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.
Appropriate farm scale mechanization can aid in agroecological transformation
Environmental health and biodiversity
The CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology is at the forefront of providing science-based evidence for the transformative nature of agroecology and its potential to bring about positive changes in food, land, and water systems in Zimbabwe.
Research local: co-creation generates novel options to tackle global problems
Capacity development
CIMMYT research helps meet Sustainable Development Goals through engagement of scientists and stakeholders in participatory action research.
Technology can boost farming in Africa, but it can also threaten biodiversity – how to balance the two
Environmental health and biodiversity
Source: The Conversation (14 Jul 2023)
CIMMYT researcher, Frédéric Baudron and researchers in economics, agronomy and ecology emphasise the importance of biodiversity-smart agricultural strategies in Africa.
‘Africa is a focal point for composite flour research’: 3D-printed crackers from African-grown peas and quinoa nabs Mühlenchemie’s Flour Innovation Award
Capacity development
Source: Bakery and snacks (20 Jul 2023)
Sidhar Bhavani, senior scientist, head of Rust Pathology and Molecular Genetics at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) enriched the jury of the MC Mühlenchemie’s Composite Flour Awards to mark its 100th anniversary.
What’s the link between two-wheel tractors and elephants?
Innovations
In a recent report, CIMMYT scientists examine trade-offs between labor and biodiversity.
Unveiling the potential of sorghum to shape sustainable agriculture
Environmental health and biodiversity
Sorghum Conference brought together researchers, scientists and experts from around the world.
Scientists urge shifting more nitrogen to low-input farms and better use on high-yield farms
Environmental health and biodiversity
Improving the distribution and use of nitrogen fertilizer — skewed by price hikes and outdated subsidies — can raise maize, wheat, and rice production in Africa and South Asia, while saving on fertilizer and addressing both food security and climate crisis concerns, a new study finds.
Agricultural Transformation in Africa
Innovations
Bram Govaerts calls for support among CIMMYT, CGIAR, and African researchers.
Climate change to reduce Africa, South Asia wheat output
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Source: World-Grain.com (26 Jun 2023)
DSSAT wheat models showcase the impact of temperature, heat stress, water balance and drought stress in large wheat yield reductions due to climate change for Africa and South Asia.
Pakistan’s wheat yield may decline 16pc due to climate change
Capacity development
Source: Dawn (25 Jun 2023)
The wheat simulation models have been widely used to study diverse cropping systems, as growing conditions and the impact of climate change on wheat vary across the globe. Simulations for South Asian countries suggested a different magnitude of climate change impacts, particularly due to warmer temperatures.
CIMMYT Director General reaffirms commitment to Zambia
Visit to Southern Africa AID-I Rapid Delivery Hub partners and intervention sites highlights strong partnerships bringing sustainable innovations to Zambia.
Wheat output in Africa and South Asia will suffer severely from climate change by 2050, modelling study shows
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Crop simulation models predict that climate change will lower global wheat production by 2050 in Africa and South Asia, where food security is already threatened.
Building capacities for advanced modern breeding programs in Africa
Capacity development
CIMMYT trains scientists in product profile-based maize breeding for increased genetics gains.