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CORAF announces the fourth edition of the Marché des Innovations et Technologies Agricoles (MITA), to be held from October 21 to 25, 2024 at the Hôtel du 2 Février in Lomé. Under the theme " Facilitating access to agricultural technologies and innovations for the integrated management of pests, plagues and diseases of plants and animals", this flagship event organized by CORAF in partnership with the Institut Togolais de Recherche Agronomique (ITRA) brings together key players in agricultural research, innovation and development to stimulate the adoption of innovative solutions in West and Central Africa.

This fourth edition of MITA is placed under the patronage of Mr. Antoine Lekpa GBEGBENI, Togo's Minister of Agriculture, Village Hydraulics and Rural Development, and represents a genuine platform for interaction between research, the private sector, public institutions and the end-users of agricultural technologies. The event will focus on the integrated management of plant and animal pests and diseases, with a view to improving food security in West and Central Africa. 

Pests and diseases affecting plants and animals are one of the major challenges hampering agricultural production in West and Central Africa. MITA 2024 will explore technologies and innovations related to the management of pests, plant and animal diseases, with a focus on strengthening public-private partnerships to accelerate their dissemination. MITA 2024 will feature several information and technology exchange and networking sessions, as well as exhibition and demonstration areas for technologies and innovations for the benefit of the public and agricultural professionals. 

" MITA 2024 is much more than just a forum for exchange. It is an essential platform that highlights innovative solutions to today's agricultural challenges, especially those related to pests as well as plant and animal diseases. It is imperative that we accelerate the adoption of these technologies to build a more resilient and inclusive agriculture, while meeting the needs of young people and women, " emphasizes Dr. Moumini Savadogo, Executive Director of CORAF. 

Several other key events are being organized by CORAF during MITA 2024, including : 

The 1st edition of the West and Central African Youth Summit: Organized by CORAF in collaboration with the GGGI, this summit will mobilize youth around the opportunities of climate-smart agriculture, while unleashing their potential for a sustainable transformation of agri-food systems. Under the theme " Engaging young people in climate-smart agriculture by unleashing their potential ", the event will offer young people the opportunity to exchange views with industry leaders, and present their agricultural innovations in the field of climate-smart agriculture. 

The Abdoulaye TOURÉ Agricultural Innovation Prize: This prestigious award will recognize the best agricultural innovations with a measurable impact on productivity and adaptation to climate risks. The prize recognizes the impact of innovations in three key sub-sectors: agricultural productivity, adaptation to climate risks, and agricultural trade. Created in memory of Mr. Abdoulaye Touré, former team leader of the West African Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAPP), the award encourages agricultural innovation in Africa and supports CORAF's mission in agricultural research and development. 

This fourth edition of MITA is an opportunity to showcase proven innovations and technologies that have the potential to transform agriculture and contribute to food security in West and Central Africa. 

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About CORAF

CORAF, a sub-regional organization made up of the national agricultural research systems of twenty-three West and Central African countries, is mandated to coordinate the implementation of sub-regional agricultural research policies as defined by governments. Created in 1987 with its Executive Secretariat in Dakar, Senegal, CORAF's main objective is to improve livelihoods in West and Central Africa, through sustainable increases in agricultural production and productivity, and to promote competitiveness and markets.

For more information: www.coraf.org/

For further information, please contact : 

Christel KENOU, Communications Manager, c.kenou@coraf.org 

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