CIMMYT Scientists Visit IAR for ADCIN/AVISA Sorghum and Groundnut Trials Inspection

CIMMYT Scientists Visit IAR for ADCIN/AVISA Sorghum and Groundnut Trials Inspection

Sorghurm
October 15, 2025

Yesterday, 13th October 2025, the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, hosted two eminent scientists from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) as part of ongoing collaboration under the Accelerated Varietal Improvement and Seed Delivery of Legumes and Cereals in Africa (AVISA) and Accelerated Development of Crop Improvement Networks (ADCIN) projects.

The visiting scientists, Dr. Haile Desmae, CIMMYT Regional Breeding Lead for West and Central Africa, and Dr. Amos Alakonya, CIMMYT Pathologist, were received by a strong team of IAR scientists and technical staff.

Representing IAR were Dr. Rekiya Abdulmalik (Sorghum Breeder), Dr. Hauwa O. Ahmed (Groundnut Breeder), Dr. Muhammad Ahmad Yahaya (Plant Breeder), Prof. Afiniki Bawa Zarafi (Sorghum Pathologist), Mr. Abdulbasid Kabir (Groundnut Pathologist), and several dedicated technical staff members.

The visit featured an extensive field tour of sorghum and groundnut experimental plots at the IAR Research Farm, Samaru, Zaria. The team assessed ongoing trials, discussed breeding progress, and explored strategies to enhance productivity, resilience, and seed delivery systems for both crops.

This collaborative effort underscores IAR’s strong partnership with CIMMYT in advancing crop improvement research and promoting resilient, high-yielding varieties that support food security and farmer livelihoods across Nigeria and the West and Central African region.