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IITA is an award-winning research-for-development (R4D) organization that provides solutions to hunger, poverty and natural resource degradation in Africa. Since 1967, IITA has been working with international and national partners to improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment and preserve the integrity of natural resources.
IITA is guided by an ambitious strategy: to lift 11.5 million people out of poverty and revitalize 7.5 million hectares of agricultural land by 2020. As one of the 15 research centers of the CGIAR, a global partnership for a food-secure future, IITA is involved in several CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs).
IITA has contributed to over 70% of the CGIAR’s impact in sub-Saharan Africa, and remains committed to the scientific improvement of agriculture and associated food value chains.
Our R4D programs focus on four crucial areas: biotechnology and genetic improvement, natural resource management, social sciences and agro-industry, crop production and plant health.