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.
Fast-tracked adoption of second-generation resistant maize varieties key to managing maize lethal necrosis in Africa
Innovations
New lines of CIMMYT-derived maize show increased resistance to maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease. Their rapid adoption, along with sustained monitoring and prevention efforts, are crucial to preventing another outbreak, argues a new report.
Zimbabwe: Centre Develops New Hybrid Maize Resistant to Armyworm
Environmental health and biodiversity
Source: All Africa (13 Jan 2022)
CIMMYT has developed new maize hybrid varieties showing promising resistance to the destructive fall armyworm pest, which has been causing huge crop losses ever since the pest was first reported in Africa in 2016.
Announcing CIMMYT-derived fall armyworm tolerant elite maize hybrids for eastern and southern Africa
Environmental health and biodiversity
Breakthrough comes after three years of intensive research and trials conducted in Kenya — and during the United Nations International Year of Plant Health — and represents a significant advance in the global fight against fall armyworm.
Delivering improved maize seed against all odds
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Ugandan seed enterprise showcases the performance of stress-resilient maize varieties and engages agro-dealers as last mile seed merchants.
How hybrid maize helps farmers get through dry spells
Innovations
Source: MIT Technology Review (18 Dec 2020)
A new seed developed by CIMMYT is boosting maize production in sub-Saharan Africa, where yields are less than a third of what they are in the US—in large part because of drought.
Crop variety guide for farmers
Capacity development
New manual supports informed choices for climate resilience in Zimbabwe.
Shining a brighter light on adoption and diffusion
Nutrition, health and food security
Improved maize varieties among top three CGIAR innovations adopted by up to 11 million households in Ethiopia, independent study shows.
Improved metrics for better decisions
Capacity development
National breeding programs prepped to measure – and boost – genetic gains.
Best of 2020: Editors’ picks
Innovations
This year, we published more than 250 stories related to maize and wheat science around the world. Here are some of our favorites.
Who benefits?
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
Study explores whether modern maize storage structures offer equal benefits to women and men farmers in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“Let there be food to eat”
Capacity development
Longtime CIMMYT collaborator Ruth Wanyera nears retirement from an honorable and decorated career in wheat research.
Best of 2020: Our favorite videos
Innovations
Kick back, press play and enjoy some of our favorite videos of the year.
Crop breeding and soil management must go hand in hand
Environmental health and biodiversity
This World Soil Day, explore how breeding success is inextricably linked to how we address soil degradation.
Building networks and capacity
Capacity development
AGG partners meet to launch regional networks for eastern and southern Africa and assess capacity development needs.