IITA–CGIAR won the overall best booth and the best booth under the research institutes and organizations category during the 2023 National Innovation Week held from 24 to 28 April in Tanzania’s capital, Dodoma. The Institute beat 84 other exhibitors, including NGOs, private- and public-sector enterprises across multiple sectors operating in the country.
The National Innovation Exhibition is the platform that hosts a week-long series of collaborative events and exhibitions in Tanzania aimed at providing space to innovators, policymakers, corporate entities, development partners, researchers, and other players in the innovation ecosystem to share what they have been working on, learn from and inspire each other, collaborate across sectors, and transform Tanzania through the scaling of innovation.
IITA showcased several technologies, including digital tools (Plantvillage Nuru, SeedTracker, and AKILIMO), mechanical tools, and value-addition processes with the partner engagement experiences of youths and farmers. The Institute also displayed the natural aflatoxin control product Aflasafe and the Afya soil rapid test kit.
The Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Hon Prof. Adolf Mkenda, noted that the government is committed to fostering the development of science and innovation as the key means of connecting the country with other nations. “This event is very important because if we want to build our national economy, we can’t depend on the availability of farms and their nutrient soils. We also need to use science and technology to increase productivity.” Mkenda noted.
“The government will continue emphasizing youth to study science subjects. The government has already allocated funds and has strategies for anyone who will conduct research that is recognized internationally in natural science and medicine. Every publication will win an award of 50 million Tanzanian shillings,” Hon. Mkende added.
The stakeholders who visited the exhibitions applauded IITA for innovative technologies that contribute to agricultural productivity and improve farmers’ livelihoods, aligning with the year’s theme—Innovation for a competitive economy. Mariam Juma, a lecturer from Sokoine University, learned how to access improved cassava seeds and other best practices along the value chain. “Your technologies are impressive. I gained knowledge on making cassava chips and utilizing the opportunity to produce cassava floor for other consumptions,” she said.
A vendor named Innocent highlighted his positive experiences at the booth, which he visited more than twice. He was fascinated by the consistent level of customer service, the range of products displayed, and the advice provided by the IITA team. “The way you explain things to the visitors helps them to leave with so much knowledge and information. You clearly explained the technologies showcased in simple terms,” Innocent said.
Mzee Masoud, a resident of Dodoma, visited IITA’s exhibition on the last day, asking for cassava bread that he had bought on previous days, expressing how much he had enjoyed the unique flavor and texture of the bread baked by the IIITA youth group. “The one I bought yesterday, my grandchild ate it and wanted more. This is why I came to get them today,” Masoud said. “Where can I get this type of bread when I need them?” he asked.
This was IITA’s first win at the innovation week exhibition. The Institute was awarded the winner for both positions in recognition of the excellent arrangement of products (innovations and technologies) in the pavilion, creativity, societal impact of the research work conducted with evidence of the beneficiaries, and competence of exhibitors in disseminating information on the technologies.
Contributed by Gloriana Ndibalema
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