Gates Foundation Supports IITA and Bayer's Agricultural Innovation in Africa
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Bayer have announced a significant research collaboration aimed at transforming agriculture across sub-Saharan Africa. This partnership, supported by the Gates Foundation, focuses on developing climate-resilient and high-yielding crop varieties tailored to smallholder farming systems. The initiative targets seven key crops, including maize, soybean, and cassava, with the goal of achieving a 25% yield increase. The collaboration will run through 2028 and includes up to $1.2 million in in-kind support from Bayer, providing technical advisory services and access to advanced breeding tools. The partnership aims to integrate molecular tools, genomic selection, and biotechnology into breeding workflows, enhancing the precision and efficiency of crop development. 
