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.
Exploring young Africans’ role and engagement in the rural economy
Capacity developmentHow important is farming relative to non-farm activities for the income of young rural Africans?
Solving the “last mile” challenge of maize seeds
Nutrition, health and food securityReaching even the most remote corners of Africa, agrodealers give farmers access to agricultural inputs and services.
Digital imaging tools make maize breeding much more efficient
InnovationsThese technologies, known as high-throughput phenotyping platforms, replace lengthy paper-based visual observations of crop trials.
Breaking Ground: Rahma Adam unleashes the agricultural productivity of Africa’s women and youth
Gender equality, youth and social inclusionCIMMYT sociologist believes there is one vital resource that remains untapped to increase food security and boost livelihoods.
Growing need for food is reason for more biodiversity
Environmental health and biodiversityA recent study in Ethiopia has concluded that encouraging biodiversity on and around agricultural land likely increases its productivity.
How gender equity and social inclusion are improving the lives of rural families in Africa
Gender equality, youth and social inclusionWomen have the potential to be drivers of agricultural transformation.
International Women’s Day 2019: Women in seed systems in Africa
Gender equality, youth and social inclusionThese entrepreneurs are breaking social barriers while improving household nutrition and livelihoods.
Drought-tolerant hybrid seed offers farmers reprieve from hunger
Capacity developmentFarmers are reaping the benefits of SAWA hybrid, an improved maize seed variety designed to withstand drought conditions.
New publications: Gender and agricultural innovation in Oromia region, Ethiopia
Gender equality, youth and social inclusionAuthors examine how smallholders attempt to innovate with improved wheat seed, row planting, and the broad bed maker, introduced through the Ethiopian agricultural extension system.
Policy forum in Mozambique recommends scaling sustainable agriculture practices
Capacity developmentUnsustainable farming practices like monocropping are impacting soil health and reducing the productivity of farms.
The missing seed market
Gender equality, youth and social inclusionA new guidebook promotes improved seed and farming technologies for men and women, with the goal of increasing adoption rates.
New CIMMYT pre-commercial maize hybrids available from eastern and southern Africa breeding programs
Nutrition, health and food securityCIMMYT is offering a new set of improved maize hybrids to partners, to scale up production for farmers in these areas.
Women’s equality crucial for Ethiopia’s agricultural productivity
Capacity developmentSource: The Reporter (16 Feb 2019)
A new report shows that gender inequality in Ethiopia is hampering efforts to reach the government’s goal of wheat self-sufficiency by 2022.
Experts analyze food systems at EAT-Lancet Commission report launch in Ethiopia
Climate adaptation and mitigationGovernment officials, researchers and experts developed a list of recommendations going forward.
Smallholder wheat production can cut Africa’s costly grain imports
Nutrition, health and food securityScientists are working to catalyze local farming and help meet the rapidly rising regional demand wheat.