African Development Bank and IITA Sign $27 Million Agreement To Boost African Agriculture

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have signed a $27 million agreement to finance the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Phase II program.

This initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen food systems, and promote sustainable agricultural practices across Africa.

According to Dr. Abdul Kamara, Director-General of the Nigeria AfDB Group, the agreement aligns with the AfDB’s Feed Africa strategy, which seeks to boost smallholder farmers’ productivity and enhance food security.

The program will focus on expanding access to agricultural technologies for over 40 million smallholder farmers across the continent.

Subsequently, the key Objectives of TAAT Phase II is to empower low-income African countries by increasing productivity and strengthening food systems.

Also, to improve farmers’ incomes and position Africa to become a net food exporter and support activities such as farmer capacity building, digital agriculture solutions, extension services, and private sector investment in agricultural value chains.

Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director-General of IITA, commended the AfDB for its sustained partnership and leadership in driving Africa’s agricultural transformation.

He reaffirmed IITA’s commitment to working with CGIAR Centers, National Agricultural Research Institutions, and the private sector to ensure the success of the program.