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.
Reaping the benefits of innovation
Capacity development
Service provider harvest model could create opportunities for young African entrepreneurs while reducing carbon emissions.
Farmers diversify crops in their fields and food on their plates
Innovations
Two-wheel tractors are allowing Ethiopian farmers to boost their incomes and support their communities in times of need.
Conservation agriculture feeds people and protects the environment
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Initiative in Zimbabwe pursues holistic and multi-faceted approach to support climate resilience and increase yields.
Researcher says COVID-19 to affect Africa’s food situation
Nutrition, health and food security
Source: News Ghana (4 Jun 2020)
CIMMYT Global Maize Program Director B.M. Prasanna calls on scientists to help countries in finding faster solutions to the effects of COVID-19 on food security.
Two decades of illustrious service
Capacity development
Stephen Mugo retires from CIMMYT after more than twenty years of commitment and scientific contributions.
What can be done to prevent the outbreak of coronavirus from affecting agriculture?
Nutrition, health and food security
Source: Fana Television (3 Jun 2020)
CIMMYT joins EIAR and Ministry of Agriculture on panel discussing strategy to prevent food insecurity in Ethiopia during COVID-19 pandemic.
Farm mechanization under COVID-19
Innovations
As the current pandemic and restrictions create labor constraints, CIMMYT experts discuss the role scale-appropriate farm machinery can play in addressing them.
Fight against viruses, also in defense of maize and our food
Environmental health and biodiversity
Source: Donne del Food (31 May 2020)
B.M. Prasanna, director of CIMMYT’s Global Maize Program and the CGIAR Research Program on Maize, discusses the viral disease maize lethal necrosis.
Breaking Ground: Yoseph Beyene breeds desirable maize varieties for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa
Innovations
CIMMYT breeder applies new tools and technologies to accelerate genetic gains, make breeding more efficient, and keep up with the changing dynamics of biotic and abiotic stresses.
Battling devastating viral diseases, also in plants
Nutrition, health and food security
Maize lethal necrosis has taught us that intensive efforts to keep human and plant diseases at bay need to continue beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
Africa’s smallholders to bear the brunt of COVID-19
Nutrition, health and food security
Source: SciDev.net (25 May 2020)
As COVID-19 pandemic threatens smallholder farmers, it could be an opportunity to shift priorities and increase support to agriculture.
This little seed went to market
Capacity development
Seed companies in Malawi share how they chose their flagship varieties and got them onto the commercial market.
Opinion: COVID-19 highlights need to boost resilience of Africa’s rural poor
Nutrition, health and food security
Source: Devex (4 May 2020)
Leaders from CIMMYT, Harvest Plus and Clinton Development Initiative discuss need for smallholder farmers to be resilient against shocks — pandemics, droughts or crop infestations.
