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.
First drought tolerant and insect resistant “stacked” transgenic maize harvested in Kenya
Innovations
For the first time, transgenic maize hybrids that combine insect resistance and drought tolerance have been harvested from confined field trials.
Promoting drought tolerant maize seed in southern Africa
Nutrition, health and food security
CIMMYT held seed fairs in Zimbabwe to promote the sharing of information and knowledge about new seed options for farmers.
Growing more with less: Improving productivity, resilience and sustainability in Africa
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Sustainable intensification is helping farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa become more productive, while adapting to and mitigating climate change.
Weeding out the losses: Striga challenges in Kenya
Capacity development
The Striga weed is one of the leading causes of crop loss in western Kenya, a significant dent to farmers’ livelihoods and major hindrance to food security in the area.
Tackle food insecurity with homegrown education, Food Prize delegates say
Capacity development
Africa must develop a strong educational infrastructure to address the challenges of poverty, malnutrition and food insecurity, said experts at the World Food Prize.
Biofortification to fight “hidden hunger” in Zimbabwe
Nutrition, health and food security
The goal of completely eradicating vitamin A deficiency – mainly in Africa and Southeast Asia – remains a big challenge.
New high-yielding maize aids smallholder farmers, helps hungry in drought-hit Africa
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Bigger and healthier maize is helping counter the effects of severe drought caused by the warming effects of an El Nino weather system.
Are cows the next development boom for smallholder farmers?
Capacity development
Smallholder livestock farmers in Zimbabwe are rapidly increasing profits thanks to a pivot to new sustainable agriculture initiatives.
NuME: a key actor in agricultural innovation systems in Ethiopia
Nutrition, health and food security
A CIMMYT project was selected as a key actor in agricultural and rural innovation in Ethiopia by CDAIS.
Building Zambia’s drought-tolerant maize business
Nutrition, health and food security
Drought tolerant maize can reduce risks for farmers and allow for more consistent crop production in the face of climate variability in southern Africa.
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.