Capacity Development Office organizes and provides training to both IITA partners and its own staff. It coordinates graduate student engagement within both P4D and R4D Directorates and organizes collaborative activities, fellowships, and sabbaticals with a wide variety of academic institutions.

IITA uses a mix of training approaches, from individual short-term and long-term courses to group training opportunities. Individual training activities include the Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), and Undergraduate Internships. These comprehensive training offerings comprise of graduate research, individual attachments, and the development and distribution of group training course materials.

The Institute prioritizes skills enhancement among national scientists through active involvement in Research for Development (R4D) projects and non-degree training programs, fostering strong personal connections that facilitate ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing. Sabbatical opportunities enable closer interaction between national scientists and researchers, while internal training initiatives empower staff to acquire new competencies, enhancing work performance and readiness for increased responsibilities. With a commitment to addressing capacity development needs in Africa, IITA continually improves agricultural knowledge through comprehensive training efforts, contributing to broader strategies aimed at combating poverty and hunger in the region. For further details on training opportunities, contact IITA Training at iita-trainingunit@cgiar.org.