President Hakainde Hichilema has officially declared the Nigerian-owned International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as a research hub in Zambia which has gained full diplomatic status as an international organization working in Zambia.
This is coming on the eve of the launch of the Institute’s Southern Africa Research and Administrative Hub (SARAH) and food system research and delivery facilities in the country.
Speaking during the official launch of the facility in Lusaka attended by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT in Chongwe, President Hichilema said Agricultural research is key to the development of the agricultural sector and urged other research institutions to work in collaboration with the new institution for the betterment of the country.
President Hichilema said the government will support the Agricultural research institution and will encourage it to work with the existing research institution in collaboration, which will be more beneficial to the farmers. This is after the President and other key stakeholders conducted an exhibition tour of innovations from IITA Zambia.
IITA-SARAH, will now be able to host food system research and delivery facilities in Lusaka, will produce state-of-the-art technologies geared towards addressing critical issues like food insecurity, plant health, and seed systems in Zambia. This development is expected to strengthen partnership with the government and increase IITA-CGIAR’s contribution to the research and agricultural transformation efforts in the country.
Speaking at the same event, Former Nigeria President, Olusegun Obasanjo who is the IITA Ambassador for Africa who said the event was historic as the hub will ensure food and nutrition security not only for Zambia but also the rest of Southern Africa.
And IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr. Simeon Ehui said this marks a significant step forward in strengthening agricultural research and development efforts in Zambia and across the Southern Africa region and establishing sustainable food systems.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders from the government, research, development and agricultural sector, and donor community to commemorate this significant milestone. High-level officials from IITA, CGIAR and the Zambian government highlighted the shared vision and objectives of the partnership and the research and delivery facility.
“The establishment of SARAH in Zambia 38 years ago and the launch of the food system research and delivery facilities underline the commitment of both IITA and the Zambia government to enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and livelihoods of millions in Zambia and the Southern Africa region.”
“The partnership will leverage IITA and CGIAR’s expertise in research delivery and agriculture innovation scaling to support the Zambian Government’s efforts in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing crop productivity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers.”
“We are excited to launch the IITA regional hub in Zambia, which will serve as a melting pot for innovative research, capacity building, and knowledge sharing in research and agriculture. This partnership with the Zambian Government reflects a mutual commitment to drive food systems’ transformation and improve the lives of millions of smallholder farmers in Zambia.” Remarked Dr. Simeon Ehui.
IITA-Zambia Country Director and IITA Regional Director for Southern Africa David Chikoye expressed excitement at hosting the event, which he said took lots of planning and engagement. “IITA will continue to support the Zambia government to achieve the agricultural transformation agenda, enhance food security, and promote sustainable development across the country and the region.”
In addition to being open to IITA scientists and partners from CGIAR and the National Agricultural Research Institute, including ZARI, the facilities are now accessible to professors, scientists, and students from national and international universities.
Picture by a ZBT staffer
