula Economic Fair (FENA), showcasing key products developed in recent years, notably soybean, sesame, and cowpea seeds, as well as inoculants and Aflasafe, which have contributed to improving agricultural production in Mozambique.
It should be noted that IITA in Mozambique has been implementing initiatives to boost agricultural production and combat hunger through research, innovation, and community outreach, ensuring access to resilient, high-yielding, and affordable seeds, as well as technical guidance to enhance knowledge.