Peter Iluebbey, IITA Cassava Breeding International Trials Manager, sharing the existing opportunities in cassava value chain with Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo.
In a move to deepen collaboration in agricultural research and innovation, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, visited the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) headquarters in Ibadan recently. The visit marks a renewed commitment to building strategic partnerships between Rwanda and IITA in advancing agricultural transformation across Africa.
Welcoming the Rwandan delegation, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, highlighted Ambassador Bazivamo’s strong roots in agriculture as an agronomist and policymaker. “Your background connects deeply with the mission and vision of IITA,” said Dr Ehui. “We are pleased to explore how Rwanda and IITA can work more closely to achieve shared goals in food systems transformation.”
During the high-level meeting, Ambassador Bazivamo described the visit as a long-held aspiration, stating, “Coming to IITA is a dream come true. I have followed your work for years and remain impressed by your role in shaping agriculture and food security across Africa.”
He emphasized Rwanda’s desire to tap into IITA’s wealth of research and innovation, particularly in areas such as aflatoxin biocontrol, animal feed from cassava waste, value addition, climate-smart agriculture, and youth capacity building. The Ambassador also noted existing areas of cooperation between Rwanda and Nigeria, such as in defense, education, and aviation, and underscored the potential for IITA’s presence in both countries to serve as a bridge for even broader collaboration.
Dr Ehui reaffirmed IITA’s commitment to Rwanda and referenced ongoing initiatives in the country, including research and development in banana and cassava, the promotion of digital agricultural technologies, and the development of improved seed varieties. He proposed intensifying efforts to drive forward initiatives that support youth entrepreneurship and inclusive agricultural development.
Discussions focused on the need to strengthen linkages between research institutions and smallholder farmers, with an emphasis on the role of intermediary organizations in amplifying outreach and ensuring innovations reach end-users. Both parties also recognized the importance of clear communication and awareness-raising to bridge the gap between research and practice.
Ambassador Bazivamo concluded by expressing Rwanda’s readiness to scale up collaboration with IITA, stating, “We value the longstanding relationship with IITA and are eager to strengthen it. Rwanda is committed to supporting initiatives that drive agricultural innovation and food system resilience.”
The visit sets the stage for a more robust and focused engagement between Rwanda and IITA, with shared aspirations for sustainable agricultural growth, youth empowerment, and resilient food systems in Africa. [Source : IITA]. (End).