This toolkit brings together a comprehensive portfolio of technologies developed or promoted by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aimed at sustainably improving the productivity, climate resilience, and economic value of agricultural systems in Africa. The technologies presented here span the entire agricultural value chain — from varietal development to post-harvest — and target several strategic crops: cassava, maize, soybean, cowpea, sweet potato, banana/plantain, as well as cross-cutting innovations in pest management, soil nutrition, agricultural digitalization, and seed systems.
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Aflatoxin-safe fields and crops for safer food in Africa Aflasafe® technology plays a pivotal role in addressing the critical issue of aflatoxin contamination in Africa. Aflatoxins, produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus, are highly toxic and cancer-causing poisons that infest staple crops, animal feeds, and processed foods, posing a severe health threat. Aflasafe®, a biocontrol solution developed in Africa, offers a cost-effective and natural alternative to chemical interventions. By reducing aflatoxin levels in food, Aflasafe® not only safeguards human and livestock health but also mitigates economic impacts, making food safer for consumption and trade, improving overall health, and preserving farm animal well-being. This innovative technology stands as a key strategy to combat the silent aflatoxin pandemic, which is responsible for 30% of liver cancer cases in Africa and weakens individuals against other diseases while also stunting children's growth.
From Waste to Resource Peels from bananas and plantains, often overlooked, hold significant value in various applications. They serve as animal feed, organic soil input, and even find uses in cooking, water purification, and beauty products. However, the challenge lies in their chemical composition and nutrient ratios, necessitating proper handling for animal feed and soil treatment. Despite their potential, a lack of awareness about the diverse utility of peels has led to unnecessary waste accumulation in urban areas. Understanding and harnessing the multifaceted benefits of peels is essential for both sustainable agriculture and waste reduction.
An economically sustainable integrated cassava seed system! The cassava seed sector has long been dominated by informal practices—non-certified stem reuse, low yields, and high disease prevalence. The BASICS model addresses this by creating a viable commercial seed system for cassava, opening up investment and revenue streams in seed production, distribution, diagnostics, and digital tools. The model has been tested and refined in Nigeria with strong market demand and regulatory support, providing a scalable framework for agribusiness expansion in cassava-producing countries.
A Sustainable, Profitable Solution for Diamondback Moth and Beyond! Beauveria bassiana is a natural biopesticide developed to control pests like the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and other agricultural insects. Derived from the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (isolate Bb11), this biopesticide offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. It works by producing conidia, which attach to the insect's skin, germinate, and penetrate internal tissues, ultimately leading to the insect's death. This technology addresses critical challenges in crop protection, such as the increasing resistance of pests to chemical pesticides, their adverse environmental impacts, and the high costs of chemical alternatives. By offering a safe, natural solution, Beauveria bassiana helps reduce pesticide reliance, promoting healthier crops and environments. It's particularly effective for controlling cabbage pests but has broader applications for other crops and insect species.
Enhancing Cassava Resilience: Targeted Biocontrol with a Beneficial Wasp Biological control of the cassava mealybug (CM) involves introducing natural enemies, such as the parasitoid wasp Anagyrus lopezi, to manage CM populations without chemical pesticides. This method has been successfully implemented in over 20 countries, reducing mealybug populations by about 90% and protecting cassava crops, thereby saving farmers significant amounts of money.
Low-cost natural pest control "Biological control of the pod borer Maruca vitrata with exotic parasitoids" is of significant importance in addressing the extensive damage caused by this pest to cowpea crops. By introducing specific parasitic wasps from the World Vegetable Center labs in Taiwan, this approach has led to a remarkable reduction in the Maruca vitrata population, often exceeding 85%, in regions such as Benin and Burkina Faso. The collaboration between national agencies in releasing these parasitoids and their subsequent establishment on wild vegetation before moving to cowpea fields during the cropping season demonstrates the effectiveness of this biological control method. Furthermore, this technology is complemented by the use of resistant or tolerant cowpea varieties and the application of eco-friendly products like neem or other compatible biopesticides. These additional measures not only help combat companion pests like aphids and thrips but also significantly reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides, if not entirely replacing them. In essence, the biological control of the Maruca vitrata pod borer with exotic parasitoids represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to pest management, contributing to higher cowpea yields and food security while minimizing the ecological impact of chemical pesticides.
Low cost fertilizer for healthy and profitable agriculture for African farmers. In Sub-Saharan Africa, farmers face significant challenges such as declining soil fertility, limited access to quality fertilizers, and the high cost of agricultural inputs, all of which affect crop yields and food security. The BSFF technology presents a promising solution to these challenges. It contains high levels of essential nutrients like nitrogen (1.7–1.9%), phosphorus (1.0–2.5%), potassium, and various micronutrients that significantly improve soil fertility. This technology can help farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa increase productivity, improve food security, and promote environmentally sustainable agriculture.
From Knowledge to Yield — Empowering Cassava Seed Systems. The Building Capacity technology aims to strengthen cassava seed systems by addressing capacity gaps among seed producers. It provides a comprehensive toolkit with training resources, business development tools, and partnership frameworks to enhance technical skills, market access, and regulatory collaboration. The technology promotes sustainable seed production, boosts productivity, and ensures seed quality. Key activities include capacity assessments, tailored training curricula, and stakeholder collaboration. By improving seed systems, it supports economic growth, food security, and climate resilience, benefiting seed producers and farmers alike.
Breeder & Foundation Cassava Seeds—Always Within Reach This technology enables seed companies and certified producers to multiply and supply breeder and foundation cassava seeds directly from research centers. It follows national seed certification standards, uses both in-house and outgrower schemes, and ensures that farmers and seed entrepreneurs get access to clean, high-quality planting material. Registration with seed authorities and proper field inspection are required for participation.
From Advocacy to Action: Replicating Success with Lasting Investment This model promotes sustainable cassava seed systems by embedding innovations—such as SAH, nodal cuttings, and digital certification—into national policies and programs. It replaces short-term interventions with long-term strategies based on advocacy, local ownership, and coordinated partnerships. The model has influenced seed policies in over 10 African countries and enabled USD 26.6 million in seed system investments. Results include stronger entrepreneurship, better varietal access, and improved food system resilience.
Quality cassava cuttings close to the fields African farmers commonly use cassava stem cuttings for planting due to their accessibility and ability to cover large areas. However, distributing these cuttings poses challenges, as they lose viability during storage, leading to increased transportation costs. This limitation affects the supply of disease-resistant cassava planting material, particularly in remote areas with poor road connectivity. Seed-bulking farms, scattered across communities, offer a solution by multiplying planting materials closer to fields, reducing production and transport costs, and reducing reliance on limited-coverage seed companies. These farms accelerate the spread of improved cassava varieties, providing pest and disease-free planting materials and fostering community-based enterprise development, ultimately improving the income and productivity of farmers and processors.
Enhancing cassava yields and quality for greater food security in Africa. Improved cassava roots with higher dry matter and starch content are crucial for farmers. These qualities determine how cassava can be used, whether for making flour, chips, or industrial materials. In Sub-Saharan Africa, cassava crops often have low levels of these important traits due to limited accessible varieties. Enhancing root quality is a significant opportunity for the future, benefiting both food security and the agri-food industry. Breeding cassava for these traits is essential to meet local and regional market demands. This leads to higher economic yields for farmers, providing more food and income from the same area of land.
Virus diagnostic tool for cassava seed health certification by seed producers and seed certifiers. Cassava virus indexing uses PCR and LAMP diagnostic methods to detect and eliminate virus-infected cassava planting materials. It ensures virus-free plants for seed production, improving seed quality, crop resilience, and food security. Key costs include lab setup (USD 20,000) and sample testing (USD 3/sample). Training for staff and collaboration with research and seed certification bodies are crucial for successful implementation.
Enhancing cassava productivity through healthy planting material Cassava Seed Quality Management is a business-enabling system that provides a pathway for seed entrepreneurs to produce and market certified, high-quality cassava planting material. This system ensures disease control, increases farmer confidence, and supports a differentiated market for improved cassava seed with higher returns.
Revolutionize the cassava value chain with CBC, ensuring seamless communication and robust market linkages for enhanced income opportunities. The Cassava Business Connector (CBC) is a digital tool that bridges communication gaps in the cassava value chain. It links producers, processors, and end-users, enhancing market access and income opportunities. The CBC enables real-time tracking, communication, and information sharing, improving market linkages. It's a powerful tool for cassava market innovation, benefiting various stakeholders. Developed as a public good, CBC strengthens the cassava value chain.
Building stronger cassava seed businesses for African seed entrepreneurs and farmers. CSAM aims to address these challenges by creating structured associations of cassava seed entrepreneurs, allowing them to collaborate and collectively benefit from economies of scale. Through these associations, entrepreneurs can access certification, financial resources, training, and policy advocacy. This model reduces inefficiencies, enhances seed quality, and strengthens market linkages, promoting a more robust and sustainable seed sector. CSAM has been successfully implemented in Nigeria and Tanzania and is being scaled up in Rwanda and Kenya. With over 2,700 seed entrepreneurs benefiting from this model, CSAM represents a major shift toward a more professional and sustainable cassava seed sector. It offers a platform for both entrepreneurs and investors to engage in an industry poised for growth and improvement.
Transforming Cassava Farming Through Entrepreneurial Innovation! Cassava is a key staple crop in Sub-Saharan Africa, critical for both food security and income generation. Yet, the traditional cassava seed system has been fragmented and unsustainable, primarily relying on informal farmer-to-farmer sharing and ad hoc free distributions from governments and NGOs. This system has contributed to the widespread use of low-quality, disease-prone seeds, significantly limiting productivity and the adoption of improved varieties. The Cassava Seed Entrepreneur (CSE) Business Model presents a scalable, market-driven solution to modernize the cassava seed system. It empowers rural men, women, and youth by transforming them into certified seed entrepreneurs, enabling them to produce and distribute high-quality, certified cassava planting materials. The model integrates training, digital tools, and strategic partnerships to ensure a consistent supply of clean seeds. As a result, it not only boosts cassava yields but also creates new business opportunities and enhances rural livelihoods, providing an attractive investment opportunity for the private sector.
Disease-Resistant Cassava Cuttings for Higher Yields Disease resistant cassava varieties plays a critical role in overcoming the challenges faced by cassava farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cassava, a vital food crop in the region, is frequently plagued by devastating viral diseases, such as cassava mosaic disease and cassava brown streak disease, which harm the leaves, reduce photosynthesis, and result in significant yield losses, sometimes leading to complete crop failure. In essence, disease resistant cassava varieties are instrumental in safeguarding cassava production, ensuring food security, and improving the livelihoods of farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. These varieties represent a sustainable and efficient approach to combat viral infections that threaten cassava crops, making them a vital technology for the region.
BSFL proteins for sustainable local fish and chicken feed production A major challenge for fish and chicken farming in sub-Saharan Africa is the lack of a consistent and reliable supply of feed throughout the year. The rising cost of feed, which makes up 60-70% of total production expenses, adds to this problem. At the same time, about 30-40% of food produced today is lost or wasted, leading to large amounts of organic waste and animal manure that harm the environment if not properly managed. The traditional way of producing and consuming goods also creates issues for the economy, ecosystems, and society. To address these challenges, Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae composting offers a smart solution. This technology tackles two key problems: managing organic waste and reducing the high cost of animal feed in the region. BSF larvae turn organic waste into valuable protein feed for animals and nutrient-rich fertilizer, cutting down on waste sent to landfills and reducing environmental harm. The larvae are highly efficient at transforming organic by-products into protein-rich feed, providing a more sustainable option for fish and chicken farming. By reusing agricultural waste, BSF technology supports a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the economy.
Affordable animal feed for breeders The technology of "Cassava Peels for Animal Feed Production" holds significant importance in Sub-Saharan Africa, where large quantities of cassava peels are generated as byproducts of cassava processing. These peels, if not properly managed, create environmental hazards through uncontrolled dumping and burning. However, their potential as a valuable resource for rearing livestock and fish remains largely untapped. Cassava peels have the potential to serve as an excellent source of feed and fiber for animals, but their utilization has been hindered by drying constraints, the risk of aflatoxin contamination, and poor storability when traditional methods are employed. The introduction of simple equipment to mechanize the conversion of cassava peels into animal feeds offers solutions to these challenges. This technology reduces labor costs, shortens drying times, and improves the shelf life of feed products. By effectively utilizing cassava peels as animal feed, smallholder farmers and agri-food manufacturers can enhance the value derived from their cassava crops and address the scarcity of nutritious animal feeds. Additionally, the mechanized processing of cassava peels into wet cakes and dry mashes presents opportunities for job creation and business development in rural areas of Africa. Overall, this technology not only mitigates environmental issues but also contributes to improving food security, livestock production, and economic prospects in the region.
Yellow-fleshed cassava rich in vitamin A Low level of vitamin and mineral in the common varieties of cassava grown by farmers leads to widespread malnutrition and hidden hunger, and numerable desease in the African continent. Therefore, it comes to raise the provitamin A in the conventional cassava throught breeding technics by parking the Golden cassava’s roots with beta-carotenoid for the color caracteristic, these to be convert after ingestion into vitamin A by enzymes as per the need in the body.
Reduce pesticide and herbicide losses with IITA's herbicide calculator Widespread abuse of pesticides (including herbicides) is common due to poorly calibrated spray tanks. Farmers overdose or underdose when applying pesticides. The IITA Herbicide Calculator helps farmers and spray service providers to correctly estimate the amount of herbicide to add to backpack sprayers, and promotes herbicide efficacy.
Extend Freshness, Expand Opportunities with Cassava Flour! The technology of producing High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) and industrial starches is of paramount importance. It addresses the critical issue of rapid spoilage and mold in fresh cassava roots due to their high water content, a significant challenge for farmers in storing or selling their produce. African communities have long relied on various processing methods to extend shelf life and eliminate toxic cyanide compounds. Traditional cassava flour production techniques do not offer substantial market opportunities for smallholder cassava farmers.
Improved cassava varieties crucial for enhancing food security, increasing farmer incomes, and reducing poverty in Africa. The technology is a market-driven cassava breeding system that develops improved varieties based on market needs, such as for fresh consumption, processing, or biofortification. It involves stakeholder input, standard breeding methods, and regulatory collaboration for variety release. Adoption is promoted through trials, launch events, and media campaigns, aligning breeding with market demand to boost cassava productivity and value chain performance.
Better Plantain Varieties for Thriving Farmers Plantain is a crucial staple in Central and West Africa, ranking third after yam and cassava. However, its production faces significant challenges, particularly from black leaf streak disease, weevils, and nematodes. These factors lead to substantial yield losses. Population growth further strains resources, affecting soil fertility. The development of disease-resistant hybrids is a pivotal response to these challenges. These improved plantain varieties not only offer heightened resistance but also focus on high productivity, drought resilience, and preferred cooking traits.
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