In a major development that will change the research and food security efforts of IITA–CGIAR in Zambia, the government has granted IITA full diplomatic status. This new status emphasizes the importance of IITA’s research to Zambia’s agricultural and economic transformation and the development of the Southern region.
The announcement came on the eve of the launch of IITA’s Southern Africa Research and Administrative Hub (SARAH) and food system research and delivery facilities in the country’s capital, Lusaka. For nearly 40 years, IITA-CGIAR in Zambia has been partnering with the government and supporting agriculture, research, and food security.
IITA’s full diplomatic status marks a significant step in a partnership that has lasted four decades and demonstrates President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to improving Zambia’s agriculture sector and food systems.
According to IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, this is coming at a crucial time when governments and stakeholders across the continent are adopting new approaches to address food and nutrition insecurity. “This is a very strategic development not only for IITA in Zambia and Africa but for all of the CGIAR centers, and other actors in the research and agriculture sector. It is a cue for us to increase our efforts and commitment towards improving the food systems and livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers in Southern Africa,” DG Ehui added.
IITA Goodwill Ambassador and former President of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was part of the mission to the Zambia President, revealed that the new status will further strengthen the existing partnership between IITA and Zambia. He added that this will position IITA strategically for policy engagements in the southern region.
While this significant milestone will aid IITA-CGIAR’s research and capacity-building efforts in the country, the Institute will continue to support the Zambia government in achieving the agricultural transformation agenda, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable development across the country and the region, IITA-Zambia Country Director and IITA Regional Director for Southern Africa David Chikoye said.
IITA’s mission aligns with Zambia’s national development priorities. It is committed to contributing to the country’s economic and agricultural transformation agenda. With the granting of full diplomatic status, IITA will leverage this to promote research, food, and nutrition security in Zambia.
Contributed by Timilehin Osunde
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