Climate adaptation and mitigation
Climate change threatens to reduce global crop production, and poor people in tropical environments will be hit the hardest. More than 90% of CIMMYT’s work relates to climate change, helping farmers adapt to shocks while producing more food, and reduce emissions where possible. Innovations include new maize and wheat varieties that withstand drought, heat and pests; conservation agriculture; farming methods that save water and reduce the need for fertilizer; climate information services; and index-based insurance for farmers whose crops are damaged by bad weather. CIMMYT is an important contributor to the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security.
A Capacity Approach To Climate Change Modeling: Identifying Crop Management Adaptation Options
Climate adaptation and mitigationCrop growth simulation models coupled with climate model projections are promoted and increasingly used for assessing impacts of climate change on crop yields and for informing crop-level adaptations.
Preserving native maize and culture in Mexico
Climate adaptation and mitigationIndigenous farmers in Oaxaca are custodians of maize biodiversity, growing seeds passed down over generations.
“Layering” climate smart rice-wheat farming practices in India boosts benefits
Climate adaptation and mitigationNew scientific research into “layering” climate smart agriculture techniques shows promise, demonstrating the potential for crop adaptability to climate change.
Q+A with Iván OrtĂz-Monasterio on nitrogen application and consequences
Climate adaptation and mitigationIn this interview, Iván OrtĂz-Monasterio, expert on sustainable intensification and wheat crop management, discusses the overuse of nitrogen fertilizer and related consequences, his experience with farmers, and his outlook for the future.
Timothy J. Krupnik
Climate adaptation and mitigationEnd of eight-year project leaves farmers ready to tackle climate change in Africa
Climate adaptation and mitigationAfter eight years the Sustainable Intensification of Maize-Legume Cropping Systems for Food Security in Eastern and Southern Africa (SIMLESA) project concludes this June.
Scientists seek key to boost yields, ensure future food supply
Climate adaptation and mitigationCrop genetic gains remain too low, and international scientists are making a concerted effort to determine how best to increase yields.
Science can reverse “new normal” of climate change-related disasters
Climate adaptation and mitigationEmergency seed fuels quick farm recovery in drought-affected Ethiopia
Climate adaptation and mitigationIn response to Ethiopia’s worst drought in 50 years and a critical shortage of seed in 2016, CIMMYT and partners delivered over 3,400 tons of high quality seed to farmers.
Facing the fall armyworm threat
Climate adaptation and mitigationIn a new blog published by Farming First, B.M. Prasanna discusses overcoming a pest that has been ravaging fields in Africa.
Breaking Ground: Leonard Rusinamhodzi on innovating farming systems for climate change
Climate adaptation and mitigationLeonard Rusinamhodzi works with African farmers to innovate farming systems in the face of climate change.
Establishing a soil borne pathogen research center in Turkey
Climate adaptation and mitigationTurkey’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock has for the first time allocated funding to establish a world-class center for research on soil borne pathogens.
New publications: How climate-smart is conservation agriculture?
Climate adaptation and mitigationA new study shows that while CA is well suited to helping farmers adapt to, and even increase profits in changing climates, there is considerable uncertainty about how much CA contributes to the mitigation aspect.
Climate disasters are closing in. Why have we forgotten farmers?
Climate adaptation and mitigationWith fragile food systems at the mercy of the increasingly erratic weather, they stand to lose a lot more than those of us with the resilience to bounce back.