At ISTRC-AB conference, scientists, others seek support for RTB crops sustainability

The Root, Tuber and Banana (RTB) crops have been identified as essential produce for achieving food and nutrition security across the continent and are key contributors to Sustainable Development Goal 2, which Africa leaders must support its cultivation for long-term sustainability.

This was the submission of scientists, farmers, policy-makers and private sector representatives at the 15th triennial conference of the International Society for Tropical Root Crops – Africa Branch (ISTRC-AB), which held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

At the conference, they shared current research outputs, and wide-range decisions on the position of the RTB crops on the continent and global agenda. Themed: “Leveraging cutting edge and climate resilience technology and partnerships for sustainable management of Tropical Root, Tuber, and Banana Crops towards food security, poverty alleviation, and economic development,” the five-day symposiumattracted sector representatives from over 24 countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, Congo DRC, and Sierra Leone and others.

The symposium, which underscored the critical role of RTB crops in Africa’s fight against hunger and malnutrition, had over 25 participating scientists from the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike, Abia State, including a Director, Dr Mike Tokula.

At the conference,the need for increased investment in research and development, particularly in under-researched regions of the continent, were highlighted.

While highlighting the critical role of RTB crops in the continent’s fight against hunger and malnutrition, the President of ISTRC -AB, Dr. Richardson Okechukwu, stressed the need for all stakeholders to support and advance these crops for the long-term sustainability of the continent.

The symposium, which adopted a hybrid approach, was declared open by Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Kobenan-Kouassi Adjoumani, who was represented by Dr. Fry Kouame Andres.

Welcome addresses were presented by Professor SangareAbdourahamane (the local organisingcommitee chairman), represented by Dr. KouakouAmani (Deputy Director General of CNRA) and Dr. Richardson Okechukwu (ISTRC-AB President).

Goodwill messages also came from Professor LateefSanni (ISTRC President), Executive Director, Central And West African Virus Epidemiology For Food Security (WAVE), ProfessorPitaJustin, represented by Prof. Angela Eni;Dr. CanistusKanagire, Chief Executive Officer, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), represented by OgunlayeTaiwo Samuel, Dr. Norbert Maroya (an agro entrepreneur), Dr. Simeon Ehui (DG IITA), represented by Dr. Elizabeth Parkes and President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr AkinwumiAdesina, represented by the Country Director in Abidjan.

Three plenary papers werepresented – A step change to deliver increased genetic gains in banana, cassava, potato, sweet potato, and yam for the benefit of smallholder female and male African farmers,” delivered by Dr. Hugo Campos; Building resilient banana (Musa spp.) seed systems for improved productivity, by Dr. AmaDelphine; and Twenty years of research on banana in Côte d’Ivoire, by Dr. TraoréSiaka.

There were over 120 presentations that explored several topics, ranging from innovative approaches to disease and pest management, to the role of biotechnology and climate-smart agricultural practices.

Participants emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for young scientists, farmers, and innovators through educational programmes, internships, and entrepreneurial initiatives to ensure the future of the sector with a key take-away from the conference being the urgent need to engage African youths in RTB research.

Notably, ISTRC was recognised as a vital platform for driving research and development within the One-Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) framework, fostering collaboration and attracting increased funding for agricultural research.

During the symposium, which additionally served as a call to action for greater investment in RTB research, particularly in regions where these crops remain under-utilised. participants further emphasised that expanding research efforts will not only enhance agricultural productivity and resilience but also empower local communities with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.