IITA YOUTH Agripreneurs

16/10/2026

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆. 𝗡𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄.
Food is essential to life. But ensuring everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and diverse food requires us to think differently, embrace , and build on the knowledge and practices that have sustained communities for generations.

Across Africa, our are finding new ways to produce food, add value, reach markets, and build thriving businesses. Their innovations are boosting food production, creating , and building more resilient .

This , let’s continue to invest in young agripreneurs, strengthen partnerships, and champion innovations that make nutritious more accessible for all.

How can you contribute to a future where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food? Join the conversation.


International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Radio IITA, CGIAR

15/10/2026

"𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙛 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙'𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨, 𝙨𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙," 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

On this , we celebrate women in rural communities across Nigeria and Africa whose knowledge, hard work, and resilience sustain our .

We believe their contributions should be matched with opportunities, including access to skills, , markets, agricultural , and business support. deserve every necessary support to grow their enterprises and shape their future.

Through initiatives such as I-YouthProject, the IITA YOUTH Agripreneurs Unit (IYA) recognises the importance of creating opportunities for young women to participate in and thrive across value chains.

As we celebrate rural women for their contributions and sustained efforts, we also restate our support for them to scale their enterprises and create more wealth.



CGIAR, Radio IITA

12/10/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱. 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲💜
Every girl deserves the opportunity to , feel safe, dream big, and shape her own future. No girl should have to lose her childhood or dreams to child marriage or harmful societal practices.

On this year's edition of the marked annually on October 11, we stand with the through our Start Them Early Program ( ), championing their right to education, opportunities and a future.

Through initiatives like I-YouthProject, girls are discovering new possibilities in agriculture, acquiring practical skills, and building the confidence to explore careers, pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions, and become in their communities.

We recognise that opportunities must go hand in hand with . Therefore, we must challenge the norms that limit girls and do more to keep them in school, protect their rights, and create spaces where their voices are heard and their choices respected.

When we stand with the girl child, we help build a future where every girl can learn, lead, and thrive.

Happy International Day of the Girl Child!



Mastercard Foundation, CGIAR

01/10/2026

🇳🇬 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 66𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮!
It's 66 years of growth, resilience, possibilities, innovations, confronting emerging challenges, and advancing towards a glorious future.

At IYA, we celebrate the young Nigerians building that future every day: growing , creating jobs, adding value to society, innovating, and contributing to stronger .

Indeed, in our unit, October is loaded with something exciting for young people interested in .

For the and Nigerians who believe in Nigeria, it's a new chapter. More opportunities. More innovations. More possibilities.

Stay with us. 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴!

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! 🇳🇬

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Radio IITA, CGIAR

15/09/2026

𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙨, 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙨 𝙄𝙔𝘼 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮
The IITA YOUTH Agripreneurs Unit (IYA) has commenced the implementation of its technical component of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.

With funding support from the World Bank, IYA is working with and women across northern Nigeria to build skills, develop climate-resilient , and create stronger livelihood opportunities through agroforestry and Non-Timber Forest Products ( ).

Over the coming months, the initiative will support intensive training, pilot farm enterprises, enterprise , access to the Community Revolving Fund, and the establishment of Start Them Early Program ( ) clubs in select secondary schools.

The project aims to equip at least 250 to plant about 42,000 trees on 450 hectares, while building the knowledge and enterprise skills needed to turn climate action into opportunities.

🔗 Read the full story:
https://bit.ly/IYACReSAL26

The IITA Youth in Agribusiness Unit (IYA) has commenced the implementation of technical component of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes […]

12/08/2026

On this year's edition of International Youth Day, the IITA YOUTH Agripreneurs (IYA) celebrates every young African embracing agricultural innovations to , improve food sufficiency, lead better lives and contribute to a for all.

In line with the theme, '𝘿𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙨, 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨', IYA is pleased to have supported thousands of from different backgrounds and contexts to realise their unique but similar aspirations, which range from to opportunities, meaningful participation and improved livelihoods.

We have a clear commitment, which is to continue to train, equip, and young Africans with skills and that help them transition from where they are to more fulfilling jobs and profitable enterprises.

Join us on this journey!

25/07/2026

Today, we celebrate 59 years of scientific excellence, innovation, and impact at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). 🥳🎊🎉

For nearly six decades, IITA has worked alongside farmers, governments, development partners, and research institutions to develop solutions that improve food security, strengthen livelihoods, and build resilient agricultural systems across Africa.

As we mark this milestone, we celebrate the scientists, staff, partners, alumni, and farming communities whose dedication continues to transform lives through science.

Here's to advancing innovation, empowering communities, and shaping the future of agriculture for generations to come.🥂

CGIAR Radio IITA IITA Madagascar IITA International Institute of Tropical Agriculture-RDC IITA Benin Officiel IITA TV

21/07/2026

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨
Recently, the IITA YOUTH Agripreneurs Unit (IYA), joined students, researchers, and academics at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, for the Ife Crop Day Conference (ICDC) 5.0. The event was to share insights on one important question:
𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 #𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦?

The session handled by a Business Development Officer from the IYA challenged students to see agriculture beyond , but also as a dynamic ecosystem of , technology adoption, , agribusiness services provision, and enterprise development.

Participants were also introduced to the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation -TAAT and how innovations are increasing productivity, strengthening value chains, improving , and creating new opportunities for across Africa.

Through advocacy, capacity development, business incubation, , and access to , IYA is nurturing a new generation of young agripreneurs equipped to transform Africa's food systems, even before they join the .

The students' enthusiasm, curiosity, and thoughtful questions reminded everyone at the event that 's greatest agricultural innovation is its young population.

Championing mindset change, one campus at a time!


Radio IITA

01/07/2026

"𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠. 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚," these were the words of CGIAR's Chief Scientist, Dr Sandra Milach, during her visit to the IITA YOUTH Agripreneurs (IYA) Unit.

Accompanied by stakeholders from the academia, government, and the private sector, Dr Milach's visit highlights how can promote profitable enterprises and open opportunities for .

From our climate-smart screenhouse to our youth-led enterprises, our guests experienced firsthand how innovations can create , strengthen , and improve livelihoods.

One question from Dr Milach stood out:
"𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮?"

At IYA, we are invested in our participants' agribusiness journey. Beyond training, we support our participants with establishment, input distribution, , business development and registration, and finance linkage, and through our Agribusiness Parks.

We continue to build a network of successful young agripreneurs who are adopting and promoting CGIAR within their communities.

Transforming isn't just about equipping young people with skills; it's also about creating an ecosystem where they can start, grow, and thrive.

We thank all our who joined us in reaffirming this shared vision for agricultural transformation.

Radio IITA

26/06/2026

𝘽𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙨: 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚
Recently, we engaged students of the Faculty of Agriculture at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on the opportunities, innovations, and skills shaping the future of .

The session explored the importance of developing the right mindset for success in . It also highlighted opportunities across the agricultural value chain; from production to value addition, , agribusiness services, marketing, and enterprise development.

Students were also introduced to innovations developed by the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation -TAAT, and how they can improve productivity, profitability, and create sustainable employment opportunities for .

As part of our commitment to continuous learning, participants were introduced to the ENABLE-TAAT Virtual Training Platform, a free online learning platform where young people can access self-paced courses in agriculture and agribusiness, strengthen their skills, and earn certificates to support their and entrepreneurial journeys.

🔗 You can access the ENABLE-TAAT Learning Platform via: https://enabletaatacademy.org/

At IITA YOUTH Agripreneurs, we believe that equipping young people with the right knowledge, technologies, and opportunities is essential to building a new generation of innovative agripreneurs and agricultural leaders.


Radio IITA