IITA strengthens collaboration with Comoros Ministry of Agriculture

8 November 2024

In a significant step towards enhancing agricultural development in Comoros, IITA - CGIAR representatives recently met with the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Daniel Ali Bandar. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration between IITA and the Comorian government to improve agricultural research and help the farming community enhance productivity and income.

The meeting, which took place at the Minister of Agriculture's office at M'de (Ex CFADER), Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing, and Craft Office, was a courtesy visit held alongside the launch of the EU BRECOMA project. This visit underscored IITA's commitment to strengthening collaboration with the government and provided an opportunity to report on the progress achieved in the region.

The meeting discussed key topics, including strengthening the seed system, advancing the banana value chain, and leveraging biotechnology through a state-of-the-art National Research Institute (INRAPE) laboratory. Notably, the visit focused on disease control efforts, particularly containing the Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4) strain affecting bananas.

The Minister acknowledged IITA's research expertise and emphasized the importance of close collaboration with the National Institute of Research in Agriculture and Fisheries [Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture et la Pêche (INRAPE)] to enhance capacity building for local scientists and farmers. He highlighted the need for support through projects and the introduction of improved crop varieties. Moreover, during his recent visit to Rome, the Minister noted that the African Development Bank (AfDB) recommended a robust partnership with IITA. He also affirmed the full support of the Government of Comoros for IITA's initiatives. To solidify these collaborative efforts, he suggested drafting a Memorandum of Understanding to be submitted through the Ministry for formal endorsement.

The partnership aims to address critical agricultural challenges to improve nutrition and economic stability across Comoros and parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Proposed actions include developing joint project proposals, fostering knowledge exchange, and building capacity in plant disease control, productivity enhancement, and processing techniques.

During the meeting, both parties expected to see the development of a joint proposal and regular interaction on science developments, along with capacity-building focused on plant disease control, increased production, and enhanced processing. This was crucial to research development, particularly in enhancing agricultural innovations.

Among the participants was the Minister of Agriculture of Comoros, who led discussions on crucial areas for enhanced collaboration. Others were Dr Fouad, the Director of the National Directorate of Agricultural Strategies and Livestock (DNSAE); Dr Leena Tripathi , IITA Eastern Africa Hub Director; Farhati Mohamed, the Deputy Director General of INRAPE; Cheick Diarra Coulibaly, IITA Country Representative in Madagascar; Mouzdalifa Mmadi, a researcher from INRAPE; and Jean Prosper Kanyaruguru, IITA's BRECOMA Project Coordinator for Comoros and Madagascar.

This collaborative effort marks a crucial step toward advancing agricultural research and innovation, strengthening food security, and uplifting livelihoods across the region.

Contributed by Rashid Hadi