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.
Farmers at center of sustainable agriculture in Kenya
Capacity development
Climate change’s impact in eastern and southern Africa has driven many farmers to seek new planting techniques that maintain or increase crop production, despite fewer resources.
New Provitamin A maize platform fights hidden hunger in Tanzania
Nutrition, health and food security
Farmer in Malawi defines true project success
Innovations
Development initiatives are only truly successful when participants graduate, adopt and leave.
New Publications: Study shows improved maize decreases malnutrition
Innovations
New evidence shows that not only do improved maize varieties increase crop productivity and farmer income, they can also decrease child malnutrition.
Seed certification critical to quality seed production
Capacity development
To ensure that quality seed standards are maintained, CIMMYT supports partners such as national agricultural research institutions and seed producers in acquisition and production of pure early generation seed.
Fall armyworm devastates crops in sub-Saharan Africa: A quick and coordinated regional response is required
Nutrition, health and food security
The head of CIMMYT’s Global Maize Program highlights the potential impact of the fall armyworm pest and how CGIAR researchers are contributing to a quick and coordinated response across the Africa.
Tanzanian start-up rises to profitable maize business
Capacity development
CIMMYT supports seed company partners in enhancing their capacity to produce foundation and certified seed.
Maize lethal necrosis quarantine facility opens avenues for introducing novel maize germplasm in southern Africa
Nutrition, health and food security
The maize lethal necrosis quarantine facility in southern Africa was officially opened in Zimbabwe on April 20, 2017.
Q+A: Agricultural mechanization fuels opportunity for youth in rural Africa
Capacity development
Small-scale agricultural mechanization is showing signs it has the potential to fuel rural employment for youth in sub-Saharan Africa, according to researchers.
Maize breeding on track for climate change in Africa, scientist urges bigger investments
Climate adaptation and mitigation
With appropriate funding, maize yields can continue to increase in extreme heat and drought conditions, scientists say.
CIMMYT doctoral student wins award for outstanding thesis
Climate adaptation and mitigation
CIMMYT doctoral student and ETH ZĂĽrich graduate Stephanie Cheesman has won the 2017 Hans Vontobel-Preis.
New maize hybrid shows resistance to stem borers in South Africa
Innovations
Smallholder farmers in South Africa can now access and grow new maize varieties with transgenic resistance to stem borers, the most damaging insect pest of maize.
Gender and development specialist Rahma Adam: Aiding African women to build household food security
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
In a special interview to mark International Women’s Day, CIMMYT gender specialist Rahma Adam detailed how her research aims to improve the agricultural productivity of women in south and eastern Africa.
Stronger African seed sector to benefit smallholder farmers and economy
Nutrition, health and food security
Despite its large-scale impact across Africa, smallholder farming largely remains a low technology, subsistence activity.
Q+A: Scientist Thokozile Ndhlela inspires girls in Africa to embrace agriculture careers
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
CIMMYT maize breeder Thokozile Ndhlela interviewed on career and inspiring girls in Africa to embrace agriculture.
