The International Society for Tropical Root Crops (ISTRC) held the 14th edition of its symposium on 20-24 September. Zambia was the host country. The virtual symposium assembled professionals of root and tuber crops to reflect on the progress made over the years in advancing root and tuber crops, despite challenges faced and plan on jointly fighting hunger and poverty. IITA Digital Extension & Advisory Services Specialist Godwin Atser and Mark Muchinga anchored the event.
Richardson Okechukwu, ISTRC-AB President and Cassava Commodity Specialist at IITA, gave the welcome address. He recognized the presence of representatives from the various institutes, students, researchers, and farmers working on root and tuber crops. Okechukwu stated that the theme “Exploring climate-smart nutritious and healthy root and tuber crops for African business solutions” was chosen because of the challenges of climate change and changes in pest and disease dynamics. Hence, the need to present and discuss new ideas to proffer solutions to these challenges and plan for the future.
Director of the Zambia Agricultural Institute, Mr Mukuka Ivor, represented the Minister of Agriculture, Hon Reuben Muntoro and officially opened the conference. He expressed his joy that the theme of the symposium is in line with the Zambian government’s aspirations towards enhanced food and nutrition security and increased income for farmers, “hence this is highly supported,” he said.
Dr Martin Chiona, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) in Zambia, also gave his address. He mentioned that the value of tropical root and tuber crops in diets and their contributions to uplifting the standard of living of the African people is underestimated. Hence, the LOC hopes that the symposium will change the African people’s perception of these crops and rekindle the passion for creating change in various economies using the root and tuber crops. “Thanks to ISTRC and IITA for selecting Zambia to host this meeting,” he said.
Mr Vincent Akamandisa, a representative of root and tuber farmers from Zambia, in his goodwill message, communicated his hope that the great innovative research and development papers presented at the symposium would find their way to the root and tuber farmers in remote areas so that they could adopt the improved technologies for enhanced productivity. “This will help farmers to supply food to their households and sell their crops to the market,” he said. Representatives of CIP and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) also gave their goodwill messages.
Prof. Lateef Sanni, President of ISTRC global and BASICS II Project Manager at IITA, explained that the discussion is focused on the root and tuber crops as a game-changer because of the ways climate change and variability have affected many farms globally. “Let us all work together to achieve sustainable development in the world,” he said.
Representing IITA Director General Dr Nteranya Sanginga, Michael Abberton, Director of IITA West Africa Hub, shared how IITA and ISTRC have been partners for years. IITA has played a major role in root and tuber research in its 54 years of existence. “IITA is leading several new initiatives and we are assuring that there will be a strong presence of root and tuber crops within the work in One CGIAR in Africa,” he said.
Robert Asiedu, Emeritus Director of IITA-West Africa, represented Dr Graham Thiele and Michael Friedmann in presenting the keynote speech. He highlighted areas where the root and tubers program is making an impact, including climate adaptation; gender equality, youth and social inclusion; poverty reduction, livelihood, and job creation; and nutrition, health, and food security. Asiedu also talked about the toolbox known as the RTB golden egg, which was created for the root and tuber seed system. “It houses 11 tools and a glossary and was launched recently,” he said.
Ruth Kambalakoko, a LOC Zambia member, gave the vote of thanks. She summarized the discussion, highlighting the value of roots and tubers to the daily diet and the economic impact on farmers, especially having disposable income. Exhibitions, paper presentations, poster sessions and award presentations wrapped up the event.
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