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.
Partners in nutrition
Nutrition, health and food securityStrong partnerships key to making healthy diets affordable and meeting global nutrition challenges, says CIMMYT researcher Natalia Palacios at 2020 African Green Revolution Forum.
CIMMYT and IITA collaborate to increase adoption of conservation agriculture in southern Africa
InnovationsNew project will research and promote the adoption of sustainable farming method and practices.
Retrospective quantitative genetic analysis and genomic prediction of global wheat yields
InnovationsA new quantitative genetics study makes a strong case for the yield testing strategies CIMMYT uses in its wheat breeding program.
East Africa partners welcome “new era” in wheat breeding collaboration
Gender equality, youth and social inclusionExperts from Ethiopia and Kenya join CIMMYT and other partners to renew a long-standing collaboration under the auspices of the new AGG project.
Collaborating to accelerate genetic gains in maize and wheat
InnovationsTremendous impact is arising from the longstanding cooperation between CIMMYT’s maize and wheat programs and national programs in countries where CIMMYT works.
Matching nutrients to agroforestry systems for greater maize and wheat yields
InnovationsCase studies from Ethiopia and Rwanda show adaptable fertilizer rates may help tree-based smallholder farmers, thus providing them with options to cope with COVID-19-imposed fertilizer shortages.
Development Partners Explore Scaling Up Food Systems Transformation in Africa Post-COVID-19
InnovationsSource: All Africa (10 Sep 2020)
African Green Revolution Forum panel discussed and policies to encourage small and medium-enterprise (SME) growth.
Reaching women with improved maize and wheat
Climate adaptation and mitigationThe new AGG project aims to respond to the climate emergency and gender nexus through gender-intentional product profiles for its improved seed varieties and gender-intentional seed delivery pathways.
Building resistance in wheat: International collaboration fights Septoria tritici blotch disease
Capacity developmentTunisia-based Septoria phenotyping platform plays critical role in identifying sources of resistance to the disease.
New publications: Power, agency and benefits among women and men maize farmers
Gender equality, youth and social inclusionIncome-generating benefits of improved maize varieties hampered by patriarchal gender norms in rural Nigeria.
Unique partnership to transform maize breeding and production in Africa
InnovationsStakeholders take stock of ongoing work to bring farmers superior hybrids using two novel technologies.
Lessons for gender in seed systems
Gender equality, youth and social inclusionWorkshop participants exchange ideas on expanding opportunities for women in the seed sector.
The future of agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa
Gender equality, youth and social inclusionOn International Youth Day, CIMMYT captures images of sub-Saharan African youth to celebrate their immense contributions to agriculture, farming systems, service provision and research and development.
Agency unveils seed resistant to disease
Environmental health and biodiversitySource: The Standard (16 Aug 2020)
Kenya Seed Company worked with CIMMYT to develop a maize lethal necrosis-tolerant hybrid.
AGG project to ramp up genetic gains in maize for better livelihoods
Nutrition, health and food securitySource: AFRICA Agribusiness (31 Aug 2020)
Project will deliver improved, stress resilient, nutritious seed to smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia.