Nutrition, health and food security

As staple foods, maize and wheat provide vital nutrients and health benefits, making up close to two-thirds of the world’s food energy intake, and contributing 55 to 70 percent of the total calories in the diets of people living in developing countries, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. CIMMYT scientists tackle food insecurity through improved nutrient-rich, high-yielding varieties and sustainable agronomic practices, ensuring that those who most depend on agriculture have enough to make a living and feed their families. The U.N. projects that the global population will increase to more than 9 billion people by 2050, which means that the successes and failures of wheat and maize farmers will continue to have a crucial impact on food security. Findings by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which show heat waves could occur more often and mean global surface temperatures could rise by up to 5 degrees Celsius throughout the century, indicate that increasing yield alone will be insufficient to meet future demand for food.

Achieving widespread food and nutritional security for the world’s poorest people is more complex than simply boosting production. Biofortification of maize and wheat helps increase the vitamins and minerals in these key crops. CIMMYT helps families grow and eat provitamin A enriched maize, zinc-enhanced maize and wheat varieties, and quality protein maize. CIMMYT also works on improving food health and safety, by reducing mycotoxin levels in the global food chain. Mycotoxins are produced by fungi that colonize in food crops, and cause health problems or even death in humans or animals. Worldwide, CIMMYT helps train food processors to reduce fungal contamination in maize, and promotes affordable technologies and training to detect mycotoxins and reduce exposure.

In the media

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Source: MSN ()

CIMMYT is supporting the One Health approach through research linking livestock health, sustainable farming, and food security

News

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At the 2025 Munich Security Conference, CIMMYT led the call to endorse the Munich Statement on Agriculture, Biodiversity, and Security, highlighting resilient food systems and agricultural biodiversity as cornerstones of global peace and stability

In the media

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Source: New Vision ()

CIMMYT recognized Dr. Godfrey Asea for developing drought-tolerant maize, reinforcing its commitment to climate-resilient agriculture in Uganda

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CIMMYT advances scientific innovations to boost crop productivity, resilience, and global food security

In the media

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Source: barchart ()

Tecnologico de Monterrey and CIMMYT developed nutraceutical corn to enhance nutrition and advance food security

In the media

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Source: John Innes Centre ()

CIMMYT and the John Innes Centre are advancing global wheat research through a strategic partnership focused on innovative solutions for disease resistance, productivity, and sustainable food systems

News

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CIMMYT and ICAR’s workshop on Long-Term Agricultural Experiments fostered collaboration to advance sustainable agriculture and climate resilience

Features

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Sundhani Tharu, a farmer from Nepal, is transforming her community through sustainable farming practices, blending tradition with innovation to nurture healthier soils, crops, and lives

Features

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AgriNet connects farmers with improved seeds, processes grains for diverse markets, and collaborates with CIMMYT and NaSARRI to align research with market needs and boost agricultural productivity

News Specials

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CIMMYT and the Novo Nordisk Foundation are partnering to advance sustainable agriculture, address food security and climate change, and empower farmers worldwide.

In the media

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Source: AP News ()

The Rockefeller Foundation’s grant to CIMMYT supports regenerative agricultural research in Mexico, advancing sustainable solutions for food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation

News

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CIMMYT’s impactful presence at the Borlaug Dialogue 2024 underscored its commitment to sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems through global partnerships, innovative initiatives, and recognition of key experts advancing food security worldwide

In the media

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Source: Seed today ()

CIMMYT’s deposit of 5,400 maize and wheat samples to the Svalbard Seed Vault highlights its commitment to safeguarding crop diversity for global food security

News

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Bram Govaerts received an Honorary Doctorate, highlighting CIMMYT’s global impact on food security through innovation

In the media

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Source: Forbes ()

CIMMYT’s focus on promoting biodiversity and resilient crops, as highlighted by Sieglinde Snapp, plays a crucial role in improving food security and livelihoods