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.
Steering towards success
Environmental health and biodiversity
Inaugural Rwanda National Seed Congress paves the way for sustainable seed industry growth.
Agroecology alliance calls for more food at less cost to nature in Congo Basin
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Source: Mongabay (28 Aug 2023)
CIMMYT research, Prasanna Boddupalli, emphasise the importance of reorienting food production systems and agricultural policy across the Congo Basin.
El Niño event declared: Impacts on the Limpopo river basin in Southern Africa expected
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Source: Top African News ()
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and CIMMYT emphasize the need for continued research and efforts to understand the variation in El Niño impacts on maize yields in southern Africa.
CIMMYT releases 32 new elite maize lines
Innovations
CIMMYT maize lines CML616A to CML647A have diverse trait combinations and are suitable for tropical/subtropical maize production environments.
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.
