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.
“Maize is Food”: Zambia’s Journey with Climate-Resilient Seeds
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
Strengthening Farmer Associations for Resilient Food Systems in Niassa
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
The Future is Local: Driving Systems Change and Accelerating Impacts Where It Matters Most
Dryland Crops
CIMMYT’s Modular Impact Accelerator boosts Africa’s dryland seed and grain systems through innovation, local enterprise, and market-driven growth
Demand for stress-tolerant maize is surging and CIMMYT’s varieties are meeting the moment
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
Kenyan Farmer Unlocks New Opportunities Through breakthrough Improved Pigeonpea Variety
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
From data to impact: How strategic partnerships and agronomic insights drive smallholder productivity
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
Unlocking Investment and Innovation in Dryland Crops: A Business Forum on Sorghum and Groundnut in Tanzania
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
Youth, innovation and climate-smart seeds driving Africa’s agri-tech growth
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
Driving a New Era in Breeding: AI-Powered Phenotyping at CIMMYT
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
Building Resilience in Sudan: Sustain Sudan Project Launches with Strong Partner Commitments
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
Ugandan breeders take the lead in crop innovation through new grant-based model
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
Patience, Trust, and a Long View: How farmers in Malawi are shaping the future of Conservation Agriculture
Capacity development
Discover how Conservation Agriculture is transforming smallholder farming in Malawi through sustainable practices, farmer-led trials, and climate-smart innovations
From Struggle to Strength: A Young Farmer’s Journey Toward Sustainable Prosperity
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
A lifetime of learning: Dorothy Helema’s journey with Conservation Agriculture in Malawi
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
