The African Development Bank (AfDB) has said the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Programme is not just an initiative, but an effort aimed at enhancing food security, strengthening climate resilience and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The Director-General of the Nigeria AfDB Group, Dr. Abdul Kamara, stated this during the signing of a $27m agreement with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to finance the TAAT Phase II Programme.
While noting that the agreement aligns with the bank’s Feed Africa strategy, which is aimed at boosting smallholder farmers’ productivity across the continent, Kamara stressed that the additional financing builds on the $40m provided for Phase I of the TAAT, adding that the second phase will focus on expanding access to agricultural technologies for over 40 million smallholder farmers across the continent.
He said: “This additional financing of the TAAT programme builds on phase I, which the bank funded with $40m and phase II with $27m implemented by IITA (as lead implementer), working closely with other CGIAR centres and National Agricultural Research institutions in many countries.
TAAT Phase II Programme is financed additionally with a five million Euro grant “from the Donor Contributions Window of the Transition Support Facility (TSF) thanks to the generous contribution of the Federal Republic of Germany. TAAT Phase II will focus on empowering low-income African countries by increasing productivity, improving farmers’ incomes, and positioning Africa to become a net food exporter.”
The Director-General expressed optimism that the programme would support activities such as farmer capacity building, digital agriculture solutions, extension services, and private sector investment in agricultural value chains.
Kamara reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting agricultural research and innovation to drive the continent’s food security agenda, emphasising that TAAT remains a key instrument in achieving the continent’s long-term agricultural; goals.
On his part, the Director-General of IITA, Dr. Simeon Ehui, who commended AfDB for its sustained partnership and leadership in driving the continent’s agricultural transformation, expressed optimism that the second phase of the programme would focus on accelerating the deployment of agricultural technologies, strengthening partnerships, promoting youth and women’s engagement in agribusiness, enhancing food and nutrition security in the continent and strengthening food systems.
He highlighted the successes of the first phase, which include facilitation of scaling improved seed varieties, climate-smart practices and mechanisation solutions to millions of farmers.
While affirming IITA’s commitment to working with CGIAR Centres, National Agricultural Research Institutions and the private sector to ensure the success of the phase II, Ehui said IITA would continue to work closely with AfDB and other stakeholders to ensure the programme contribute to the reduction of food imports and unlock Africa’s agricultural potential.
He reiterated AfDB’s commitment to supporting agricultural research and innovation to drive the continent’s food security agenda, emphasising that TAAT remains a key instrument in achieving Africa’s long term agricultural goals.
The Director-General of IITA expressed delight that TAAT has already demonstrated the power of science-driven solutions in improving productivity, strengthening food systems and enhancing farmers’ resilience to climate change.
“With this grant, we reaffirm our commitment to deklivering impact-driven agricultural solutions. The journey ahead requires sustained investment, policy support, and strong collaboration collaborations.
