The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture works with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture, with the ultimate goals of reducing hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.

IITA was established in 1967 in Ibadan, the idea of the institute came from Ford and Rockefeller foundations desire to establish a centre for the improvement in quality of tropical foods

IITA's research-for-development (R4D) focuses on addressing the development needs of tropical countries. The institute was established in 1967 and is headquartered in Ibadan, Nigeria, with several research stations across Africa. IITA is a nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Trustees, supported by several countries and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).