Humidtropics, a CGIAR Research Program led by IITA

Creating Socially Inclusive Agricultural R4D in Central Mekong

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The six countries that compose Humidtropics' Central Mekong Action Area are characterized by considerable ethnic diversity. They include southwestern China, northern Thailand, Laos, northeast Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Ethnic minorities in Central Mekong have been marginalized socially, culturally, economically, politically, and geographically, although the extent of such marginalization varies among the six countries. Such realities are also reflected in agricultural development: in northwest Vietnam, ethnic minority farmers predominantly occupy agricultural production, and play a … [Read more...]

Youth, an Engine of Growth for Sustainable Development in DRC

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As part of the integration of their research for development (R4D) activities, IITA-Kalambo and the Catholic Archdiocese of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have initiated a joint program to pursue agricultural R4D to improve the livelihoods of farmers. Implemented under the framework of Humidtropics, the program involves women and youth in agricultural research, capacity development and Farmer Field Schools. The Archdiocese has made land available to establish R4D farm trials, using them as a basis for training women farmers and youth in different agricultural enterprises with … [Read more...]

Boosting Plantain Production and Improving Access to Markets in Nigeria

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Plantain is one of the major crops of smallholder farmers in Nigeria. It is produced both for food consumption in the households and for cash through its transformation into various products that are marketed. Using Humidtropics' integrated systems approach, a team of researchers from FARA and IITA is working with key actors in the Nigeria Action Site to improve the plantain value chain (i.e. to effectively deliver valuable plantain products to the market, and to customers). Using the Rapid Appraisal of Agricultural Innovation Systems (RAAIS) diagnostic tool, the four Innovation Platforms … [Read more...]