IITA recognizes that close collaboration with partner organizations is essential for the optimum use of resources and knowledge; access to cutting-edge science and technologies; mutual learning; and for making a positive impact on the livelihoods of poor farmers.

Jean-Gerard Mezui M’ella, IAPSC Director, talks about the important work that this African Plant Protection Organization is doing to coordinate plant protection procedures in the continent.

Martha Byanyima, the Regional Process and Partnerships Facilitator of CAADP at the COMESA Secretariat, explains how the Green Pass system works in harmonizing sanitary and phytosanitary measures in the region.

A partnership of scientists lead by IITA, CIRAD, and Africa Rice are studying how weaver ants, the most ancient biocontrol agent on record, can protect economically important crops, such as mango, from the invasive fruit fly.

The president of one of the strongest crop networks in Nigeria, Pastor O.A. Adenola, talks about the need for stakeholders to join forces against aflatoxin spread and other issues.

Sunday Ekesi is a research entomologist from Nigeria working at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe). He is currently leading a continent-wide initiative on the African fruit flies that threaten the production and export of fruits and vegetables.

This commentary presents a comprehensive review of IITA’s past and present efforts, and future initiatives on biocontrol. It also forwards some insights on how biocontrol efforts could be more successful.

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.

A private sector partner provides insights on the partnership between AGT and IITA and emphasizes the need for demand-driven research.