Capacity development

Every year, CIMMYT trains tens of thousands of farmers, scientists, and technicians on techniques and practices for food security, nutrition, health and resource conservation. In contrast to formal academic training in plant breeding and agronomy, CIMMYT training activities are hands-on and highly specialized. Topics include practices to preserve maize and wheat genetic diversity; biological pest management; climate change adaptation and safer food processing. Trainees from Africa, Asia and Latin America benefit from the data assembled and handled in a global research program. Alumni of CIMMYT courses often become a significant force for agricultural change in their countries.