Madagascar
COUNTRY OVERVIEW
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture is expanding its presence in Madagascar to support long-term agricultural transformation through science-based and climate-resilient solutions. Through collaboration with national and international partners, IITA is strengthening food systems, improving productivity, and enhancing the resilience of farming communities in the face of climate change and environmental shocks.
Our work focuses on crop improvement, seed systems, youth empowerment, and sustainable land management to support inclusive agricultural development across the country.
FOCUS AREAS
Climate-Smart Agriculture and Resilient Farming Systems
Promoting climate-smart technologies and sustainable farming practices to improve resilience, productivity, and food security.
Crop Improvement and Diversification
Advancing improved varieties of cassava, maize, and soybean to strengthen staple crop systems and diversify production.
Seed Systems and Rapid Multiplication Technologies
Strengthening access to clean planting materials through innovative seed multiplication and propagation technologies.
Youth in Agribusiness
Empowering young people through agribusiness training, entrepreneurship development, and employment opportunities in agricultural value chains.
Soil Health and Capacity Development
Building technical capacity in soil information systems and sustainable land management for improved agricultural planning and productivity.
Featured Projects
- Location: Madagascar
- Location: Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Nigeria
INNOVATION
Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) Technology
Deployment of SAH technology for the rapid multiplication of disease-free cassava and root crop planting materials.
Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties
Evaluation and promotion of drought-tolerant maize and Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD)-tolerant cassava varieties to improve resilience and productivity.
Cassava Seed Multiplication
IITA deployed Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponic (SAH) technology in Bukemba to accelerate the multiplication of cassava planting materials. This innovative system enables rapid production of disease-free cassava seed, improving the availability of quality planting materials for farmers.
Cassava Variety Assessment
Seventeen cassava varieties resistant to Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) were introduced for evaluation. In addition, the in-vitro laboratory at ISABU in Gisozi was rehabilitated and equipped to strengthen cassava research and clean seed production.
Banana Varietal Assessment
Thirty-five high-yielding banana varieties resistant to Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) were introduced for testing and homologation. Quality planting materials have been transferred to ISABU for maintenance and further multiplication to support national banana production.
Banana Varietal Assessment
Thirty-five high-yielding banana varieties resistant to Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) were introduced for testing and homologation. Quality planting materials have been transferred to ISABU for maintenance and further multiplication to support national banana production.
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
IITA is generating measurable impact in Madagascar by strengthening climate resilience, improving seed systems, and expanding opportunities for youth in agribusiness. Through partnerships and scalable innovations, IITA is supporting sustainable agricultural transformation and enhancing the resilience and livelihoods of farming households.
Climate-smart technologies improving resilience and productivity
Improved cassava, maize, and soybean technologies are helping farmers adapt to climate variability and strengthen food security.
Disease-free planting materials accelerating seed system development
Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) technology is enabling rapid multiplication of clean planting materials for root and tuber crops.
Improved cassava and maize varieties strengthening food systems
Evaluation of drought-tolerant and disease-resistant varieties is supporting more resilient and productive farming systems.
PARTNERS
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture works in Madagascar with government institutions, CGIAR centers, development organizations, and research partners to scale agricultural innovations and strengthen food systems. Collaborative efforts support crop improvement, climate resilience, agroforestry, and youth empowerment initiatives across the country.
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA)
- African Development Bank (AfDB)
- GIZ
Publications
CY-Bench: a comprehensive benchmark dataset for sub-national crop yield forecasting
Mycotoxin concentrations in rice are affected by chalkiness, grain shape, processing type, and grain origin
Factors influencing gender and youth integration in agricultural research and innovation in Africa
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