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Innovation hubs in western Honduras, cornerstones for agricultural sustainability

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in News.

Visit to the hub located at Elmer’s plot in Lentago, BelĂ©n Gualcho Ocotepeque, Honduras. (Photo: Erardo DĂ­az)

We are paving the way for significant agricultural change in the community of Lentago, Belén Gualcho, Ocotepeque. By means of the AgriLAC Resiliente initiative, we have taken firm steps towards more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems in Honduras through continuation efforts at the agricultural innovation hub.

“Fertilization is one of the main issues identified through plot diagnosis and the participation of several producers from three areas (Lentago, El Aguacatillo and La Mohaga),” says JesĂșs Erardo DĂ­az GĂłmez. He is a technician participating in the project and provided Elmer Valeriano with technical support during the installation of the hub on his plot, where sustainable practices are currently being implemented and compared with conventional local practices.

Traditionally, fertilization occurs 15 to 22 days after planting. “The innovation hub seeks to improve this practice by evaluating fertilization during planting in order to ensure adequate nutrient availability maize plants,” says Erardo, who is part of the InnovaHub West Honduras technical team, which coordinates local organization and stakeholder AgriLAC Resiliente efforts, promoting innovation and sustainability in the Honduran agricultural sector.

InnovaHub Occidente is not just impacting fertilization methods. Erardo states that the seed selection processes for future crops also needs to be reexamined. Currently, seeds are selected once they “tapizcan” (harvest) the maize, taking it out of the field. However, this has its problems. “With the innovation hub, we aim to start this process in the field, carefully selecting the healthiest plants most suited to the needs of local producers,” he explains.

Hubs like the one in Lentago help disseminate knowledge about sustainable practices. The CIMMYT and ODECO technical team has played a pivotal role resolving questions and orienting farmers about sustainable maize management.

Of course, the success of efforts like this one requires commitment and active participation from farmers like Elmer Valeriano. Elmer is a proactive farmer open to new techniques. He is an inspirational model showing how collaboration between technicians and farmers drive the shift towards more sustainable and efficient practices, like the installation of a rain gauge that promises to yield vital data for informed decision making in the hub.

Though seemingly simple, the rain gauge provides a way to better understand crop irrigation requirements and adjust agricultural practices accordingly. “The results will allow us to compare the amount of water received with actual crop requirements, providing a reliable foundation for making decisions,” says Erardo, noting Elmer’s commitment to collecting and recording the data from the rain gauge.

Elmer reads the rain gauge. (Photo: Erardo DĂ­az)

The work by InnovaHub Occidente de Honduras is not isolated. It is a part of a broader initiative: AgriLAC Resiliente. This CGIAR driven effort aims to transform agrifood systems in Latin America and the Caribbean by increasing resilience and competitiveness. The InnovaHubs in Honduras, in collaboration with organizations such as the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and CIMMYT, are paving the way towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for agriculture in the region.

Ultimately, success for these initiatives will depend on continued collaboration among all stakeholders: farmers, technicians, organizations, and local communities. More resilient agrifood systems that not only feed present generations, but also protect and restore land for future generations, are possible as long as we continue to focus on innovation and sustainability.

The original piece was published in Spanish. 

Revised market segmentation for spring wheat—achieving alignment between ICARDA and CIMMYT

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

CIMMYT, in collaboration with ICARDA and the CGIAR Initiative on Market Intelligence, has revised the market segmentation for spring wheat to align breeding efforts using a unified “crop view” approach. This initiative resolves duplication challenges, provides objective crop prioritization, and aligns Target Product Profiles (TPPs) to meet the needs of farmers, consumers, and processors. By establishing a consistent application of eight market segmentation criteria, the effort standardizes the process and lays a foundation for future discussions on market segment prioritization and TPP alignment, ensuring all relevant market requirements are prioritized in breeding programs.

Read the full story.

Harvesting diversity and feeding hope: unlocking the potential of potatoes

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Blogs.

Fatima Ali, a 48-year-old displaced woman in war-torn Sudan, takes shelter in a school at Kassala, East Sudan. She struggles to feed her five children and lives in dire conditions. Recently, Fatima participated in a training program in household farming, organized by the International Potato Center (CIP) and the Sudanese agricultural community Alzereea Alsudani (AZAS), where displaced community members were guided to build small gardens and cultivate potatoes to meet their food needs.

Displaced children in Kassala, East Sudan, learn how to cultivate potatoes in plastic bags. (Photo: CIMMYT)

“I encouraged my 13-year-old daughter Shima to participate in a training to produce potatoes for household consumption. She was very interested and active,” said Fatima.

The training marked the International Day of Potato, celebrated on 30 May. CIP and AZAS trained displaced children of Kassala to grow potatoes at home using plastic and jute bags.

“We learned how to cultivate potatoes using plastic bags, and it was fun. We now know that potatoes are rich in nutrients and can be used to cook a variety of dishes. I am glad that I can cultivate potatoes and help feed my family,” said Shima.

Children engage in a coloring session as part of the International Potato Day celebrations at Kassala. (Photo: CIMMYT)

Underscoring the potential of potatoes

The International Day of Potato highlights the multiple nutritional, economic, environmental and cultural values of the crop and its contribution as a unique food resource and a generator of income for rural families and producers. This is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

Training local women farmers of Kassala to cultivate potato in plastic bags. (Photo: CIMMYT)

The theme for the 2024 event was ‘Harvesting Diversity, Feeding Hope’. The focus was on the importance of having a wide variety of potato types versus over-reliance on a few varieties that can expose the crop to pests and diseases. With over 5,000 different kinds of potatoes worldwide, including both improved varieties and traditional types grown by farmers, the crop can meet the needs of different farming methods, cooking styles, and industrial uses.

To highlight the importance of potato and its riches, CIP and AZAS organized orientation sessions with housewives and chefs from local restaurants in Kassala. The discussions reflected on the nutritious values of potatoes and how they can be integrated into everyday meals.

A session by nutrition experts for chefs and housewives to discuss the value and uses of potatoes. (Photo: CIMMYT)

During the discussion, nutrition experts explained how potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber essential for a balanced diet. The chefs shared how potatoes are extremely versatile in the kitchen; they can be baked, boiled, grilled, fried, steamed, or processed into various dishes.

Working with partners for maximum impact

Potato is an important staple food that can ensure food security in Sudan and combat hunger. CIMMYT’s partners CIP, Mercy Crops, and Practical Action are leading the potato and sweet potato component of SASAS, along with other private partners.

With funding support from USAID, SASAS partners are working with farmers and private sector to increase potato and sweet potato production in Kassala and Blue Nile states of Sudan. By using verified potato varieties and introducing new cultivation techniques, the program aims to achieve SDG goals and enhance food security in Sudan.

Farmers in Blue Nile proudly show their high potato production. (Photo: CIMMYT)

“We work with our partners and private sector to help Sudanese farmers integrate potato and sweet potato into their agricultural production systems,” said Abdelrahman Kheir, SASAS lead in Sudan.

He added that potato is an exceptionally resilient plant that can thrive in a variety of climates across the country. “We use modern cultivation techniques and certified potato varieties to increase production. We are also enhancing the value chain and enlarging cold storage capacities,” he said.

The value of the project truly lies in its collaboration with private sectors and innovation partners to ensure at-scale and adept responses for stakeholders and dynamic situations in target areas.

Everyone is welcome! Building an inclusive and respectful workplace at CIMMYT: our 2030 vision and commitment

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in News.

CIMMYT’s strategy integrates gender equity and social inclusion into all areas of its research and operations. Organizational values of excellence, integrity, and teamwork guide CIMMYT’s mission of innovation and agrifood systems transformation.

“We believe that access to food is a human right that must be provided to everyone regardless of identity markers,” said CIMMYT’s Director General, Bram Govaerts. “CIMMYT was founded in a time of great need to prevent hunger. Today, we remain tasked with ensuring that nutritious food is available to everyone. Our mission explains our commitment to social inclusion.”

Aligned with CGIAR and CIMMYT’s Framework for Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion (GDI) and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, CIMMYT established a Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Steering Committee. This committee tracks progress and champions the implementation of the GESI Action Plan, aiming to close gender and diversity gaps and foster inclusivity in all our activities.

“CIMMYT is a diverse, multicultural space that benefits from varied talents and perspectives. Our collective workforce is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment. It’s rewarding to see the results of our efforts, and I am proud to be part of this journey,” said Director of the Genetic Resources Program, Sarah Hearne.

CIMMYT joins the international community in recognizing June as a month to celebrate diversity and raise awareness on issues impacting communities based on identity. CIMMYT reiterates its commitment to implementing its GESI Action Plan under one main principle:

  • CIMMYT is a non-discriminatory place for all. Our code of conduct does not tolerate treating individuals less favorably because of their sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

Aide Molina, GESI champion and research associate, added, “The GESI initiative is a crucial starting point. While change takes time, starting is key. As an international institution, CIMMYT leads in both technological and social aspects. Declaring itself a ‘non-discrimination zone’ sets a powerful example for other institutions to follow.”

Achieving greater inclusion requires consistency and effort, and 2024 is not different. Our collective commitment includes ensuring that our current policies and initiatives are inclusive and supportive in accordance with local regulations.

“Our leadership team has to be proactive in integrating an inclusion lens into our research and operations and also address the needs of inclusion and equality for all, considering local contexts,” said Govaerts.

CIMMYT has made notable strides in gender parity and inclusion, for example, female hiring rates have increased from 21% in 2020 to 43% in 2023.

“We’ve made significant progress in better serving smallholders and creating a non-discriminatory working culture that promotes innovation,” said Govaerts. “Our transformation must be intersectional. While this is continuous work, we must accept that some populations are still left behind. It’s our job to bring them in. Everyone is welcome; CIMMYT is a non-discriminatory place for all!”

How livestock vaccination campaigns support breeders in conflict-ridden Sudan

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Blogs.

Ali Hassan is a 38-year-old herder living in Al Showak, Gadarif, Sudan. Like thousands of traditional animal breeders in Sudan, Ali works hard to take care of his fast-growing flock of animals.

During the past few months, with the ongoing civil war, Ali was a little concerned that he was not getting the veterinary advice that he needed, because of the limited coverage in his area by veterinary services, and that he might lose some of his animals due to the lack of a vaccination service.

Ali was very happy when his neighbor Ahmed told him that Catholic Relief Services (CRS) had trained him as a community animal health worker (CAHW) through the USAID-funded SASAS. Ahmed started to visit Ali to check on his animals and give him valuable advice and tips on how to keep his animals healthy and better fed.

CAHWs vaccinate a sheep in animal-rich Gadarif State. (Photo: CIMMYT)

Due to the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, the local animal health care service has been massively interrupted. CRS, through the USAID-funded SASAS, are currently conducting an animal vaccination campaign in Gadarif in the eastern part of the country.

Catholic Relief Services uses trained community networks to inform herders of the locations where animal vaccinations are taking place and to raise awareness of the importance of having their animals vaccinated.

Trained CAHWs, led by official animal health workers, are driving a massive animal vaccination campaign targeting 150,000 head of goats and sheep in the Gala Alnahal, Al Fao, and Al Showak localities in the traditionally animal-rich Gadarif state.

CAHWs receive veterinary kits in Gadarif State after attending an extensive practical training session on animal health. (Photo: CIMMYT)

The well-trained and sufficiently well-equipped CAHWs are driving the campaign showing unflagging dedication and using innovative methods to significantly reduce animal disease, making a remarkable achievement in the ongoing fight against deadly diseases. CAHWs actively promote the dissemination of veterinary education and health care locally, and the improvement of animal health and husbandry through education, veterinary services, enterprise development, and enhanced trade.

CAHWs receive bicycles to facilitate their mobility in providing veterinary services in Gadarif State. (Photo: CIMMYT)

“At SASAS, we work to transform the livestock meat value chain to become productive, sustainable, and market oriented. Further, SASAS works with community members in the targeted localities to equitably share natural resources and peacefully engage in mutually beneficial activities”, said Abdelrahman Kheir, SASAS chief of party in Sudan.

The CAHWs were extensively trained and provided with firsthand experience of the basic principles of animal health; animal husbandry and production; basic clinical and husbandry procedures; basic animal disease management; safe food; drug administration; meat inspection at slaughterhouses; common animal diseases; community engagement; and running animal health service activities. In addition, CAHWs check the health of the animals at the slaughterhouses in the various areas targeted by the project.

CAHWs check on animal health and advise herders in Gadarif on the best animal breeding techniques. (Photo: CIMMYT)

To ensure gender equity and make sure that no one is excluded, both male and female community members are trained as CAHWs. Fatima is 45 years old and is a local female herder living in Al Fao, Gadarif State; she was looking for a chance to improve her skills in animal breeding and in helping herders within her community. After getting the necessary theoretical and practical training in animal health, Fatima was equipped with a veterinary toolkit and a donkey cart to increase her mobility, while male CAHWs were provided with bicycles to help them travel around and provide veterinary services within their communities.

To enhance the livestock value chain, the CRS are constructing slaughter slabs in the areas targeted by the project in coordination with the local animal health authorities and the community.

Agriculture, including livestock and fishing, is the most important economic sector in Sudan, contributing about a third of the country’s GDP and providing a livelihood for about two-thirds of the active population. The export of livestock has become an increasingly important part of the economy, competing with cash crop sales as the fastest growing, non-oil export sector. Camels, cattle, sheep, and goats are exported mainly to Saudi Arabia, other Gulf States, and Egypt. Around 25 percent of the exported livestock comes from Darfur, after a sharp decline in Darfur’s export capacity due to conflict. Increased export sales have caused an increase in domestic livestock prices in all markets.

CIMMYT calls for direct agricultural investment to address Sudan’s food crisis

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Press releases.

Nairobi, Kenya — 26 June 2024 — CIMMYT calls upon the global community to take immediate and decisive action to address the worsening food crisis in Sudan. As the country teeters on the brink of a famine that could surpass the devastating Ethiopian famine of the 1980s, CIMMYT emphasizes the critical need for both emergency food aid and long-term investment in Sudanese agriculture.

Urgent humanitarian needs and long-term solutions

Recent reports indicate that the ongoing civil war in Sudan has created the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing acute food shortages due to the impact of climate change, blocked aid deliveries, failing agricultural systems and infrastructure, and continued conflict. In response, CIMMYT highlights the necessity of balancing emergency aid with sustainable agricultural development to prevent recurring food crises.

“The escalating food crisis in Sudan demands not only immediate emergency assistance but also strategic investment in the country’s agricultural sector to ensure food security and stability,” said Director General of CIMMYT, Bram Govaerts. “We must break away from the aid-dependency model and support Sudanese farmers directly, empowering them to rebuild their livelihoods and contribute to the nation’s recovery as well as todays food availability.”

CIMMYT’s commitment to Sudanese agriculture

CIMMYT, alongside other international organizations and NGOs, has been actively working in Sudan to support farmers and improve agricultural productivity as part of the Sustainable Agrifoods Systems Approach to Sudan (SASAS) project in collaboration with USAID. With the outbreak of the civil war, SASAS has pivoted to be acutely focused on interventions that support and underpin food security in Sudan, with 13 partners operating across 7 States as the largest operating consortium on-the-ground in the country. Activities range from the provision of improved seeds and agricultural technologies to vaccination campaigns and community resource (water, land) management.

Investing in agricultural resilience

CIMMYT’s initiatives have shown significant impact, even amidst conflict. For example, the Al Etihad women-led farmer cooperative in South Kordofan has empowered its members to improve their production and incomes through collective resource management, training on best practice farming techniques, provision of agricultural inputs, and structured business planning. This cooperative model is essential for building resilience and ensuring food security in Sudanese communities.

“Sudan’s need for food assistance is growing exponentially, but donors have provided only 3.5 percent of requested aid. This gets the story backwards. Food insecurity is at the root of many conflicts. Peace remains elusive without well-functioning agricultural systems, and it is unreasonable to expect viable agricultural production without peace,” Govaerts stated.

Call for global action

CIMMYT urges the international community to –

  1. Increase funding: Support the UN humanitarian appeal for Sudan, which has received only 16% of the necessary funds.
  2. Facilitate aid deliveries: Press all parties in the conflict to allow unobstructed humanitarian access, particularly through critical routes such as the Adré crossing from Chad.
  3. Invest in agriculture: Commit to immediate agricultural development by supporting Sudanese farmers with training, resources, and infrastructure improvements so they can produce locally the needed food.
  4. Do not forget: It is easy to overlook the war in Sudan with more publicized conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Leaders must continue to highlight the challenges Sudan faces and the global reverberation of their precarious food security situation.

A path forward

The confluence of conflict, climate change, and economic instability has overwhelmed Sudan. However, by investing directly in the country’s agricultural sector, the international community can help break the cycle of crisis, fostering economic activity and political stability. Let us not forget, no food without peace and you cannot build peace on empty stomachs, so no peace without food.

About CIMMYT

CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

Media Contact: Jelle Boone
Head of Communications, CIMMYT
Email: j.boone@cgiar.org
Mobile: +52 595 124 7241

For more information about CIMMYT’s work in Sudan and other initiatives, please visit staging.cimmyt.org.

Transforming agriculture together: insights from the Ukama Ustawi Share Fair

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Blogs.

The Zimbabwe Team of the Agroecology Initiative participated in the Share Fair event of the CGIAR initiative Ukama Ustawi (UU), which was held in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, and brought together farmers, the private sector, and researchers from seven countries (Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Kenya, and Ethiopia). The overarching goal for our participation was twofold: Glean insights from the UU initiative’s experiences and practices and, where possible, to adopt and adapt approaches and technologies relevant to the Agroecology Initiative. Equally significant was the aim to share our learnings and explore potential areas of collaboration. From the UU initiative perspective, the Share Fair engagement sought greater integration and knowledge exchange across its work packages, and countries where UU is being implemented, and other CGIAR initiatives. Farmers were at the center of the Share Fair, sharing and learning from each other, together with the experts.

The event aimed to foster collaboration and innovation in addressing key issues related to agriculture and sustainability in the region.

Insights from UU Share Fair activities

The Share Fair showcased an array of innovative technologies poised to transform agricultural practices in the region, among these new solar-powered borehole irrigation, chameleon soil moisture sensors for irrigation management, and conservation agriculture practices that included crop intercropping and rotation, cover cropping (mulching), and minimum tillage. Notably, mechanization options tailored for conservation agriculture, such as 2-wheel tractors and basin diggers, were demonstrated, with particular emphasis on gender-inclusive approaches for smallholder farmers. UU initiative prioritizes integrated crop and livestock systems, which are vital for small-scale farmers in terms of both dietary needs and income generation.

UU service providers and CIMMYT staff demonstrating the basin digger.
LERSHA, in collaboration with IWMI, demonstrates the chameleon soil moisture sensor.

We shared insights on the benefits of the adoption of mother-baby trials. Setting up such trials can help researchers and stakeholders identify potential risks, challenges, and limitations of the innovation without risking large-scale failure or negative impacts on the environment or communities. This helps in making informed decisions about whether or not to adopt an innovation.

In addition to technological innovations, we discussed various agribusiness tools aimed at supporting and empowering smallholder farmers. Different companies presented their agribusinesses and how they complement farming practices related to a spectrum of services, ranging from agroclimatic advice and improved access to financial services, mechanization, and digital technologies. Central to these endeavors was the objective of fostering business growth, promoting diversification, and nurturing stronger value chains within the agricultural sector.

Both initiatives (Agroecology and UU) acknowledge that farming enterprises must be matched with strong business models to guarantee long-term viability, and recognize the critical nexus between production and markets, underlining the importance of equipping farmers with financial literacy skills and encouraging diligent record-keeping practices.

Farmers participating in the Share Fair were trained on the use of the business model canvas to manage their businesses. They were taken through a practical session of aligning their farming enterprises with the business model canvas. The importance of ensuring the balance of all elements of the business model canvas was stressed. Farmers were encouraged to adopt a market-based approach to farming as a business. Farmers were urged to develop a thorough grasp of market dynamics in addition to skillful financial management techniques, emphasizing a market-based approach. The activities of the session, although summarized, were similar to the training that the Agroecology Initiative team has been carrying out in the identified business models of sorghum contract farming and the SASSO brooding program.

Blessing from CIMMYT at one of UU’s mother trial plots explaining the importance and benefits of crop diversification, rotation, and mulching.

Conclusion: Similar approaches, same objectives

The Agroecology Initiative team of Zimbabwe and the UU Initiative share a common goal of strengthening the resilience of the food systems and improving farmer livelihoods through sustainable agriculture methods. Through the development of synergies and the utilization of complementary strengths, they are in a position to jointly map out a course toward a more fair and sustainable agricultural landscape that promises prosperity for future generations. By facilitating cross-learning initiatives and leveraging indigenous knowledge systems, both initiatives can empower farmers with the tools and resources necessary to combat agricultural pests and diseases sustainably. The shared commitment to agroecological principles underscores the potential for collaboration in building resilient production systems. By facilitating cross-learning among farmers, who often have limited resources, the initiatives can empower them to leverage local knowledge and resources to solve their problems.

One major difference between the initiatives is that the UU places farmers at the center of its intervention and stakeholders as enablers, while the Agroecology Initiative emphasizes full partnerships among researchers and food system actors in addressing challenges related to local food systems and the co-development of relevant innovations that can strengthen and support resilience.

A panel of stakeholders and farmers in agribusiness explaining their business models.

Building on UU’s successful interactions with agribusinesses like LERSHA and Farm Africa, which provide mechanization, inputs, and financial services and assist farmers in developing strong and sustainable business models, we can gain from establishing similar alliances to support sustainable business models in the agricultural sector. Given the severe drought in 2023/24, farmers engaged with the SASSO chicken business model will face challenges in obtaining feed for their livestock and poultry. Exploring alternative feed sources, such as the black soldier fly, could be a potential solution. Collaborating with Insectary (a company that was present at the fair) and other local programs focused on alternative feed options could provide valuable insights and support.

The UU initiative has not actively engaged with youth in their study, while we have developed tools to understand youth participation in agriculture. There is an opportunity for the two initiatives to collaborate on a study targeting youth engagement, combining their expertise and resources to gain a deeper understanding of this issue of demographic importance and develop strategies to involve them in sustainable agriculture practices.

The original piece was written by Craig E. Murazhi, Dorcas Matangi, and Vimbayi G. P. Chimonyo and published by CGIAR’s Initiative on Agroecology. 

Promoting fertilizer awareness in Tanzania

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Blogs.

Soil being tested as part of the preparations for planting on Mega and Mother Demo plots. October 2023. (Photo: Edward Mwakagile/ADP-MBOZI)

With the support of the Southern Africa Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I) Rapid Delivery Hub, ADP Mbozi, and the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) at Uyole (key implementing partners in the Southern Highland Consortium), the Songwe region of Tanzania is setting for a pivotal initiative to enhance crop yields significantly.

In anticipation of the forthcoming Mega Demo and Mother Demo planting events, the AID-I partners orchestrated workshops and training sessions for local farmers.

This multifaceted endeavor involves both comprehensive soil testing and an educational campaign aimed at enlightening farmers on the proper use of fertilizers, aligning their application with the specific requirements of cultivated crops.

The Songwe region is in the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) and is a breadbasket region of Tanzania.

Soil testing offers farmers invaluable insights for informed decision-making concerning fertilizer application. Armed with knowledge about their soil’s nutrient status, farmers can precisely tailor fertilizer usage, steering clear of both excessive and insufficient application. The adverse effects of over-application, such as environmental pollution and crop damage, and the consequences of under-application, leading to nutrient deficiencies and stunted crop growth, are mitigated.

These sessions fostered participation and equipped farmers with an enhanced understanding of the intricate relationship between soil nutrients, fertilizer application, crop nutrition, plant development, and management for improved crop productivity.

The Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), through its implementing partners, conducted soil tests at 235 sites in 2023 within the Southern Highland and Western Great Lakes consortia. The consolidated results of soil tests and recommendations were disseminated to government officials and agricultural extension agents in wards and villages for informed decisions to improve the status of soil health.  The resulting data is distributed to farmers to help inform their decision-making around the type and variety of fertilizer to use.

The active involvement of farmers in soil testing and awareness initiatives underscores their recognition of the potential benefits for their livelihoods. Armed with newfound knowledge, farmers are now empowered to make informed decisions regarding fertilizer use, ensuring an optimal nutrient balance for their crops and maximizing productivity. Young farmers from the area also participated in activities from mapping to collection of soil samples in different villages, with a clear vision of conducting soil testing with the goal of mitigating climate change.

“The proactive stance of the Songwe region towards soil testing and fertilizer awareness reflects a steadfast commitment to sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment,” said Project Officer ADP MBOZI, Edward Mwakagile. “By providing farmers with the knowledge and tools to manage their soil and fertilizer use effectively, the region is laying a robust foundation for successful Mega Demo and Mother Demo planting events, promising enhanced agricultural productivity in the years ahead.”

Climate-proofing India’s daily bread: The race for resilient wheat

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

CIMMYT collaborates with Indian research institutions like IIWBR to develop climate-resilient wheat varieties, supplying essential genetic materials and leveraging global research initiatives, advanced breeding techniques, and technological tools. This partnership accelerates the creation and distribution of resilient crops, supporting local scientists and smallholder farmers through training, capacity-building programs, and knowledge sharing to ensure sustainable agriculture and enhanced food security in the face of climate change.

Read the full story.

CIMMYT scientist recognized with research leader award

Written by Sarah McLaughlin on . Posted in News.

Distinguished Scientist and Head of Wheat Physiology at CIMMYT, Matthew Reynolds, received the Research.com Plant Science and Agronomy in Mexico Leader Award 2024 for placing 53rd in the world and 1st in Mexico in the Research.com ranking of Best Plant Science and Agronomy Scientists 2023.

“Being recognized with this award highlights the far-reaching influence of the wheat science taking place in Mexico and its impact on the development of agronomy around the world,” said Reynolds. “Sharing outputs as international public goods with scientists globally has positive benefits for smallholder farmers and their communities. Widening genetic diversity for key traits helps to improve yield and climate resilience -including resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, providing reliable harvests and food security.”

Matthew Reynolds

This marks the third consecutive year that Reynolds has received the award, having held the top position in plant science and agronomy in Mexico since 2022. His most cited papers include ‘Physiological breeding’ (2016), ‘Raising Yield Potential in Wheat’ (2009)’, and ‘Drought-adaptive traits derived from wheat wild relatives and landraces’ (2007).

Specializing in technologies to increase the productivity of wheat cropping systems around the world, Reynolds has helped to create a new generation of advanced lines at CIMMYT through physiological breeding approaches that widen the genepool, increasing understanding of yield potential and adapting wheat to drought and heat, developing high throughput phenotyping methodologies, and training other researchers.

Reynolds developed and led the Heat and Drought Wheat Improvement Consortium (https://hedwic.org/) and initiated a global academic network that led to the International Wheat Yield Partnership (https://iwyp.org/), where he champions collaboration that brings together plant science expertise from around the globe to boost yield and climate resilience.

Other CIMMYT scientists in the top 100 world rankings include Distinguished Scientist and former Head of Global Bread Wheat Improvement Ravi P. Singh in 57th place globally and 2nd in Mexico, and Distinguished Scientist in the Biometrics and Statistics Unit, José Crossa, who ranked 59th globally and 3rd in Mexico.

This is the third edition of Research.com positioning scholars based on their research output in plant science and agronomy. Rankings are allocated based on a detailed study of 166,880 scientists in bibliometric data sources, with up to 10,700 people analyzed for this field of work.

Specialist centers empower women and youth farmers

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Features.

Joseph Gambi began as a groundnut seed producer in Ukwile village, Mbozi District, Songwe, Tanzania. He struggled to make a living from agriculture, an experience shared by many young people and women in his village. Low yields, limited opportunities in agricultural value chains, and low productivity in current production systems meant that there were fewer opportunities for income generation, which all negatively impacted the involvement of youth and women.

Based on his experience as a young farmer, Joseph believed groundnut farming could be more profitable than maize. “Although groundnut farming is promising and earns good money, its productivity is very low. Most of us opt for maize because quality seeds and other inputs are available, despite its high capital needs,” said Joseph.

To improve the situation, CIMMYT’s Dryland Crops Program aims to increase the adoption of quality seeds among youth and women farmers through behavior change interventions. Led by CIMMYT and implemented in partnership with the Center for Behaviour Change and Communication (CBCC) and the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), the project targets sorghum and groundnut improvement in Tanzania’s Songwe region.

Joseph was selected by his community to lead the way in changing perceptions of groundnut in his village and trained as a last-mile change agent, equipped with knowledge on social behavior change. As a youth champion and seed producer in Ukwile village, he has created awareness about quality seeds and good farming practices among at least 600 farmers across more than 15 villages in the district.

As a dedicated youth champion and seed producer, Joseph educates over 600 farmers on quality seeds and advanced farming practices. (Photo: CBCC)

Seed demand creation

Through the Drylands Crop Program, Joseph has been trained in various awareness and demand creation strategies, such as farmer mobilization. He uses these skills to raise farmers’ interest in different technologies and products, creating demand for various agricultural inputs and seeking out suppliers.

His efforts have attracted a variety of stakeholders to his village. These include four TARI centers, five seed companies, three non-government organizations (NGOs), one agrodealer, and two off-takers. While most stakeholders partner with him to demonstrate and promote their technologies to the farmers he has mobilized, others enter into agreements and pay him a commission for each sale he facilitates.

In the first season, Joseph created demand for more than two tons of groundnut seed, partnering with Pavig Agro, a groundnut seed company, to distribute almost 1.2 tons of quality seed to farmers in his village. The seed company could not adequately meet the aggregated demand, creating an opportunity for Joseph and 17 others to train as Quality Declared Seeds (QDS) producers.

Dedicated support for youth and women

After creating traction for quality seeds, inputs, and other agricultural services, the project established the Youth and Women Quality Center (YWQC) in Ukwile, managed by Joseph and three other community champions. The center serves more than 1,000 farmers across five villages and currently hosts more than ten demonstration plots featuring nine varieties of groundnut, maize, five bean varieties, and sorghum.

Furthermore, the center is now registered and licensed to distribute seeds and offers services such as seed planting using a manually operated seed planter, pesticide and herbicide spraying, extension support, market information, farmers’ advisory services, input demand creation and distribution, and produce aggregation.

Joseph at the Youth and Women Quality Center (YWQC) in Ukwile. The center is managed by three other community champions and serves farmers in five villages. (Photo: CBCC)

The project has proved to be transformational for Joseph, who has now received certification as a seed producer and dealer, as well as for his family and wider community. Before the training, Joseph allocated half an acre for groundnut production each season; he now uses three acres, with an additional acre for sorghum seed and a further half acre for bean seed production.

He has also mobilized and supported the registration of ten farmer groups, three of which were trained as seed producers and now produce groundnut seed and mentored five youths and women to become seed producers. This work means that the Ukwile YWQC now has 12 seed producers cultivating 13.5 acres of groundnut seed. Joseph and other experienced seed producers multiply basic seed to produce QDS 1, which is then sold to other seed producers at affordable prices.

Thanks to Joseph’s awareness and demand creation initiatives, Ukwile YWQC generated US $4,000 in revenue from seed and input distribution between November 2022 and January 2024. From two acres alone of groundnut seed production, Joseph earned US $1,456 from selling groundnut QDS between December 2023 and January 2024.

His increased income has supported his family, including paying for education for his four children, and has purchased a plot of land, on which he is constructing a three-bedroom house.

Cover photo: Joseph at his groundnut seed farm (Naliendele variety) in Ukwile Village, Songwe. (Photo: CBCC)

Wheat cultivation in Africa at risk of fungal disease

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

A study by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) warns that the wheat blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae threatens up to 75% of Africa’s wheat cultivation. The disease, spread by windborne spores and exacerbated by climate change, worsens food insecurity. While Zimbabwe remains unaffected, preventive measures are in place. The Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI), with CIMMYT’s collaboration, is building regional capacity to combat the disease. The study emphasizes the need for resistant wheat varieties and enhanced global and regional cooperation to protect wheat production and ensure food security.

Read the full story.

A journey through Bangladesh’s ground-breaking agricultural practices

Written by Nur-A-Mahajabin Khan on . Posted in News.

Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape is evolving rapidly, with initiatives focused on modernization, sustainability, and innovation. Projects supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are working to advance the country’s agriculture through stakeholder collaboration, enhancing productivity, improving mechanization, and embedding sustainable practices.

To explore the impact of this work, USAID officials and senior staff from CIMMYT embarked on a comprehensive tour across multiple project sites on 14 – 19 April 2024. The USAID delegation featured Zachary P. Stewart, production systems specialist from the Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security, and John Laborde and Muhammad Nuruzzaman from the USAID Bangladesh Mission. From CIMMYT, the team included Sieglinde Snapp, program director from the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Program, Timothy J. Krupnik, country representative for Bangladesh, and Owen Calvert, project leader for the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia-Mechanization Extension Activity (CSISA-MEA).

Visitors at Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute (BWMRI) lab, Dinajpur, Bangladesh. (Photo: Masud Rana/CIMMYT Bangladesh)

Pioneering agricultural technology

The team visited Dinajpur, Bangladesh to observe the progress of the Transforming Agrifood Systems in South Asia (TAFSSA) CGIAR Initiative, including creative efforts to raise agricultural output, support sustainable practices, and boost the area’s nutrition levels. The integrated strategy of TAFSSA, which combines inclusive community participation with socio-agronomic research, has enabled local farmers to increase revenue, diversify their crop production, and enhance yields. From the premium quality rice (PQR) value chain at the Bengal Auto Rice Mill to the sustainable intensification of mixed farming systems, the visit demonstrated TAFSSA’s dedication to building agricultural resilience and improving lives throughout Bangladesh.

In Faridpur, the team observed CSISA-MEA, a five-year project dedicated to supporting smart mechanization in Bangladesh. This included displays of innovative agricultural machinery, such as onion storage blowers, jute fiber separators, axial flow pumps, and combine harvester spare parts. Stakeholders from various sectors shared insights on how to improve machine service providers’ capacity to manage their businesses effectively.

Sholakundu, a village in Kanaipur Union, Faridpur Sadar, has embraced modern agricultural practices and diversified crop cultivation. This site showcased the impact of mechanized rice transplantation and integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, with the opportunity to observe a live demonstration of mat-type seedling raising for mechanized rice transplantation. Discussions revolved around the benefits of mechanization, IPM activities, and the village’s commitment to enhancing agricultural sustainability and productivity.

Climate-specific farming

The southern coastal region of Bangladesh has long suffered from problems including salinity, drought, waterlogging, and unpredictable weather.  Addressing these issues is the USAID-funded Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab–Asian Mega Delta (SIIL-AMD) project, which encourages climate-resilient farming and better water management.

The initiative engages approximately 400 farmers in trials of improved agronomic techniques through the use of 14 Learning Hubs and the Cluster Farmer Field School (CFFS), aiming to increase output and assist local people in adjusting to the special conditions of the coastal polder zone.

“Bangladesh’s women farmers, especially those in this area and the coastal regions, are incredibly hardworking,” stated Zachary P. Stewart. “Even in the face of adverse weather conditions, their dedication has led to excellent crop yields. If provided with further training and allocated more time, these industrious women could take the lead in driving Bangladesh’s agricultural progress forward.”

Visitors at local machine manufacturing workshop in Jashore, Bangladesh. (Photo: Masud Rana/CIMMYT Bangladesh)

Systemic self-sufficiency

For reasons of development and sustainability, Bangladesh’s agriculture industry is focused on using locally made machinery and spare parts. As USAID personnel visited the SMR Agro Engineering Workshop and Foundry, situated in Jashore Sadar, they witnessed how support by CSISA-MEA has improved the agricultural mechanization market system. SMR Agro Engineering produces high-quality agricultural machinery and spare parts, increasing farmers’ productivity and decreasing labor intensity.

CSISA-MEA’s support has been significant in preparing new industrial layouts, raising labor skill levels, providing technical guidance, and facilitating financing. Moreover, through the development of business partnerships with lead companies, agriculture-based light engineering enterprises (ABLEs), and dealers, CSISA-MEA ensures a strong network that supports the widespread use of mechanized services. This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards enhancing rural livelihoods and achieving sustainable agricultural practices in Bangladesh.

Global research partnerships

In addition to visiting farmers’ fields, the team also attended the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), the nation’s largest agricultural research center which focuses on improving crop yields, food security, and employment. The visitors explored the work in mechanization, IPM, and farm machinery, with a tour of BARI’s IPM and toxicology laboratories highlighting the organizations’ sustainable approach to pest management.

The final visit was to Ispahani Agro Limited (IAL), a leading bio-pesticide producer in Gazipur. IAL is at the forefront of bio-rational pest management, creating environmentally friendly, non-toxic inputs. CIMMYT’s assistance has been crucial for the company’s growth, with the tour covering production units, laboratories, and discussions on IAL’s business development.

Overall, the experience offered a comprehensive overview of collaborative activities between USAID, CIMMYT, and Bangladeshi stakeholders. From research and mechanization to bio-rational pest management, the combined efforts boost output and encourage sustainability and responsible environmental behavior.

As Bangladesh continues to embrace modern farming practices, partnerships and projects will play a pivotal role in defining how the country’s agricultural industry evolves into one that is economically viable and sustainable.

Quality seeds reduce hunger in Tanzanian schools

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Blogs.

The Songwe Region in Tanzania faces a variety of challenges in its agricultural communities, including low productivity, poor farming practices, and limited access to resources. Low yields from white sorghum, the crop of preference in the area, contribute to food insecurity, and insufficient extension support compounds the challenges for farmers.

Schools in the region face their own problems, with students experiencing a lack of food during certain months, resulting in poor academic performance and attendance. Parents, burdened by financial constraints and the low yields of sorghum, struggle to contribute to the school feeding program, further aggravating the situation. The School Feeding Program provides at least one nutritious meal daily to students in rural Tanzania to combat hunger and enhance academic performance. Most schools in rural areas have enough farmland for learning purposes; by utilizing this land, the program aims to produce food locally, reducing reliance on parental contributions and involving the community in addressing food and nutrition insecurity.

To address these challenges, the Center for Behavior Change and Communication (CBCC), initiated a proactive intervention during the 2022-2023 farming season to increase awareness of improved sorghum seed varieties (TARI SOR 1 and TARI SOR 2) through the school feeding program in Momba district, Tanzania. This collaborative effort between the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), CIMMYT, local seed producers, and the local government aimed to address the persistent food and nutrition insecurity in the area.

School children and community members engage in hands-on learning by practicing good agricultural practices on their school farms. (Photo: CBCC)

One of the key strategies employed by CBCC was using schools as platforms for raising awareness. Schools primarily grow sorghum for food rather than trade, making them ideal places to introduce these new, higher-yielding, and nutritionally valuable seed varieties.

Leveraging school farmland

The Youth and Women Quality Centres (YWQCs) are part of an innovative model implemented through the Dryland Crops Program (DCP) through the Accelerated Varietal Improvement and Seed Systems in Africa (AVISA) project, led by CIMMYT and implemented in partnership with CBCC and TARI. Its goal is to increase the adoption of improved variety and quality seeds among young and female farmers through behavior change interventions, with a focus on sorghum and groundnut improvement in the Songwe Region.

Using schools as focal points for raising awareness, the initiative leveraged the YWQCs to provide extension support and distribute seeds to schools. Training materials tailored to the school environment facilitated practical learning on agronomic practices such as farm preparation, seed selection, planting, fertilizer application, weeding, and pest management.

Mkama Secondary School was one of the first to enroll in the program, setting aside 0.5 acres to demonstrate the performance of TARI sorghum seed varieties. With the use of good agronomic practices, the pilot led to an increase in yield, with 350 kilograms (kg) of sorghum harvested. This was an increased improvement compared to their previous yield of 200 kg per acre on their four-acre farm, representing an increase of approximately 75%.

Concerns raised by teachers about the limited yield of local seeds, yielding less than 200 kg per acre, necessitate the urgency of implementing sustainable solutions. The low productivity observed on school farms is also attributed to poor farming practices and inadequate extension support.

Growing these new varieties offers many practical benefits. The increased yield enabled the school to provide lunch to its 129 students during the critical period when food insecurity is most pronounced (October-April). “The new improved sorghum varieties have higher yields, and TARI SOR 2 makes good Ugali,” said Johnas Marwa, the school headmaster. Motivated by their success, the school will plant TARI SOR 1 and TARI SOR 2 on all four acres of their farm during the 2023-2024 season.

Community-wide benefits

The project’s success also inspired confidence in the broader community, leading to a surge in demand for the new sorghum seeds. Consequently, eight seed producer groups and five individual seed producers decided to cultivate these improved varieties in the coming season.

Initially, some community members were hesitant to adopt the new varieties because they were not as white as the traditional local seeds. However, the impressive performance of TARI SOR 1 and TARI SOR 2 quickly won them over, capturing the attention of both farmers and parents due to their potential to reduce food insecurity at household level.

The achievements at Mkama Secondary School led to the expansion of the initiative across 19 additional schools in 14 villages. These schools were chosen based on their willingness to participate and the availability of their farmland. Out of the schools involved, only five produced sorghum on their farms, with the rest relying on parental contributions for the feeding program, but they all relied upon sorghum as the main source of food. Some primary schools only provided porridge, while most of the secondary schools only offered lunch.

Across the 19 schools, a total of 58 acres were allocated for farming sorghum. The project provided 190 kg of seeds, 21% of which were the Macia variety, a popular choice because of its whitish appearance and marketability.

Emmanuel Mwenda, national sorghum coordinator at TARI, said, “This intervention is one of a kind and will bring a huge impact to farmer communities in Momba district.”

Project legacy

The initiative has already had a significant impact and will continue to do so for future planting seasons and generations. “Given the level of effort and investment by partners, in the next season, 4 out of 10 farmers purchasing improved seed at YWQCs will choose either TARI SOR 1 or 2,” said Michel Amson from CBCC.

More than 2,000 students and 50 teachers were trained in agronomic practices by dedicated youth champions. This training caused a ripple effect, with parents visiting YWQC to purchase quality seeds too for growing on their own land.

To ensure the project’s sustainability and longevity, education officers will work with more schools and YWQCs would provide seeds on credit, with schools repaying after harvest to make the improved varieties more accessible when they are needed most.

“This initiative not only improves nutrition and food security for school children, but also benefits the wider community by increasing yields and extending meal provision periods. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders have been instrumental in driving the success of this initiative”, says Chris Ojiewo, seeds systems lead at CIMMYT.

Building global capacity to combat wheat blast

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in News.

Researchers and experts from 15 countries convened in Zambia, between 4-15 March 2024, for an international training on wheat blast disease screening, surveillance, and management.

Wheat blast, caused by pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype triticum, is threatening global wheat production especially in warmer and humid regions. The disease was ïŹrst observed in Parana state of Brazil in 1985 and subsequently spread to Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. Outside of South America, wheat blast incidences were recorded for the first time in Bangladesh in 2016 and in Zambian wheat fields in 2018.

To mitigate the impact of this potential plant pandemic, the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI), in collaboration with CIMMYT and other partners, organized a comprehensive training for building research capacity and raising awareness within the local and international community, especially in at-risk countries.

“This collaborative effort, supported by various international partners and funders, underscores the importance of global cooperation in addressing agricultural challenges such as wheat blast. The objective of the training was to empower researchers with knowledge and tools for enhanced wheat production resilience in regions vulnerable to this destructive disease,” said Pawan Kumar Singh, principal scientist and project leader at CIMMYT. Singh collaborated with Batiseba Tembo, wheat breeder at ZARI-Zambia, to coordinate and lead the training program.

Thirty-eight wheat scientists, researchers, professors, policymakers, and extension agents from countries including Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Zambia, and Zimbabwe convened at the Mt. Makulu Central Research Station in Chilanga, Zambia.

“Wheat blast is a devastating disease that requires concerted efforts to effectively manage it and halt further spread. The disease is new to Africa, so developing capacity amongst country partners before the disease spreads more widely is critical,” said Tembo.

Participants at the International Training on Wheat Blast Screening and Surveillance. (Photo: CIMMYT)

Highlights from the training: discussions, lab exercises, and field visits

During the training, participants engaged in lectures, laboratory exercises, and field visits. There were insightful discussions on key topics including the fundamentals of wheat blast epidemiology, disease identification, molecular detection of the wheat blast pathogen, isolation and preservation techniques for the pathogen, disease scoring methods, disease management strategies, and field surveillance and monitoring.

The course also provided practical experience in disease evaluation at the Precision Phenotyping Platform (PPP) screening nursery located in Chilanga research station. This involved characterization of a diverse range of wheat germplasm with the aim of releasing resistant varieties in countries vulnerable to wheat blast. Additionally, participants undertook field visits to farmers’ fields, conducting surveillance of wheat blast-infected areas. They collected samples and recorded survey data using electronic open data kit (ODK) capture tools.

Participants listen to a lecture by B.N. Verma, director of Zambia Seed Co., on the history of wheat production in Zambia. (Photo: CIMMYT)

“The killer disease needs to be understood and managed utilizing multi-faceted approaches to limit the expansion and damages it can cause to global wheat production. The Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute (BWMRI) is willing to share all the strategies it deployed to mitigate the effect of wheat blast,” said Golam Faruq, BWMRI’s director general.

Participants visited seed farms to gain practical insights into seed production processes and quality assurance measures. These visits provided first-hand knowledge of seed selection, breeding techniques, and management practices crucial for developing resistant wheat varieties. Participants also visited research sites and laboratories to observe advanced research methodologies and technologies related to wheat blast management. These visits exposed them to cutting-edge techniques in disease diagnosis, molecular analysis, and germplasm screening, enhancing their understanding of effective disease surveillance and control strategies.

Field visit. (Photo: CIMMYT)

“The training and knowledge sharing event was a significant first step in developing understanding and capacity to deal with wheat blast for partners from several African countries. It was wonderful to see the efforts made to ensure gender diversity among participants,” said Professor Diane Saunders from the John Innes Centre, UK.