IITA and Madagascar sign host country agreement to transform Malagasy agriculture

24 March 2026

IITA -CGIAR has formalized its presence in Madagascar following the signing of a Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MINAE) on 27 February 2026 in the capital city. The agreement grants IITA legal status in the country and sets the stage for long-term, science-driven agricultural investment.

The legal framework enables IITA-CGIAR to establish sustained scientific programs, forge institutional partnerships, and address Madagascar's most pressing agricultural challenges, arriving at a moment of urgency for the country. Despite significant government investment, productivity gains have remained elusive for the 75% of the population that depends on farming. A recent government-convened agricultural roundtable sent a clear message that new partnerships must deliver results that reach farmers' fields.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, IITA Director General, and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, underscored the Institute's long-term commitment to the country. "We are not only here to execute projects," he said, "but to contribute to the sustainable transformation of Malagasy food systems. This agreement signals our shared commitment to building resilience and prosperity through agriculture."

With over five decades of experience across Africa, IITA-CGIAR brings a strong portfolio of innovations in staple crops, including banana, cassava, maize, yam, and legumes, that improve seed systems and develop varieties that resist pests and adapt to shifting climates. In some instances, these interventions have boosted yields by as much as 90%.

The partnership will focus on four priority areas: strengthening scientific research and innovation to modernize agriculture; building climate resilience across food systems; advancing digitalization and value chain development; and facilitating technology transfer in alignment with international development agendas, all in close collaboration with Technical and Financial Partners (TFP) and other development agencies.

IITA will work alongside other CGIAR centers, national institutions, universities, and extension services to accelerate the adoption of proven technologies and train the next generation of agricultural experts. Climate-smart practices piloted in other vulnerable regions will be introduced to help farmers manage drought and unpredictable weather. The Institute also places particular emphasis on engaging women and youth who form the backbone of the rural workforce by creating opportunities in agribusiness and value-added processing that make farming a viable and attractive livelihood.

Reflecting on this institutional milestone, Dr Leena Tripathi, IITA Director for Eastern Africa Hub, explained how this partnership will impact the research for development and partnership for Delivery and Scaling, "This agreement provides an important platform to deepen scientific collaboration and accelerate the delivery of agricultural innovations in Madagascar. Working with national research institutions, universities, and development partners, we aim to scale improved crop varieties, strengthen seed systems, diversify the crops, and support the adoption of climate-smart technologies that enhance productivity for farmers across the country."

Operationally, the Host Country Agreement streamlines the mobility of scientists and international partners, strengthens joint research initiatives with Malagasy institutions, and provides a stable platform for engagement with government agencies, development partners, and farmer organizations.

Contributed by Gloriana Ndibalema