Capacity Development Office IITA

Yesterday, hundreds of participants from across joined us for an engaging session on what it takes to build viable agribusiness ventures in today’s evolving agricultural landscape.

The training explored how modern innovations and emerging technologies are reshaping , while also guiding participants on how agriculture can be approached as a structured and profitable enterprise. The conversation extended beyond production to critical areas such as financing opportunities and the role of insurance in protecting .

The interactive nature of the training allowed participants to engage directly with the facilitators, ask context-specific questions, and gain guidance relevant to their individual interests and business ideas.

We are proud of our contributions to creating learning platforms that equip individuals with the knowledge and confidence to pursue opportunities within the agricultural sector.

Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere.

At the Capacity Development Office of the , this day also reminds us why our work matters. Across communities, we have seen how access to knowledge, skills, and opportunity can transform lives.

Through initiatives such as , , and the , we have worked with thousands of women across communities, equipping them with practical skills and enterprise knowledge across agricultural value chains, including cassava and rice production, palm oil processing, and fish farming.

As we mark , we are proud of the women we have had the privilege to support and reaffirm our commitment to strengthening women’s capacity, expanding livelihoods, and advancing in .

Ideas are everywhere in agriculture.
But ideas alone do not build enterprises.

Agriculture is no longer just about production. It is about solving problems across the value chain. It is about seeing gaps others ignore.

If you are a student, entrepreneur, professional, or simply curious about where is heading, this training is designed to expose you to the modern possibilities within agriculture and help you sharpen your direction.

📅 10th March
⏰ 9am - 12pm (WAT)
🔗 Register here: bit.ly/IITA_AIEW

Registration closes on 6th March 2026. Register now and secure your spot.

📢Upcoming Training‼️

Research Data Management and Archiving – Powering the Next Wave of AI Development

You will gain practical insights into Research Data Management (RDM), data archiving, FAIR principles, metadata standards, and ethical considerations for AI-enabled data reuse. This training will also guide you in developing a comprehensive Data Management Plan aligned with institutional and sponsor requirements.

🗓 25th–27th February 2026
⏰ 9:00am–12:00 noon (WAT)
💻 Online (Microsoft Teams)
💲 Training fee: USD 100 (group discount available)
📝 Registration deadline: 18th February 2026

This training is ideal for researchers, data managers, and professionals involved in research data handling and governance.

Register here: bit.ly/IITA_RDMA

🔗 Register now to secure your spot

For enquiries, email: [email protected]

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Graduate Research Fellowship Opportunity (MSc in Soil Science)

IITA is inviting applications from Liberian nationals for a fully funded MSc Graduate Research Fellowship in Soil Science under the Soils4Liberia Project.

This fellowship focuses on developing a Land and Soil Information System (LSIS) for Liberia, with training in soil survey, soil mapping, geospatial analysis, and soil information systems.

🎓 Study location: Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (Nigeria)
💰 Scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and research costs

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

📅 Deadline: 6th February 2026
📧 Submit applications to: [email protected]

SoilScience

Earlier this week, we welcomed the newly appointed Regional Agricultural Counsellor at the , Rachid Benlafquih, to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (), Headquarters, Ibadan. He was accompanied by colleagues from the Embassy’s Regional Economic and Trade Departments, Laura Marie and Valor Iduh.

The delegation began with a guided tour of the IITA campus, exploring our research facilities and gaining insight into the Institute’s in .

In a closed meeting facilitated by the Capacity Development Office (), the team met with members of IITA’s Senior Management Team to discuss collaboration opportunities that align with the Counsellor’s agenda for ’s agricultural sector.

Zainatou Sore, Head of CDO, with Olumodupe Banwo, Programs Manager, highlighted the strong between the French Government and IITA, including joint accomplishments such as the and projects.

Ibnou Dieng, Director of Strategic Planning and Chief of Staff, and Lahcen Moulay Ennahli, Senior Advisor to the DG, also shared the Institute’s broader contributions across Africa and reaffirmed readiness to support the Counsellor’s mission.

The visit ended with a shared commitment to deepen and build on past achievements for a productive and impactful tenure.

Closing soon!

Registration for the Training on Experimental Data Analysis and Unsupervised Machine Learning in R closes on 19th September 2025.

This intensive course will help you:
✅ Master data management and visualization
✅ Apply advanced R techniques from mixed models to machine learning
✅ Gain hands-on skills for impactful research

📅 Date: 22nd – 26th September 2025
💲 Fee: $300
🔗 Register today: bit.ly/IITA_MLinR2

Secure your spot today and join a network of researchers and data enthusiasts ready to turn data into solutions.

From Wednesday, 10th September to Friday, 12th September 2025, the Capacity Development Office (CDO), , hosted a 3-day intensive training to strengthen participants’ knowledge of modern seed systems.

The training featured three expert facilitators who delved into the concept of seed systems, smart techniques for and production, opportunities in yam production, fruit trees, as well as forest vegetables. The training concluded with a study visit to the Yam SAH facility.

Over the three days, participants actively engaged in conversations, networking, and daily reflections, making the training both interactive and insightful. The program wrapped up with evaluations and certificate presentations, led by Mrs. Banwo, Programs Manager, CDO.

📸 Highlights from the showcase both classroom sessions and field practice.