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.
Rural women of eastern and southern Africa gain ground
On the International Day of Rural Women, October 15, meet farmers who are leading their families and their communities to a better life.
Pulses, cobs and a healthy soil prove the success of a rural innovator
Long-term research on climate-smart agriculture in Malawi has improved the productivity, resilience and prospects of Mary Twaya, a single mother of three.
Climate-smart agriculture: A winning strategy for farming families in El Niño seasons
A recent study from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) shows that conservation agriculture and other climate-smart technologies are increasing yields and farmer resilience amidst drought episodes in southern Africa.
Smallholder farmers’ multi-front strategy combats rapidly evolving wheat rust in Ethiopia
Researchers found farmers who increased both the area growing resistant varieties and the number of wheat varieties grown per season saw the biggest yield increases.
Collaborative product profiling captures farmers’ demand for greater impact
A demand-driven, multi-lens approach ensures the best maize varieties are available to seed companies and farmers.
Kenyan maize farmers set to benefit from development of improved varieties
Source: News Ghana (13 Sep 2019)
CIMMYT has developed a variety of seeds to meet the varied needs of Kenyan farmers.
Ethiopian policymakers consider wider use of DNA fingerprinting
This tool allows to identify varieties used by farmers and to track the adoption and impact of improved crops.
Seed production innovations, conservation agriculture and partnerships are key for Africa’s food security
Partner field days in Kenya presented sustainable solutions to crop threats and innovations in seed and agronomy.
Ethiopian maize breeders will directly apply knowledge gained from training
STMA project training focused on latest developments in maize research and data collection.
Scientists set to release stem rust resistant wheat varieties in Kenya
Source: Xinhua News (1 Sep 2019)
CIMMYT scientist says wheat varieties to be released in Kenya have high yields and are resistant to stem rust U99.
CIMMYT research at the forefront of the digital revolution in African agriculture
New leaflet highlights digital innovations for Africa as researchers share insights at the African Green Revolution Forum 2019.
African leaders rely on science and technology to improve food security
At the Africa Food Security Leadership Dialogue in Rwanda, experts and policymakers analyzed ways to address the continent’s food security crisis in the face of climate change.
Breaking Ground: Anani Bruce guards Africa’s maize harvest from insect pests
CIMMYT entomologist strengthens native resistance in maize against fall armyworm and equips farmers with pest control measures.
New platform rapidly diagnoses wheat rust
Source: World Grain (13 Aug 2019)
MARPLE diagnostic platform significantly reduces the time to identify strains, which previously took months.