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.
Translating strategy into scientific action
Climate adaptation and mitigationResearchers and partners from the Sustainable Agrifood Systems (SAS) program determined how to achieve agrifood system goals in alignment with CIMMYT’s 2030 Strategy.
Opinion: Aid competes with long-term solutions to Sudan’s hunger crisis
Climate adaptation and mitigationRestoring food production within the country is just as important as emergency food aid — if not, Sudan risk racing from crisis to crisis.
How improved seeds empower women farmers in South Kordofan
Capacity developmentWorking with partners, CIMMYT’s Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan empowers women farmers in conflict-torn South Kordofan. It provides them with training and resources to increase crop yields and enhance community self-sufficiency.
A sustainable agrifood systems approach in conflict-ridden Sudan
Capacity developmentCIMMYT, in partnership with USAID, is implementing the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan, an integrated agrifood system model designed to underpin food security through scalable development opportunities and sustainable agricultural practices.
Roots of resilience: my journey as a Conservation Agriculture champion
Climate adaptation and mitigationConservation Agriculture promotes climate resilience, increased crop yields, and healthier plants, supporting livelihoods and food security across the region. Grace Malaicha tells her story.
Kenyan researchers release armyworm-resistant maize seeds
InnovationsSource: Milling Middle East & Africa ()
KALRO, supported by CIMMYT, has developed armyworm-resistant maize to enhance food security in Kenya.
Ghana hosts West African consultative meeting to transform dryland agriculture
Nutrition, health and food securitySource: Ghana News Agency ()
The conference focused on enhancing yields of key cereals like sorghum and millet through innovation.
Women farmers enhance agricultural production in conflict-torn Sudan
Capacity developmentIn conflict-torn Sudan, women farmers are equipped with new skills and sustainable techniques to cultivate hope and abundance—doubling yields and empowering communities toward self-sufficiency.
A sense of belonging: fostering gender equality and social inclusion in agricultural research
Gender equality, youth and social inclusionAs CIMMYT strives towards ensuring all employees can reach their full potential at work, establishing equal access to opportunities is at the forefront of efforts to achieve parity.
Unanswered questions and unquestioned answers
Environmental health and biodiversityCrop residue and weed control in southern Africa
Sustaining Conservation Agriculture initiatives: lessons from Malawi
Climate adaptation and mitigationConservation Agriculture offers sustainable solutions for Malawi’s agriculture. Prioritizing farmer-centered approaches can drive widespread adoption, ensuring food security and climate resilience.
Stakeholders call for a holistic approach to managing Kenya’s dryland crop seed system
Climate adaptation and mitigationSource: Farmers Trend ()
The February 2024 Kenya Drylands Crop Seed Systems Workshop focused on enhancing seed systems for agricultural productivity in Kenya’s semi-arid regions.
Collaboration across the seed system value chain
Climate adaptation and mitigationStakeholders call for a holistic approach to managing Kenya’s dryland crop seed system for sustainability and food security.
Nevada Researcher Aims to Improve Sorghum Hybrids for Dairy Cattle Feed
Climate adaptation and mitigationSource: Alliance Grain Co. ()
Melinda Yerka’s collaboration with CIMMYT on sorghum breeding marks a strategic move towards sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
Sow, grow, and thrive: a pathway to improve cassava farming in Zambia
Climate adaptation and mitigationSIFAZ is shifting farmer mindsets towards promoting sustainable practices that not only improve cassava yields but minimize physical labor.