As part of activities to connect with CGIAR leaders, staff, and partners around the world and to identify challenges and opportunities existing in the integration of the centers towards increasing the impact and scalability of CGIAR’s work, Executive Managing Director Dr Ismahane Elouafi is touring the centers.
During her visit to IITA, Dr Elouafi revealed that she is interested in the various activities in the centers at country and global levels and intends to understand existing innovations in the centers and how to sustainably implement coordination and synergy among the 15 centers.
Giving a background to the Institute’s research innovations and impact areas, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, raised pertinent questions on how IITA’s research can be leveraged to provide comprehensive innovations in CGIAR’s collaboration with government, the private sector, and other partners for the development and execution of food system improvement programs.
During the presentation, Dr Ehui said that scaling research results without diminishing the value of research in the scheme of things is an area that can be explored following the EMD’s tour of the centers.
Commending the impact of scaling innovations and partnerships at IITA and how it can be shared with other centers, Dr Elouafi said it is imperative to take small steps to achieve impact. “It will be interesting to look at the IITA models put in place, and these can be shared with other centers,” she said.
Addressing the issue of exploring research scaling and partnerships across centers, Dr Elouafi added: “Scaling and partnership are novel. We need to be fit for purpose and work with her partners for impact, and that is my vision.”
Speaking on opportunities existing within the Institute’s role, Dr Ehui said IITA has an immense multidisciplinary plant health team, the largest within the CGIAR, with experience in more than six crops and many cropping systems, including the capacity to organize a network and interaction with key private and scaling partners in Africa at science and delivery level.
During the familiarization meeting with the IITA Senior Management Team, discussions focused on strategies for strengthening collaborative efforts among CGIAR centers and partners, including in-picture plans for IITA within the CGIAR.
While paying a courtesy visit to IITA Goodwill Ambassador Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in the company of Dr Ehui and Deputy Director General Partnerships for Delivery Kenton Dashiell, Dr Elouafi appreciated Chief Obasanjo’s constant support to IITA and CGIAR in Africa, adding that she sees huge potential in the continent’s future.
Chief Obasanjo, who expressed delight at the presence of the EMD, said the visit is coming when IITA is planning a strategic stakeholders’ engagement that will proffer sustainable solutions to food insecurity at both national and continental levels.
Speaking on the significance of scaling innovation and research delivery for impact, especially making them accessible to smallholder farmers, Dr Elouafi sought continuous support from Chief Obasanjo. “We need your support for a significant impact on the continent. We have resources and potential, but we need big plans to put all of these together,” she added.
Lauding IITA’s profound impact on agriculture and food security on the continent, Dr Elouafi said her visit had allowed her to experience firsthand the amazing work improving millions of lives and livelihoods on the continent. “Thank you all for sharing your research and passion,” she said.
Contributed by Timilehin Osunde
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