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.
Drought-tolerant maize a boon to farmers in Zambia hit by El Niño
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Drought-related challenges in Africa call for proactive interventions rather than reactive ones.
Emergency seed project brings relief to drought-affected farmers in Ethiopia
Climate adaptation and mitigation
As Ethiopia struggles with its worst drought in 50 years, farmers pin their hopes on seed delivered through emergency seed projects.
Smallholders in Rwanda and Zambia to enhance wheat productivity through new project
Capacity development
A new project aims to over double wheat production in target areas of Zambia and Rwanda to help smallholders meet rising demand and cope with high import costs.
New Publications: Land availability and smallholder development in Zambia
Nutrition, health and food security
New publications from CIMMYT staff cover challenges in land availability in Zambia among other updates in maize and wheat.
Building a sustainable future: A history of conservation agriculture in southern Africa
Capacity development
Since 2004, conservation agriculture has helped farmers in southern Africa maintain and boost yields, protect the environment and increase profits.
CIMMYT’s knowledge sharing efforts contribute to improved seed production in Africa
Capacity development
A training held from June 13 – 23, 2016 emphasized hand pollination in maize variety development and seed multiplication.
Seeding the future: Emergency support for drought-affected farmers in Ethiopia
Capacity development
The 2015-2016 El Niño has led to drought leaving 10.2 million people – more than 1 in 10 Ethiopians – in need of emergency food assistance.
Maize seed systems in Africa: Understanding the basics
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Since 2006, CIMMYT has developed 200 drought-tolerant varieties and hybrids, many of which possess desirable traits such as resistance to major diseases.
From A to Z: Developing nutritious maize and wheat at CIMMYT for 50 years
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Over the past 50 years, various research activities have been undertaken to boost protein quality and micronutrient levels in maize and wheat to help improve nutrition in poor communities.
African ambassadors to Zimbabwe support improved agriculture technologies
Nutrition, health and food security
Several African nation ambassadors to Zimbabwe pledged to step up support for improved agriculture technologies.
Improved maize fights drought in Malawi
Climate adaptation and mitigation
As an El Niño-induced drought continues to devastate southern African food crops, CIMMYT promoted drought-tolerant maize to Malawian politicians.
Harnessing maize biodiversity for food security, improved livelihoods in Africa
Capacity development
Diverse, stress tolerant maize varieties are benefiting smallholders throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Kenyan maize nutrition and safety get boost from ancient Mexican technique
Nutrition, health and food security
Modern nixtamalization technology could increase maize uses and offer Kenyans invaluable benefits.
How improved maize gives options to farmers
Nutrition, health and food security
Improved seeds resilient to drought, disease and other stresses allow farming families to invest more in their livelihoods and children’s futures.
Tanzania seed company increases demand for drought-tolerant maize
Nutrition, health and food security
Locally adapted marketing initiatives are successfully converting farmers to the high-performing, drought-tolerant maize variety Lubango in Tanzania.
