IITA-CGIAR has celebrated the recognition of Dr Mercy Diebiru-Ojo as one of the 2025 Africa Food Prize Laureates, for her outstanding contributions to advancing Africa’s agricultural transformation through widespread promotion of a novel node culture technology for cassava and yam called Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH).
According to a statement by Mrs Tolulope Olabode, the IITA Communication Officer, Dr Diebiru-Ojo’s work is shaping a new frontier in rapid crop multiplication, transforming SAH from a scientific breakthrough into a scalable enterprise model that directly benefits farmers and seed entrepreneurs across sub-Saharan Africa.
Olabode said that the technology accelerates the production of clean, disease-free planting materials, ensuring that improved varieties of cassava and yam, adding that the two crops feed hundreds of millions of African and reach farmers faster and more efficiently.
She said through Diebiru-Ojo’s leadership, SAH has transitioned beyond research to practical application and supporting the development of stronger seed systems in multiple countries.
“This achievement is not only boosting agricultural productivity but also creating opportunities for youth and women agripreneurs, strengthening food security, and opening new pathways for sustainable livelihoods,” IITA communication officer said.
She said that the Africa Food Prize, awarded annually, is the continent’s most prestigious recognition of individuals and institutions leading efforts to transform African agriculture.
“By spotlighting innovations that create lasting impact, the Prize highlights the vision, dedication, and creativity required to address Africa’s urgent food security challenges.
“Dr Diebiru-Ojo’s selection affirms her role as a trailblazer in agricultural science and enterprise development, bridging the gap between laboratory research and farmers’ fields.
“Her success in scaling out the SAH node culture technology sets a new standard for how scientific discoveries can be translated into solutions that scale across Africa, helping the continent feed itself and contribute to global food security,” she said.
According to Dr Simeon Ehui, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Mercy Diebiru-Ojo’s recognition as a recipient of the Africa Food Prize underscores the power of African-led science to deliver practical solutions.
“Her work in SAH demonstrates how cutting-edge research, when scaled, can drive real transformation in the lives of farmers, enhance resilience in our food systems, and secure Africa’s agricultural future,” IITA DG said.
Speaking on the award, Diebiru-Ojo said that the award was a call to action and a reminder that much needs to be done to achieve a food-secure Africa.
” I accept it not as a symbol of fulfillment, but as fuel to work even harder for the opportunities ahead,” Diebiru-Ojo said.(End)
