Environmental health and biodiversity
The world needs better management of water, soil, nutrients, and biodiversity in crop, livestock, and fisheries systems, coupled with higher-order landscape considerations as well as circular economy and agroecological approaches.
CIMMYT and CGIAR use modern digital tools to bring together state-of-the-art Earth system observation and big data analysis to inform co-design of global solutions and national policies.
Our maize and wheat genebanks preserve the legacy of biodiversity, while breeders and researchers look at ways to reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture.
Ultimately, our work helps stay within planetary boundaries and limit water use, nutrient use, pollution, undesirable land use change, and biodiversity loss.
Why heirloom tortillas are an endangered species
Environmental health and biodiversity
Source: Maclean's (6 Mar 2020)
Preserving ancient maize landraces in Mexico is key for biodiversity, food security and future sustainability.
One-minute science: Trent Blare and blue maize products
Environmental health and biodiversity
Consumers near Mexico City perceived blue maize tortillas to taste better. They were willing to pay up to a third more to buy them for special family events or to consume them in restaurants.
Pests and diseases and climate change: Is there a connection?
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Although farmers have been battling pests and diseases since the dawn of agriculture, experts warn that climate change could accelerate or expand their spread.
‘Sharing’ or ‘sparing’ land?
Environmental health and biodiversity
How can we feed more people while protecting nature and biodiversity?
Growers issued yellow rust warning
Environmental health and biodiversity
Source: Dawn (6 Feb 2020)
CIMMYT warns wheat-growing farmers in Pakistan to watch for yellow rust disease.
A wake-up call for the fertilizer industry
Climate adaptation and mitigation
At international conference, plant nutrition experts highlight the important role of sustainability.
Policy brief highlights opportunities to promote balanced nutrient management in South Asia
Environmental health and biodiversity
CSISA publishes policy and research note on how to develop balanced nutrient management innovations in the region.
Nurture soil as our food and climate insurance
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Soil conservation means food security for farmers in Malawi.
Corn Fed: A Tortilla Revolution in Queens
Environmental health and biodiversity
Source: Culinary Backstreets (2 Dec 2019)
Food entrepreneur worked with CIMMYT researcher to create a fair market for farmers with surplus heirloom maize in Mexico.
New tools guide interventions against acid soils in Africa using lime
Capacity development
Experts are developing data and dashboards to advise policymakers about the cost and feasibility of liming to increase maize productivity.
Blue maize is all the rage, but are consumers willing to pay?
Environmental health and biodiversity
Study gives insight into Mexican consumers’ preferences and demand for blue maize tortillas.
Highlighting innovation in Latin American maize agri-food systems
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Maize experts, as well as scientists from other key crops, from around the world came together to discuss these challenges and how to solve them at the 23rd Latin American Maize Reunion and 4th Seed Congress, held October 7-10 in Monteria, Colombia.
Scientists propose a low-cost, reliable system to measure soil organic carbon
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Using existing sources of information, quantifying soil organic carbon would be a first step to increasing it, a crucial way to support climate change mitigation and agricultural resilience.
CIMMYT and CGIAR staff join Ethiopia’s record-breaking tree-planting campaign
Climate adaptation and mitigation
People across the country planted more than 350 million trees in a day to fight deforestation and climate change.
Reconciling food security, resource depletion and environmental quality trade-offs in India
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Policies and technologies key to sustainable development in India’s breadbasket.
