Food security: IITA raises alarm on threat to $6bn revenue from maize cultivation

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has raised the alarm over the threat posed by diseases and pests, especially African army worm caterpillar, to the realization of an annual turnover of $6 billion from the maize industry.


Robert Asiedu, IITA’s Research for Development Director, West Africa, who raised the alarm at a conference to announce plans for the celebration of the institute’s 50th anniversary, said the state of affairs has the potential to threaten national food security if not addressed promptly.

Asiedusaid IITA is working to introduce a short-term solution by developing chemicals that can control the diseases. In February, the appearance of African army worm caterpillar on farms in 22 states rendered hectares of maize plantations malnourished and without maize buds for eventual harvest.

IITA said it has also embarked on developing disease resistant maize to completely control the diseases.

Asiedu disclosed that Nigeria accounted for a quarter of the institute’s annual investment of $150 million in Africa, noting that it is the biggest of all the countries in terms of expenditure.


Recently, IITA initiated breeding efforts to enhance the micro nutrient content of maize varieties, to combat iron deficiency and vitamin A deficiency. 

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