IITA and WorldFish to align research and innovation activities in Africa

21 May 2024

In a move to align research activities and innovation scaling within the CGIAR in Africa, WorldFish Center Director General and CGIAR Senior Director of Aquatic Food Systems Essam Yassin Mohammed met with IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa Dr Simeon Ehui at IITA headquarters in Ibadan.

With WorldFish exploring the expansion of research efforts in aquatic food systems on the continent, discussions during the meeting focused on collaborative structures and scaling research results to reach more end users.

Looking at how both Centers can increase their impact in Africa, DG Ehui said Mohammed's visit is coming when the CGIAR is driving synergy within the 15 Centers. "This visit is a good opportunity to explore areas of working together in Africa and build on the existing collaboration between IITA and WorldFish in areas like nutrition security, livelihoods, and youth inclusion in Africa's food systems," DG Ehui said.

DG Ehui, who gave a background on how CGIAR Centers can collaborate for impact in Africa, said it is critical to identify key areas of alignment within the CGIAR systems.

He added, "It is also important to consider how we can explore and expand collaborations, especially in youth activities."

Mohammed, expressing excitement at the warm reception, said DG Ehui had inspired other CGIAR colleagues, adding that the wealth of experience he brings to the table has been useful on many occasions. "I want to thank IITA for hosting WorldFish in Nigeria. The support we get as a Center from IITA is aiding our growth in Africa," he said.

Regarding the impact of collaborative efforts among CGIAR Centers, Mohammed said working together will strengthen each Center's impact and create a sustainable system within the CGIAR.

Discussions during the meeting also covered how both Centers can harness the richness of an existing partnership while exploring ways to transform aquatic food systems' legacy in Africa beyond nutrition challenges and hunger.

Highlighting opportunities that bring IITA and WorldFish together, Mohammed said that despite the resources available in Africa, there is a huge responsibility to transform food systems and address existing challenges.

Agreeing on some of Mohammed's highlighted areas, DG Ehui said aquaculture, like livestock, is extremely important, adding that people tend to increase their protein consumption as economies grow.

"Programs must be demand-driven and consumption-driven, and it is important to consider them as custodians of research and innovation," DG Ehui said.

With the growing population across Africa and the need to address other challenges like youth unemployment, food and nutrition insecurity, and climate crisis, IITA and WorldFish have agreed to explore IITA's youth program experience as a learning sphere for WorldFish in scaling aquaculture innovation. This aims to increase aquaculture focus and cross-continental learning, improving the livelihoods of millions and the activities around the blue economy in Africa.

Contributed by Timilehin Osunde

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