[IITA] Efforts to enhance agriculture breeding programs in countries, specifically those considered fragile, are crucial to addressing the ongoing food and water shortages in the current climate crises. Strong research programs equip countries with a pipeline of modern agriculture solutions that help these nations respond to climate shocks and erratic rainfall patterns. These solutions must ensure that breeding programs are paired with effective agronomy advice. This integrated approach, driven by collaboration among scientists across the continent, turns research into real-world solutions for farmers.