The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and OCP Group have entered into a five-year strategic partnership aimed at accelerating scientific innovation to support sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems, reinforcing efforts to tackle food insecurity across Africa and beyond.
The collaboration, announced on Monday, will directly support the IAEA’s Atoms4Food initiative, which promotes the use of nuclear science and related technologies to improve agricultural productivity, enhance soil health, and strengthen climate resilience. OCP Group, a global leader in plant nutrition solutions, will contribute its technical expertise, research capacity, and on-the-ground experience in agricultural development.
Under the partnership, the IAEA and OCP Group will work together to scale up the application of nuclear and isotopic techniques in areas such as soil fertility management, water efficiency, crop nutrition, and climate-smart farming. These technologies enable scientists and farmers to better understand soil conditions, optimise fertiliser use, and improve crop yields while reducing environmental impact.
The initiative is expected to place a strong emphasis on capacity building, including training scientists, agronomists, and agricultural practitioners in developing countries. By strengthening local expertise, the partnership aims to ensure that scientific advances translate into practical solutions that benefit smallholder farmers and national food systems.
Food insecurity remains a major challenge across Africa, exacerbated by climate change, land degradation, water scarcity, and population growth. The IAEA said the partnership reflects a growing recognition that innovative science-based approaches are essential to meet rising food demand while protecting natural resources.
OCP Group said the collaboration aligns with its long-term commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and improving farmer livelihoods. By combining its plant nutrition knowledge with the IAEA’s scientific and technical capabilities, the partnership seeks to deliver integrated solutions that support both productivity and environmental sustainability.
The five-year agreement also includes plans to support research and pilot projects, facilitate knowledge exchange, and strengthen cooperation with national governments and international partners. Both organisations said the partnership is designed to deliver measurable impact, particularly in regions most vulnerable to food shocks and climate stress.
As the Atoms4Food initiative gains momentum, the IAEA and OCP Group said their joint efforts would contribute to building more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems, positioning science and innovation at the centre of global food security strategies.