CIALCA - IITA

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is an Africa-based international research-for-development organization, established in 1967, and governed by a board of trustees. Our vision is to be one of Africa's leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger and poverty. We have more than 100 international scientists based in various IITA stations across Africa. This network of scientists is dedicated to the development of technologies that reduce producer and consumer risk, increase local production, and generate wealth. We are supported primarily by the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

Our mission is to enhance food security and improve livelihoods in Africa through research-for-development. The agricultural sector employs more than two-thirds of the people in sub-Saharan Africa. It plays a key role in the continent's economic development and in achieving the first Millenium Development Goal (MDG) to reduce by half, the number of people who live in poverty. The influence of agriculture on the natural resource base also has a profound effect on delivering MDG #7 which sets a target of ensuring environmental sustainability. The successful development of new agricultural opportunities within Africa will also have a direct influence on other MDGs which address opportunities (nutrition, healthcare, education) for vulnerable groups including children, women, and others facing debilitating diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.