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.
Bringing mechanization to farmers’ doorsteps
Innovations
A mechanization project promotes the uptake of scale-appropriate machinery for smallholder farmers in rural Zimbabwe.
CIMMYT makes progress on some of the world’s top problems: 2022 Annual Report, “Harvesting Success”
Capacity development
CIMMYT presents its 2022 Annual Report.
Empowering women smallholder farmers in Africa with climate-resilient and nutritious maize varieties
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
CIMMYT-NARES regional maize breeding networks empower farmers, especially women, to ensure food security in the face of climate change.
Bridging the communication gap in genetic improvement tools in agriculture
Innovations
Effective communication can shape societal views on the importance of robust breeding technologies and is critical to advancing sustainable food systems.
In sub-Saharan Africa, mineral fertilization and agroecology are not incompatible
Environmental health and biodiversity
Should mineral fertilizer use be increased in sub-Saharan Africa? A team of African and European agronomists* provide a nuanced response to this question in an article published in Outlook on Agriculture. Their analysis is based on a review of the existing scientific literature and on years of field experience in sub-Saharan Africa.
Exploring alternative solutions: the case for synthetic mulch in a changing world
Capacity development
With the competing uses of maize residues as a source of feed and energy, CIMMYT has been at the forefront of developing and testing water conservation trials in Mutoko and Buhera, Zimbabwe, to meet the growing needs of farmers.
Millets: Climate-resilient crops for food and nutrition security, experts reveal
Climate adaptation and mitigation
As the world faces food insecurity and malnutrition fueled by a changing climate, experts reveal that millets, a valuable nutritious and climate-resilient food source, offer an opportunity to enhance sustainable food production and transform food systems.
Breeding for the traits of tomorrow
Climate adaptation and mitigation
New survey identifies opportunities for redesigning crop varieties to win the race between climate change and food security.
Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization: efficiency, inclusiveness, and resilience
Capacity development
CIMMYT continues its dedication to mechanization as part of FAO conference. Bram Govaerts, director general, presented a keynote address.
CIMMYT director general gains insights into breeding activities at Kiboko research facility
Innovations
In a recent visit to KALRO facilities in Kiboko, Kenya, CIMMYT commits to advancing the deployment of climate-resilient maize varieties in eastern and southern Africa.
CIMMYT takes part in the 113th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show
Innovations
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, an annual event attracting over 200,000 people, serves as a premier platform to foster and promote agricultural development in Zimbabwe.
The world must act to avert a climate-induced food shortage, cautions Cary Fowler. CIMMYT has a strategy to strengthen agrifood systems.
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Cary Fowler, U.S. special envoy for food security, warns of dire consequences if the international community fails to act to mitigate climate change impacts on agrifood systems. The CIMMYT 2030 Strategy holds the approach to respond and mitigate some of the worst effects of this looming crisis.
