Sustainable agrifood systems
SIMLESA-Mozambique learns more about conservation agriculture technologies in Brazil
Capacity development
From the eye in the sky to the cell phone in the field: technologies for all
Climate adaptation and mitigation
For many farmers in the developing world, cell phones are the most accessible form of technology, but are only one of many technologies changing agriculture.
Modern conservation agriculture systems presented in CIMMYT-China Science Week
Capacity development
CIMMYT sponsored a workshop in China with international experts presenting the latest innovations in farming systems research.
MasAgro impacts: four years harvesting sustainability in Mexico’s farmlands
Nutrition, health and food security
Looking towards the future: Govaerts examines food security and nutrition in a changing world
Innovations
Bram Govaerts, associate director of the Global Conservation Agriculture Program (GCAP) and leader of the Sustainable Modernization of Traditional Agriculture (MasAgro) program, made a presentation on the future prognosis of food security and the actions that must be taken to achieve it at the Prospectiva del Mundo (World Prospective) Mexico 2015 conference on 25 June. The conference, organized by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the Mexican chapter of the World Future Society, brought together national and international experts in fields such as development, education, finance and agriculture.
Director General Martin Kropff on Science Week 2015: “Taking CIMMYT to the next level”
Capacity development
During Science Week (15-18 June) held at CIMMYT headquarters in El Batán, Mexico, scientists from around the world gathered to share the successes and review the activities of different CIMMYT programs. Attendees sought to find solutions to help meet global food needs related to basic cereals, as well as combat poverty and face the challenges posed by climate change.
CIMMYT to host international conservation agriculture workshop during China Science Week
Capacity development
An international conservation agriculture (CA) workshop to be held during China Science Week (30 June–4 July 2015) will bring CIMMYT CA researchers, colleagues and national researchers together with the objective of building agro-ecological capacity among researchers in western China. At the workshop, hosted by CIMMYT-China, participants will discuss subjects such as CA successes and the science and practical agronomy underpinning CA, and will view field displays of CA benefits.
Conservation agriculture in Africa: where does it fit?
Innovations
The controversial debate among researchers about the suitability of conservation agriculture for smallholder farmers in Africa continues while millions face food insecurity and degrading resources.
Growing land scarcity, the Borlaug hypothesis and the rise of megafarms
Innovations
Derek Byerlee, former director of the CIMMYT economics program (1987-94) and current visiting scholar at Stanford University and adjunct professor at Georgetown University, presented some of his latest research at a brown bag lunch at CIMMYT headquarters on 1 May. His presentation, “Growing Land Scarcity, the Borlaug Hypothesis and the Rise of Megafarms,” examined the economic and environmental benefits and repercussions of cropland expansion, the recent rise of agribusiness and the delicate balance between crop intensification and deforestation.
First international training workshop on farming systems analysis in India
Capacity development
The international training workshop “Approaches for integrated analysis of agricultural systems in South Asia: Field, to farm, to landscape scale,” jointly organized by CIMMYT and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), was held at Karnal, Haryana, India, during 18-23 May. The workshop targeted farming systems and agricultural development researchers in South Asia and provided an overview of the approaches and tools used to assess agricultural systems.
Impact in farmers’ fields is the driving force of science and innovation in agriculture, says new CIMMYT DG Martin Kropff
Agricultural research for development must reconcile approaches that place resource-poor farmers at the center, said CIMMYT’s new Director General addressing staff at CIMMYT headquarters near Mexico City on his first say in the new job.
Well-positioned for next phase, CSISA India plans for monsoon cropping season
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Project team gathers in Kathmandu to plan for the 2015 monsoon cropping season.
CIMMYT remembers vital legacy of gender specialist Paula Kantor
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
CIMMYT is sad to announce the tragic death of our friend and respected colleague, gender and development specialist Paula Kantor.