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.
A view from above
Innovations
CIMMYT scientists use high-powered drones and space satellite imagery to accelerate crop improvement, fight pests and diseases and help farmers make better crop management decisions.
Buying into new seed
Climate adaptation and mitigation
A mock shop helps researchers understand how Kenyan farmers choose maize seed when their preferred varieties are out of stock.
CIMMYT Releases 12 New Maize Lines
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Source: Seed World (14 May 2021)
CIMMYT has released a set of 12 new maize lines adapted to the tropical environments targeted by CIMMYT and partner institutions.
CIMMYT releases 12 new maize lines
Innovations
CIMMYT maize lines CML604A to CML615A are adapted to tropical maize production environments.
Digitization equipment set to accelerate Kenya’s breeding programs
Capacity development
New equipment will speed up and enhance the accuracy of national breeding processes including seed preparation, data collection and inventory management.
Many birds with one stone
Capacity development
Two-wheel tractors have replaced outdated farming tools, helping Ethiopian farmers reduce drudgery, improve productivity and increase their profits.
Revisiting the inverse size-productivity relationship
Innovations
Study results suggest caution in designing agricultural policies based on evidence derived from inaccurate measurement protocols.
Investment in maize for Africa pays off
Innovations
New report quantifies the impact of 20 years of CGIAR-led maize improvement for Africa.
How do we sustainably manage transboundary diseases and crop pests?
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
CGIAR webinar examined the technological, sustainability and social implications of integrated approaches.
Fighting the stress
Innovations
CIMMYT partner seed company supports smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa with stress-tolerant seed against biotic and abiotic stresses.
Experts point ways to better crops and farmer incomes
Environmental health and biodiversity
A new annual event examines root and soil health’s importance for food security, livelihoods and climate resilience and marks the launch of a community for root and soil health action.
Capacitating farmers and development agents through radio
Capacity development
CIMMYT partnered with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS)-EA, and Fana Broadcasting Corporate to deliver seasonal and operational agroclimate and COVID-19 advisories for farmers to support farm decisions.
Researchers identify optimal strategy to maximize genomic estimated breeding values
Innovations
Genomic selection breeding approach paves the way to better maize and wheat in farmers’ fields faster.