Africa

CIMMYT’s work in Africa helps farmers access new maize and wheat systems-based technologies, information and markets, raising incomes and enhancing crop resilience to drought and climate change. CIMMYT sets priorities in consultation with ministries of agriculture, seed companies, farming communities and other stakeholders in the maize and wheat value chains. Our activities in Africa are wide ranging and include: breeding maize for drought tolerance and low-fertility soils, and for resistance to insect pests, foliar diseases and parasitic weeds; sustainably intensifying production in maize- and wheat-based systems; and investigating opportunities to reduce micronutrient and protein malnutrition among women and young children.

Features

tag icon Climate adaptation and mitigation

A CIMMYT-led study in Zambia shows that climate-resilient maize only drives real impact when paired with strong markets, supportive policies, and better access to knowledge and finance

Blogs

tag icon Capacity development

In Niassa, farmers are joining forces through CIMMYT’s TSAN initiative to strengthen associations, boost productivity, and build resilient food systems with Irish Aid’s support

Blogs

tag icon Dryland Crops

CIMMYT’s Modular Impact Accelerator boosts Africa’s dryland seed and grain systems through innovation, local enterprise, and market-driven growth

Blogs News

tag icon Climate adaptation and mitigation

Seed companies and research institutions are lining up to commercialize CIMMYT’s climate-resilient maize, as more farmers seek solutions for food security and farm stability

Blogs News

tag icon Capacity development

CIMMYT and KALRO, through the AVISA project, introduced the high-yielding Mituki pigeonpea variety in Makueni, Kenya. Learn how smallholder farmer Francis Ndiso transformed his livelihood, inspired his community, and helped strengthen local seed systems through innovation and resilience

Blogs News

tag icon Capacity development

Strategic partnerships, digital tools, and high-quality agronomic data are transforming smallholder farming in Southern Africa, turning raw information into actionable insights that boost productivity and resilience

Blogs

tag icon Innovations

A Business-to-Business Forum in Tanzania is strengthening seed systems and value chains for sorghum and groundnut by driving investment, innovation, and farmer opportunities

In the media News

tag icon Gender equality, youth and social inclusion

Source: CNBC Africa ()

CIMMYT DG Bram Govaerts shares how Africa’s youth and women use climate-smart seeds, innovation, and investment to drive resilient, job-creating food systems

Blogs

tag icon Capacity development

CIMMYT is revolutionizing plant breeding with AI-powered phenotyping, using smartphones and machine learning to deliver faster, scalable, and more accurate crop data for dryland staples across Africa

Scientist- Climate Adaptation, Landscape & Agricultural Water Management
Blogs

tag icon Climate adaptation and mitigation

The Sustain Sudan Project unites global partners to revive farming, support smallholder farmers, and build sustainable agrifood systems for lasting food security

In the media

tag icon Climate adaptation and mitigation

Source: CGIAR ()

CIMMYT worked with Uganda’s NARO to breed new maize hybrids and screen germplasm for maize lethal necrosis resistance

Blogs

tag icon Capacity development

Discover how Conservation Agriculture is transforming smallholder farming in Malawi through sustainable practices, farmer-led trials, and climate-smart innovations

Blogs

tag icon Climate adaptation and mitigation

When young minds meet the right tools, they don’t just grow crops—they cultivate a new future for their communities

Blogs

tag icon Gender equality, youth and social inclusion

Dorothy Helema is turning personal loss into lasting legacy, transforming Conservation Agriculture from a research concept into a thriving community movement—one trial plot at a time