{"id":17949,"date":"2026-06-20T13:00:44","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T13:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.iita.org\/news-item\/australia-and-iita-to-strengthen-partnership-for-climate-responsive-agriculture-in-africa\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T16:55:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T16:55:20","slug":"australia-and-iita-to-strengthen-partnership-for-climate-responsive-agriculture-in-africa","status":"publish","type":"news-item","link":"https:\/\/iita.org\/fr\/news-item\/australia-and-iita-to-strengthen-partnership-for-climate-responsive-agriculture-in-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"Australia and IITA to strengthen partnership for climate-responsive agriculture in Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The
The ACIAR delegates with IITA staff after the partnership deliberation meeting.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Climate resilience and food security are central to Australia’s Regional Development Program for Africa. In October 2024, the Australian Government announced the African-Australian partnership<\/a> for climate-responsive agriculture, pledging a $76.4 million investment over the next six years to support the African continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In line with this initiative, delegates from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)<\/a>, accompanied by Calum Walker, Second Secretary of the Australian High Commission, and Tristan O\u2019Brien, Officer at the Australian High Commission Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, visited IITA<\/a>-CGIAR<\/a> on 21 January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The delegates toured IITA to observe ongoing research, scaling efforts, partnerships, and the delivery of innovative food solutions to African communities. Their primary objective was to gather insights and experiences to inform the development of a framework for delivering climate-smart and sustainable food systems in North and West Africa. O\u2019Brien remarked, “The next phase of African-Australian investment will mainly extend ACIAR’s decade-long expertise and work in East and Southern Africa to North and West Africa \u2013 particularly Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and Ghana.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"ACIAR
ACIAR delegates and IITA staff in an in-door meeting during their visit to IITA.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The delegation was keen to understand how IITA collaborates with national partners and agricultural research institutions to deliver impactful solutions to farmers and end-users. IITA\u2019s Deputy Director General for Partnerships and Delivery, Kenton Dashiell<\/a>, highlighted the Australian Government\u2019s contributions to IITA\u2019s work and emphasized the importance of strengthening collaborations to drive research and agricultural development across Africa. Dashiell said, \u201cOur partnership with Australia has been vital in addressing agricultural challenges across the continent. However, there is a need to deepen intellectual, research, and scaling partnerships to achieve greater impact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During discussions, IITA proposed technical assistance to support youth agenda and agribusiness initiatives. The delegation learned about the Youth in Agribusiness (IYA)<\/a> initiative, which focuses on engaging young people in agriculture by equipping them with technologies developed by IITA and other CGIAR centers. This initiative aims to empower youth to take an active role in transforming agriculture across Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dr
Dr Chrys Akem, TAAT Program Coordinator, presenting the TAAT scaling model to the delegates.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The delegation also gained insights into the Technologies pour la Transformation Agricole en Afrique (TAAT)<\/a> program. This cross-country, multi-commodity system deploys ready-to-scale technologies to farmers across the continent. TAAT has introduced over 150 technologies across 10 key commodities so far, supported by enabler compacts in policy, youth engagement, and capacity building. Through collaborations with African governments, regional bodies, private sectors, and research institutions, TAAT has created jobs, improved livelihoods, and promoted environmental sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of their visit, the delegation toured IITA\u2019s cutting-edge facilities. These included the Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) facility, where the Rapid Multiplication Technology for cassava seeds revolutionizes seed production. They also visited the Germplasm Health Unit and Genetic Resources Center, where IITA ensures the delivery of clean, healthy, and high-quality seeds to farmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the Cassava Processing Unit, the visitors saw firsthand how value addition to cassava roots enhances income generation and improves food security. These innovations reflect IITA\u2019s commitment to addressing Africa\u2019s food challenges through science and technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The partnership between IITA and Australia holds immense potential for shaping the future of climate-smart agriculture in Africa. By leveraging IITA\u2019s existing models, partnerships, and extensive database of research outcomes, ACIAR can rely on IITA\u2019s expertise to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to Africa\u2019s food security issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contributed by Folake Oduntan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related story:\u00a0 <\/strong>IITA-Australia collaboration promises productive investments in agriculture<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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