{"id":18073,"date":"2026-06-20T13:01:47","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T13:01:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.iita.org\/news-item\/belgian-high-level-delegation-explores-iita-research-platforms-in-kenya\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T16:53:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T16:53:49","slug":"belgian-high-level-delegation-explores-iita-research-platforms-in-kenya","status":"publish","type":"news-item","link":"https:\/\/iita.org\/fr\/news-item\/belgian-high-level-delegation-explores-iita-research-platforms-in-kenya\/","title":{"rendered":"Belgian high-level delegation explores IITA research platforms in Kenya"},"content":{"rendered":"A high-level Belgian delegation, led by CGIAR<\/a> Executive Managing Director (EMD) Dr Ismahane Elouafi, visited IITA<\/a>\u2019s Hub in Nairobi recently, offering a front-row seat to the institute\u2019s research and innovations. The visit showcased IITA\u2019s work in agricultural research, from biotechnology to soil health and youth engagement in agriculture.\n\n
\"Dr
Dr Leena Tripathi with Ismahane and ILRI\u2019s Assistant DG, Shirley Tarawali, during the lab tour.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nOn the first day, the delegation received by the Eastern Africa Hub Director, Dr Leena Tripathi toured IITA\u2019s gene editing platform at the ILRI<\/a> Campus.\n\nThe lab team took the delegation through the work in genome editing, demonstrating how this technology is shaping the future of agriculture. The visitors saw first-hand how IITA harnesses advanced biotech solutions to enhance crop resilience and boost food security across Africa.\n\nThe delegation also visited the Aflasafe factory at Katumani, where they saw the science behind this innovative biocontrol product designed to combat aflatoxin contamination. The tour showed the production process and highlighted the collaboration between IITA and KALRO<\/a>. A key takeaway for the delegation was the \u2018invisibility\u2019 of aflatoxin\u2014how its presence cannot be detected just by looking at the grain, emphasizing the need for rigorous testing and biocontrol solutions like Aflasafe to ensure food safety. Inside the quality control lab, they observed the rigorous testing protocols ensuring product efficacy. While KALRO currently manages the factory, IITA provides technical support to maintain high standards and innovation in aflatoxin control.\n\nDr Leena Tripathi emphasized the impact of IITA’s work, stating, \u201cGene editing and biocontrol solutions like Aflasafe are game changers for African agriculture. It was a privilege to showcase our research and discuss how these technologies can be scaled up through strategic collaborations.\u201d\n\nThe final leg of the visit took the delegation to the ICIPE<\/a> Campus, where they were welcomed by the Deputy Director General for Research, Dr Bernard Vanlauwe. A special project showcase was curated to highlight IITA\u2019s diverse research initiatives, each presented in concise, engaging segments:\n\n
\"The
The Belgian delegation alongside teams from CGIAR and KALRO.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \n \t
  • Agronomy and Soil Health:<\/strong> Researchers outlined ongoing efforts to improve soil fertility and sustainable farming practices, critical for long-term agricultural productivity.<\/li>\n \t
  • TAAT (Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation) and Youth Engagement in Agriculture:<\/strong> This session illuminated initiatives empowering young agripreneurs, featuring success stories from program beneficiaries who have transformed their lives through agricultural innovation.<\/li>\n \t
  • Nematology:<\/strong> A deep dive into IITA\u2019s pioneering work in nematology followed, where the delegation toured the state-of-the-art nematology lab. Scientists explained ongoing research in managing soil-borne pests that impact crop yields, demonstrating practical solutions to boost farmers’ productivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDr Vanlauwe reflected on the visit’s significance, stating, \u201cThis engagement underscores the critical role of collaborative research in addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges. The partnerships we cultivate today will drive the innovations needed for a more resilient and food-secure future.\u201d\n\nThe visit ended with reflecting on IITA\u2019s role in African agricultural transformation. The Belgian delegation left with a deeper appreciation of IITA\u2019s commitment to research excellence, collaboration, and impact-driven solutions for Africa\u2019s food security. Their engagement with researchers and project leads sparked discussions on potential areas of future partnership.\n\nContributed by Rose Harriet Okech<\/em>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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