Nutrition, health and food security
As staple foods, maize and wheat provide vital nutrients and health benefits, making up close to two-thirds of the world’s food energy intake, and contributing 55 to 70 percent of the total calories in the diets of people living in developing countries, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. CIMMYT scientists tackle food insecurity through improved nutrient-rich, high-yielding varieties and sustainable agronomic practices, ensuring that those who most depend on agriculture have enough to make a living and feed their families. The U.N. projects that the global population will increase to more than 9 billion people by 2050, which means that the successes and failures of wheat and maize farmers will continue to have a crucial impact on food security. Findings by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which show heat waves could occur more often and mean global surface temperatures could rise by up to 5 degrees Celsius throughout the century, indicate that increasing yield alone will be insufficient to meet future demand for food.
Achieving widespread food and nutritional security for the world’s poorest people is more complex than simply boosting production. Biofortification of maize and wheat helps increase the vitamins and minerals in these key crops. CIMMYT helps families grow and eat provitamin A enriched maize, zinc-enhanced maize and wheat varieties, and quality protein maize. CIMMYT also works on improving food health and safety, by reducing mycotoxin levels in the global food chain. Mycotoxins are produced by fungi that colonize in food crops, and cause health problems or even death in humans or animals. Worldwide, CIMMYT helps train food processors to reduce fungal contamination in maize, and promotes affordable technologies and training to detect mycotoxins and reduce exposure.
The Sudan Food Security Initiative: Helping Farmers Produce High-Quality Seed Varieties
Capacity developmentCIMMYT’s SASAS program boosts food security in conflict-affected Sudan by introducing high-yielding sorghum varieties through demonstration fields. Part of the Sudan Food Security Initiative (SFSI), it strengthens informal seed systems and helps farmers increase yields.
SASAS and partners use the Mega Demonstration Protocol with mother and baby trials in 10 villages in Kassala State to promote drought-tolerant sorghum adoption.
Nane Nane fair in Tanzania showcases agricultural innovation and collaboration
InnovationsThe Nane Nane fair was more than just a display of agricultural technologies; it was also a celebration of the successes of local entrepreneurs who had benefited from the AID-I program
CIMMYT Director General visit to UQ
Capacity developmentSource: The University of Queensland ()
CIMMYT Director General Bram Govaerts’ visit to UQ strengthened a long-standing partnership focused on advancing sustainable agriculture and food security
U.S. Pledges $5M for Guatemala Food Security Initiative
Climate adaptation and mitigationSource: The Mirage ()
A $5 million initiative under the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils is advancing sustainable agriculture and food security in Guatemala by improving soil health, crop diversity, and climate resilience
Rebecca’s Story of Turning Waste into a Livelihood
Gender equality, youth and social inclusionA single mother in Tanzania finds strength and stability by reclaiming spilled Paddy at a local cooperative
Innovative Integration of Cutting-Edge AI and Genetic Diversity in Wheat Breeding Revolutionizes Agricultural Practices
Climate adaptation and mitigationThrough innovative collaboration and cutting-edge technology, CIMMYT is revolutionizing wheat breeding, developing varieties that not only yield more but also thrive in adverse conditions, addressing the urgent global need for food security
The Sudan Food Security Initiative: Early wins amidst conflict and crisis
Climate adaptation and mitigationCIMMYT’s Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan (SASAS) program empowers farmers and herders in conflict-affected Sudan by promoting food security and reducing reliance on humanitarian aid. Working with partners, SASAS has launched the Sudan Food Security Initiative in east Sudan to ensure that over 50,000 farmers have access to certified seeds, fertilizers, herbicides, and required agricultural resources
Buffering Climate Extremes in Zambia: The Essential Role of Delivery with a Difference
Climate adaptation and mitigationCIMMYT’s AID-I initiative helps Zambian farmers adapt to climate change by providing drought-tolerant crops and essential agricultural support
Melinda Smale: Exploring the Economic Value of Crop Diversity Conservation
Environmental health and biodiversitySource: Dailyhunt ()
Melinda Smale’s collaboration with CIMMYT has significantly advanced the understanding of crop diversity conservation, directly contributing to global agricultural sustainability and food security
Ancient Wild Relatives Hold Key to Climate-Proofing Global Wheat Supply
Climate adaptation and mitigationAncient wild relatives of wheat may hold the key to climate-proofing global food security by providing essential genetic traits for adapting wheat to the growing challenges of climate change, according to new research from CIMMYT
How Training Farmers to Produce Improved Seeds helps Mitigating Food Insecurity in the Conflict-Ridden Sudan
Capacity developmentWorking with partners, CIMMYT’s Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan (SASAS) program empowers farmers and herders to reduce the need for humanitarian assistance even in conflict-affected Sudan
Bridging research and policy: how CIMMYT’s science shapes practice in South Asia
Climate adaptation and mitigationTo truly make a difference, research must speak the language of policy. CIMMYT scientists in Bangladesh ensure their work translates into practical solutions for agrifood systems
Helping farmers access waterlogged agricultural lands amid prevailing food insecurity in Sudan
Environmental health and biodiversityCIMMYT’s Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan (SASAS) program works to ensure that farmers have access to rich agricultural lands to cultivate their main staple and cash crops and enhance food production amid escalating conflict and prevailing food insecurity.
Helping Colombia’s smallholder farmers to leverage and preserve maize diversity
Climate adaptation and mitigationTo enhance the food security of Colombian smallholder farmers, a group of CIMMYT specialists and local organizations are studying maize value chains in various regions of the country to establish effective strategies for the conservation and production of native maize, particularly to link farmers with niche markets