IITA, OCP Africa Signs Five Year Agreement to Combat Malnutrition, Poverty in Africa

Gilbert Ekugbe

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)-Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) has signed a five year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OCP Africa to deliver improved farm productivity from soil health and fertility to combat malnutrition, poverty, and hunger in Africa.

According to a statement obtained from its website, the move would contribute to the sustainable development of African agriculture.

The IITA said: “We are working with OCP Africa, a multicultural African company, working hand-in-hand with farmers and partners across the continent, sharing a common goal to boost nutrition and food security in Africa.

“OCP Africa develops fertilizer solutions customised to local conditions and crop needs. They work with governments, public and private enterprises, and other partners to connect farmers to knowledge, resources, fertilizers, and other agricultural services.”

It stated that the partnership would develop digital soil health and fertility maps, build unified databases for best soil health and fertility agronomic practices, carry out extensive site-specific soil health research, and provide improved productivity and fertility solutions based on soil, climate, and cropping systems.