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.
Money-making machines
Capacity development
Small-mechanization pilot initiative signs up 15 service providers to boost incomes and resilience through a lease-to-own business model in Masvingo, Zimbabwe.
Molecular breeding speeds development of better seeds
Innovations
Need for continuous testing and application of new breeding methods to deliver resilient seed varieties at a faster rate is more important now than ever before.
Breaking Ground: Rahel Assefa thrives off witnessing impact
Ethiopia-based project manager finds inspiration in supporting programs and colleagues across Africa.
An instant seed market
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Seed fair in Masvingo, Zimbabwe — the first of its kind — increases smallholder access to stress tolerant varieties and knowledge on climate-smart technologies.
Scientific opportunities and challenges
Capacity development
First meetings of the AGG Science and Technical Steering Committees generate insights and recommendations for optimizing breeding schemes.
Taking stock of the national toolbox
Environmental health and biodiversity
Researchers take stock of the fertilizer recommendation tools in available in Ethiopia in support of the country’s National Soils Strategy.
Faster results at a lower cost
Innovations
Innovative tools and technologies help CIMMYT maize breeders in Africa accelerate the delivery of high-quality seed.
New publications: Voicing demand for farm power
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
Study explores how gender norms and intra-household dynamics shape women’s demand articulation for labor-saving technologies.
Saving water and time
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Drip irrigation technologies are conserving resources and improving farmer resilience in eastern Zimbabwe.
Rust-resistant bread wheat varieties widely adopted in Ethiopia
Nutrition, health and food security
Study shows investments and innovative policy decisions are increasing farmer incomes and national wheat productivity, with varieties originating from CIMMYT making a significant contribution.
The beginning of a beautiful partnership
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
Experts discuss solutions to postharvest losses and how agricultural mechanization can benefit rural women in the Global South.
Farmers flock towards nutritious, orange maize
Nutrition, health and food security
A growing number of smallholders in southern Zimbabwe adopt provitamin-A maize after collective learning and knowledge transfer initiative.