The Director-General of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Dr Nteranya Sanginga said, the institute has reiterated its commitment to conducting researches that will nourish African agriculture.

Sanginga gave the assurance at the 21st Annual Symposium of IITA and International Association of Research Scholars and Fellows (IARSAF) on today in Ibadan, with the theme: “Sustainable Graduate Research for Transformation of Africa’s Agro-food and Industrial Utilisation.’’

Sanginga, who was represented by Dr May-Guri Saethre, the IITA Deputy Director-General, Research for Development (R4D), said that without basic research, the institute would have nothing to offer regarding the achievement of its goals.

He urged the research fellows to strategise on how their research could intensify agriculture and development in Africa.

Also speaking, Dr Kenton Dashiell, the Deputy Director-General of IITA, urged the researchers to strive to build a sustainable career through hard work.

Earlier, the Chairman of the event, Dr Akin Fagbemi, said that the theme of the symposium was of great importance because there were a lot of problems facing Africa’s agriculture, including climate change.

The IARSAF President, Mr Taofeek Adegboyega said that the symposium was designed for research fellows of IITA to provide update on their research activities.

He noted that it also served as a platform to exchange innovative ideas among young professionals.

Adegboyega said that the theme was chosen as a result of the perceived disconnect between research and industries, adding that there was, therefore, the need to seek avenues to bridge gaps and conduct researches on industrial utilisation.

He added that the symposium would aid efforts to mitigate the challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty.

The highlight of the event is the launch of IARSAF website.