The youth program of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has won the 2019 International Innovation Award for sustainable food and Agriculture. The award is in recognition of IITA’s commitment to improving both agribusiness opportunities and the creditworthiness of youth across Africa.

The award, first of its kind and funded by the Government of Switzerland, was presented during the 41st conference of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) at its Headquarters in Rome—an event that was attended by high-level government representatives across the globe on June 26, 2019. FAO Director General, José Graziano da Silva said: “My congratulations to all of you. Your work is an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for your contribution. It is very important to showcase positive results and concrete ways in which we can work together.”

The award, which was in two categories; category A, ‘award for excellence and digitisation and innovation for sustainable food systems,’ and category B ‘International innovation award for sustainable food and agriculture,’ reflects the important role of innovation for the future of sustainable food and agriculture and the improvement of food security and nutrition for all, particularly in the face of increased environmental challenges, in accordance with the United Nations decade of family farming (which runs through the years 2019-2028), and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Receiving the category B award on behalf of IITA Youth Agripreneurs (IYA) Evelyn Ohanwusi, Head of IYA, appreciated the organisers and sponsors of the award saying; “IYA is grateful to have been recognised as an innovation that empowers youth in agriculture and food systems and chosen among other qualified nominees. We sincerely appreciate the Government of Switzerland and the Food and Agriculture Organisation for contributing to our success story.”

She dedicated the award to young people involved in agricultural transformation, and urged them to keep working hard towards resolving the problems of food insecurity and unemployment in Africa.

“This award is dedicated to all youths in the agriculture and food systems across the world, especially in Africa. We have started the revolution and yes, we can achieve more!” she added.

The IYA is a youth in agribusiness initiative that was established in 2012, by the Director General of the IITA, Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, to address the issue of widespread youth unemployment, and to provide a platform that propels young people towards self-employment in agriculture.

The program started in Ibadan, and has expanded into 13 groups with over 385 members operating 36 learning-by-doing enterprises in about 10 African countries including; Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, Madagascar, and Togo.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN