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.
Breaking barriers in Mshewe: How Zinduka Women are Transforming Agriculture and Empowering Communities
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
With USAID and CIMMYT’s AID-I project, women in rural Tanzania are overcoming adversity, pioneering seed production, and redefining gender roles
CIMMYT Expands Climate-Smart Interventions in Southern Africa
Climate adaptation and mitigation
CIMMYT is leading efforts in Southern Africa to empower farmers with climate-smart agriculture, resilient seed systems, and early-warning tools, ensuring food security and sustainability amidst unprecedented drought conditions
Helping herders access grazing lands and water sources amid prevailing food insecurity in Sudan
Climate adaptation and mitigation
CIMMYT’s Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan (SASAS) program works to ensure that herders have access to rich grazing lands and safe drinking water to improve foraging conditions for their livestock
Machakos farmer reaps prosperity with new pigeon pea variety
Capacity development
Festus Muthoka’s story reflects broader efforts in the agricultural community to introduce more resilient crop varieties that meet the needs of farmers in challenging environments
The Sudan Food Security Initiative: Helping Farmers Produce High-Quality Seed Varieties
Capacity development
CIMMYT’s SASAS program boosts food security in conflict-affected Sudan by introducing high-yielding sorghum varieties through demonstration fields. Part of the Sudan Food Security Initiative (SFSI), it strengthens informal seed systems and helps farmers increase yields.
SASAS and partners use the Mega Demonstration Protocol with mother and baby trials in 10 villages in Kassala State to promote drought-tolerant sorghum adoption.
Scaling fodder innovations to improve livestock productivity in Zimbabwe’s semi-arid regions
Climate adaptation and mitigation
The LIPS Zimbabwe project boosts livestock productivity and climate resilience by introducing drought-tolerant fodder crops and mechanization to farmers in semi-arid regions
Nane Nane fair in Tanzania showcases agricultural innovation and collaboration
Innovations
The Nane Nane fair was more than just a display of agricultural technologies; it was also a celebration of the successes of local entrepreneurs who had benefited from the AID-I program
Rebecca’s Story of Turning Waste into a Livelihood
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
A single mother in Tanzania finds strength and stability by reclaiming spilled Paddy at a local cooperative
How effective soil aggregate management can boost productivity and climate resilience
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Conservation agriculture helps restore degraded soils, improve soil health, and enhance crop resilience to climate challenges, though the process requires patience, careful management, and long-term commitment
Empowering women in Zanzibar: the transformative impact of amaranth farming
Capacity development
Training on agricultural practices for alternative crops is expanding farming opportunities for women, securing nutrition and financial security for their families and communities
Building Resilience in Tigray: How CSA is pioneering sustainable agriculture in Ethiopia
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies and practices in Tigray, Ethiopia, praised by CIMMYT scientists and partners
The Sudan Food Security Initiative: Early wins amidst conflict and crisis
Climate adaptation and mitigation
CIMMYT’s Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan (SASAS) program empowers farmers and herders in conflict-affected Sudan by promoting food security and reducing reliance on humanitarian aid. Working with partners, SASAS has launched the Sudan Food Security Initiative in east Sudan to ensure that over 50,000 farmers have access to certified seeds, fertilizers, herbicides, and required agricultural resources
Buffering Climate Extremes in Zambia: The Essential Role of Delivery with a Difference
Climate adaptation and mitigation
CIMMYT’s AID-I initiative helps Zambian farmers adapt to climate change by providing drought-tolerant crops and essential agricultural support
Enhancing farmer’s crop productivity with resilient maize varieties tailored to their needs
Climate adaptation and mitigation
For more than a decade, the participatory regional on-farm trials (ROFT) have involved hundreds of farmers to identify the most suitable new maize hybrids, contributing to CIMMYT’s mandate of tackling food and nutrition insecurity through advanced breeding methods