SLARI Participation in the 15th ISTRC-AB Symposium Marks Key Milestone for Agricultural Research and Collaboration in Africa

The International Society for Tropical Root Crops, Africa Branch (ISTRC-AB), successfully hosted its 15th Symposium at the prestigious Azalai Hotel in Abidjan, C?te d’Ivoire, from the 3rd to 7th of February 2025. With the theme “Leveraging Cutting-edge and Climate-resilient Technologies and Partnerships for Sustainable Management of Tropical Root, Tuber, and Banana Crops towards Food Security, Poverty Alleviation, and Economic Development,” the symposium brought together key stakeholders in agriculture, research, and development from across the African continent.

The symposium highlighted the critical role of tropical root, tuber, and banana crops in enhancing food security, reducing poverty, and fostering economic development across Africa. Experts and researchers engaged in discussions on the latest technologies, climate-resilient innovations, and collaborative strategies for the sustainable management of these staple crops.

The Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) played a pivotal role in the symposium, with a delegation led by Acting Director General, Dr. Abdul R. Conteh. Accompanying him were key SLARI officials, including Dr. Isata Kamanda, Deputy Director General for Commercialization and Agribusiness Development, Dr. Martha S. E. Williams-Ngegba, Head of Nutrition and Officer in Charge of the Magbosi Land, Water and Environment Research Centre, Dr. Patrick M. Ngegba, a renowned plant health scientist, Dr. Jabeh A. Barka, an expert plant breeder, and Mr. Keiwoma Mark Yila, an agronomist. Their presence underscored SLARI's commitment to advancing agricultural research and development, particularly in the area of tropical root crops, which are vital to Sierra Leone’s food systems.

Dr. Isata Kamanda, in particular, made a significant impact at the symposium by being appointed as the West Africa Representative for the ISTRC-AB. This prestigious appointment is a testament to her leadership and contributions to the agricultural sector in West Africa. As the newly appointed representative, Dr. Kamanda is expected to strengthen partnerships, promote research collaborations, and advocate for the implementation of innovative solutions to enhance tropical root and tuber crop production and commercialization in the region.

The 15th ISTRC-AB Symposium concluded with a call to action for increased investment in agricultural research and development, particularly in tropical root, tuber, and banana crops. Participants recognized the need for strong regional and international partnerships to address the challenges posed by climate change, soil degradation, and the growing demand for food in Africa.

The Sierra Leonean delegation’s participation at this symposium further cements SLARI’s reputation as a leading agricultural research institute dedicated to improving the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring food security through innovative research and sustainable practices. With Dr. Isata Kamanda’s new role as the West Africa Representative for ISTRC-AB, SLARI is well-positioned to influence agricultural policy and promote the widespread adoption of climate-resilient technologies in the region.

As Africa continues to grapple with the challenges of food insecurity and climate change, the work of SLARI and its partners, bolstered by events like the ISTRC-AB Symposium, will remain crucial in shaping the future of agriculture and ensuring the continent’s ability to feed its growing population.