Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director-General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has reiterated the institute’s readiness to transform agriculture and address food insecurity in Sierra Leone and other African countries.
Ehui stated this during the official visit of Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Bio, to the institute in Ibadan. The visit’s theme was “The Power of Improved Technologies and Public-Private Partnerships to Accelerate the Feed Salone Strategy.”
According to Ehui, IITA’s existing technology and innovation in crops like cassava, maize, and soybeans have improved productivity, increased income, and strengthened security for millions of Africans.
“Sierra Leone stands a chance of agricultural revolution through collaboration with IITA. We can accelerate the deployment of high-yielding pest resistance and climate-resilient crops tailored to the country’s agricultural condition,” Ehui said.
He emphasized that science alone cannot transform agriculture, but partnerships, research, and investment can empower farmers with the tools and finance needed to thrive.
“With the right partnership, we can turn ambition into action and action into impact in IITA. The future of Sierra Leone’s food security is not a distant goal; it begins here, and the conversation here must transfer into commitment,” Ehui said.
President Bio commended IITA for driving agricultural transformation in Africa and being a dependable partner. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts and strong political will to address food insecurity challenges in Africa.
“I firmly believe that research, innovation, and technology are the forces we must harness in order to drive Africa forward, transform the future of agriculture in Africa, and create opportunities for African farmers,” Bio said.
