In the last 45 years, IITA has played a pivotal role in the genetic improvement of cassava for resource-poor farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, with more than 400 high-yielding and disease- and pest-resistant varieties developed.

This article talks about progress in using genomics for transforming yam breeding. Yam is an economically important staple food for more than 300 million people in West Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Caribbean.

The application of new technology in R4D programs at IITA is accelerating the discovery of genes and closely linked molecular markers underlying important traits that leads to the rapid accumulation of genomic resources for devising an efficient and effective breeding strategy.

Leena Tripathi discusses the use of transgenics for the genetic improvement of vegetatively propagated crops. In IITA, transgenic technologies are being used for improving banana/plantain, cassava, and yam.

Growing cassava in Denmark
Biotech in Nigeria
Banana menace
Is hybrid rice the answer?
CBSD: enemy number 1
Ensuring biosafety
Is genetically modified cowpea safe?
Training farmers using video
New genomic tools
Unraveling cassava’s problems
Designer (cowpea) plants
Biotechnology and nematodes

Jacob Mignouna is the Technical Operations Manager of the AATF, one of IITA’s partners. He identifies opportunities for agricultural technology interventions, identifies sources of appropriate technologies, and provides overall leadership in implementing AATF’s project portfolio.

As the debate over Nigeria’s biosafety bill gathers momentum, Atser Godwin chronicles efforts undertaken by the Government so far.

IITA uses all available scientific tools and approaches in its attempt to address hunger and poverty, but the decision to reject or approve and adopt any GM products is the domain and responsibility of the respective national governments.” —Hartmann, IITA Director General

Tripathi “demystifies” biotechnology and explains its importance in improving crop varieties and helping produce more and better food for Africa.