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 for climate-responsive agriculture, pledging a $76.4 million investment over the next six years to support the African continent.
In line with this initiative, delegates from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), accompanied by Calum Walker, Second Secretary of the Australian High Commission, and Tristan O’Brien, Officer at the Australian High Commission Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, visited IITA-CGIAR on 21 January.
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’Brien 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 – particularly Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and Ghana.”
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’s Deputy Director General for Partnerships and Delivery, Kenton Dashiell, highlighted the Australian Government’s contributions to IITA’s work and emphasized the importance of strengthening collaborations to drive research and agricultural development across Africa. Dashiell said, “Our 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.”
During discussions, IITA proposed technical assistance to support youth agenda and agribusiness initiatives. The delegation learned about the Youth in Agribusiness (IYA) 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.
The delegation also gained insights into the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) 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.
As part of their visit, the delegation toured IITA’s 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.
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’s commitment to addressing Africa’s food challenges through science and technology.
The partnership between IITA and Australia holds immense potential for shaping the future of climate-smart agriculture in Africa. By leveraging IITA’s existing models, partnerships, and extensive database of research outcomes, ACIAR can rely on IITA’s expertise to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to Africa’s food security issues.
Contributed by Folake Oduntan
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