In a bold move to tackle food insecurity and boost agricultural productivity in Africa, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have signed a $27 million agreement to fund the second phase of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program. The initiative aims to empower smallholder farmers, enhance climate resilience, and position Africa as a leading global food producer through science-driven agricultural innovations.
The agreement comes at a crucial time as climate change, population growth, and limited access to advanced agricultural technologies continue to threaten food security across the continent. By harnessing cutting-edge research, innovation, and strategic partnerships, TAAT seeks to revolutionize Africa’s agricultural landscape with sustainable, high-yield solutions.
TAAT Phase II builds upon the success of the first phase, which was funded with $40 million and implemented by IITA in collaboration with CGIAR centres and national agricultural research institutions. Phase I led to the widespread adoption of improved seed varieties, climate-smart farming practices, and mechanization technologies, benefiting millions of smallholder farmers and strengthening their resilience to climate shocks.
“TAAT is not just about increasing yields; it’s about transforming the entire agricultural ecosystem,” said Dr Abdul Kamara, Director-General of the AfDB Group in Nigeria. “By integrating cutting-edge research with on-the-ground implementation, we can address the root causes of food insecurity and create sustainable livelihoods for millions.”
The $27 million investment in Phase II will focus on:
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Farmer Capacity Building – Equipping farmers with skills and knowledge to maximize productivity.
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Digital Agriculture Solutions – Leveraging technology to improve farming efficiency and market access.
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Climate Resilience – Promoting drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation systems to combat climate change.
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Private Sector Engagement – Encouraging investment in agricultural value chains to create economic opportunities for youth and women.
Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director-General of IITA, emphasized the critical role of research in driving the program’s success. “Science is at the heart of TAAT. From developing high-yield seed varieties to creating climate-smart practices, our research has already shown what’s possible. With this new funding, we can scale these solutions to reach even more farmers and communities,” he said.
Climate change remains one of the biggest threats to Africa’s agricultural productivity, with erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and unpredictable rainfall disrupting farming cycles. TAAT aims to tackle these challenges head-on by integrating climate-smart technologies into farming systems, ensuring long-term food security and sustainability.
The success of TAAT relies on strong collaborations between research institutions, governments, and the private sector. IITA, in partnership with CGIAR centres and national agricultural research systems, will lead the implementation of Phase II. Additionally, the program has received a €5 million grant from the Federal Republic of Germany, channelled through the AfDB’s Transition Support Facility, further amplifying its impact.
With this latest investment, TAAT is set to transform Africa’s agricultural sector, providing smallholder farmers with the tools they need to adapt, thrive, and contribute to the continent’s growing role as a key player in global food production.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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