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.
Understanding decision support
Environmental health and biodiversity
Researchers study the design, delivery and use of digital decision-support tools for smallholder maize farmers in northern Nigeria.
Can Uganda attain zero-hunger?
Nutrition, health and food security
New study projects food demand in 2030 and considers the implications for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
When it comes to maize variety choices, can farmers have it all?
Varietal trait prioritization is important for balancing commercial realities and farmers’ diverse interests.
Waging war against the fall armyworm
Environmental health and biodiversity
CIMMYT and its partners worldwide continue to work on this complex challenge, so millions of smallholder farmers can protect their crops and feed their families.
Report links wheat blast pandemic on three continents
Environmental health and biodiversity
Source: World Grain (19 Mar 2021)
Genetic analyses show that a destructive wheat blast fungus that travelled from South America to South East Asia is now established in Zambia under rain-fed conditions.
A view from above
Innovations
CIMMYT scientists use high-powered drones and space satellite imagery to accelerate crop improvement, fight pests and diseases and help farmers make better crop management decisions.
Buying into new seed
Climate adaptation and mitigation
A mock shop helps researchers understand how Kenyan farmers choose maize seed when their preferred varieties are out of stock.
CIMMYT Releases 12 New Maize Lines
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Source: Seed World (14 May 2021)
CIMMYT has released a set of 12 new maize lines adapted to the tropical  environments targeted by CIMMYT and partner institutions.
CIMMYT releases 12 new maize lines
Innovations
CIMMYT maize lines CML604A to CML615A are adapted to tropical maize production environments.
Digitization equipment set to accelerate Kenya’s breeding programs
Capacity development
New equipment will speed up and enhance the accuracy of national breeding processes including seed preparation, data collection and inventory management.
Many birds with one stone
Capacity development
Two-wheel tractors have replaced outdated farming tools, helping Ethiopian farmers reduce drudgery, improve productivity and increase their profits.
Revisiting the inverse size-productivity relationship
Innovations
Study results suggest caution in designing agricultural policies based on evidence derived from inaccurate measurement protocols.
Investment in maize for Africa pays off
Innovations
New report quantifies the impact of 20 years of CGIAR-led maize improvement for Africa.
How do we sustainably manage transboundary diseases and crop pests?
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
CGIAR webinar examined the technological, sustainability and social implications of integrated approaches.
