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.
Climate-smart agriculture: A winning strategy for farming families in El Niño seasons
Climate adaptation and mitigation
A recent study from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) shows that conservation agriculture and other climate-smart technologies are increasing yields and farmer resilience amidst drought episodes in southern Africa.
Smallholder farmers’ multi-front strategy combats rapidly evolving wheat rust in Ethiopia
Nutrition, health and food security
Researchers found farmers who increased both the area growing resistant varieties and the number of wheat varieties grown per season saw the biggest yield increases.
Collaborative product profiling captures farmers’ demand for greater impact
Nutrition, health and food security
A demand-driven, multi-lens approach ensures the best maize varieties are available to seed companies and farmers.
Kenyan maize farmers set to benefit from development of improved varieties
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Source: News Ghana (13 Sep 2019)
CIMMYT has developed a variety of seeds to meet the varied needs of Kenyan farmers.
Ethiopian policymakers consider wider use of DNA fingerprinting
Innovations
This tool allows to identify varieties used by farmers and to track the adoption and impact of improved crops.
Seed production innovations, conservation agriculture and partnerships are key for Africa’s food security
Nutrition, health and food security
Partner field days in Kenya presented sustainable solutions to crop threats and innovations in seed and agronomy.
Ethiopian maize breeders will directly apply knowledge gained from training
Capacity development
STMA project training focused on latest developments in maize research and data collection.
Digitalizing African agriculture: paving the way to Africa’s progress through transforming the agriculture sector
Innovations
AGRF 2019 discussed digital transformation as key driver of sustainable food systems in Africa.
Scientists set to release stem rust resistant wheat varieties in Kenya
Nutrition, health and food security
Source: Xinhua News (1 Sep 2019)
CIMMYT scientist says wheat varieties to be released in Kenya have high yields and are resistant to stem rust U99.
CIMMYT research at the forefront of the digital revolution in African agriculture
Innovations
New leaflet highlights digital innovations for Africa as researchers share insights at the African Green Revolution Forum 2019.
African leaders rely on science and technology to improve food security
Innovations
At the Africa Food Security Leadership Dialogue in Rwanda, experts and policymakers analyzed ways to address the continent’s food security crisis in the face of climate change.
Breaking Ground: Anani Bruce guards Africa’s maize harvest from insect pests
Innovations
CIMMYT entomologist strengthens native resistance in maize against fall armyworm and equips farmers with pest control measures.
New platform rapidly diagnoses wheat rust
Innovations
Source: World Grain (13 Aug 2019)
MARPLE diagnostic platform significantly reduces the time to identify strains, which previously took months.
Using the MARPLE kit to diagnose wheat rust in Ethiopia
Innovations
The mobile kit will allow Ethiopia to quickly identify wheat rust strains in 48 hours, instead of sending samples to labs abroad.