The Cameroon Minister for Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI), Dr Madeleine Tchuinte, during a high-level visit to IITA–CGIAR’s office in Cameroon, has emphasized the government’s commitment to leveraging IITA-CGIAR’s agricultural research and innovation expertise to strengthen development partnerships, particularly in food security and agriculture.
During the visit, the Minister toured the IITA-CGIAR’s state-of-the-art research facilities in Cameroon, including the tissue culture and soil analysis laboratories, offering tangible insights into the institute’s advanced research capabilities. She underscored the importance of enhancing the capacity of national agricultural research systems, seed producers, small and medium enterprises, and farmer cooperatives. The aim is to strengthen the country’s seed systems so that farmers can increase productivity and achieve food security from the ground up – starting with the household level.
IITA-CGIAR has been active in Cameroon for over a decade, achieving significant milestones in agricultural productivity, nutrition security, and sustainability.
Key initiatives include the Agricultural Investment and Markets Development Project (PIDMA) for seed systems, the Pro-vitamin A Plantain project, and the Insect Protein project. The COCOASOILS initiative supports sustainable cocoa production, while the Soil for Africa project focuses on soil health.
The Manioc21 project has mechanized cassava processing, increasing incomes by 13%. IITA-CGIAR also promotes youth employment through the ENABLE Youth Cameroon project, training 1,770 young agripreneurs and facilitating the creation of 702 agribusinesses.
During her visit on 4 July 2025, Dr Tchuinte commended IITA’s partnership with the Government of Cameroon in accelerating agricultural research that fosters innovation and agricultural research advancement. She noted that these efforts contribute significantly to the country’s vision of transforming agriculture through science and research.
IITA Deputy Director General, Research for Development, Dr Bernard Vanlauwe, and IITA Cameroon Country Representative, Dr Komi Fiaboé, received the Minister’s delegation along with key partners, including the International Potato Center (CIP), Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH), a strong demonstration of collaboration in tackling agricultural and environmental challenges.
“My first visit to IITA has revealed its remarkable innovations and relevance to agricultural research and food security. I am deeply impressed by the work and reaffirm my keen interest in fostering closer, more proactive, and better-structured collaboration. MINRESI and IITA-CGIAR can revitalize and expand our partnership to drive agricultural research and innovation for Cameroon’s future,” added Dr Tchuinte.
Dr Vanlauwe emphasized IITA’s pivotal role as the continental coordinator for Africa within CGIAR, highlighting the need to strengthen ties with national institutions like the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD). Partners showcased diverse contributions to sustainable development, including Bioversity seed transfers and forest restoration efforts. CIP reported successes in potato and sweet potato initiatives, garnering ministerial interest for expansion. UCLA discussed its partnership with IITA to establish the Congo Basin Institute, balancing biodiversity conservation with food sustainability. IDH highlighted Cameroonian cocoa promotion in Europe and received directives to explore seasonal crops like flowers and grapes.
“IITA and the Cameroon government have embraced a long-standing partnership, especially in research for key staple crops such as cassava, maize, and soybean, and the resulting gains in productivity,” Dr Vanlauwe reflected.
Dr Tchuinte acknowledged IITA’s extensive work and commitment to fostering partnerships collaboration. She invited IITA to participate in the upcoming 9th “Journées d’Excellence de la Recherche Scientifique et de l’Innovation du Cameroun” (JERSIC), which promotes scientific research and innovation in Cameroon. Her questions about the IITA-Government partnership led to engaging discussions, clarifying a path for revitalizing this important collaboration.
Contributed by Nanga Smauel, Nyako Melanie Chichi, and Ritha Bumwe
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