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research: Sustainable agrifood systems

A blueprint for soil health initiatives

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Ethiopia’s agricultural and food production systems face significant challenges due to soil acidity. Approximately 41% of the country’s cultivated land is affected, with 28% of this area being highly acidic. Heavy rainfall and inherent soil properties are significant drivers of this, and practices like continuous residue removal greatly accelerate these conditions.  

Stakeholders attending the national workshop on acid soil management in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Photo: CIMMYT)

The resulting acidic soil conditions can severely limit the uptake of critical nutrients, leading to lower yields and poorer crop responses to inputs. As a result, Ethiopia’s soil acidity conditions constrain the production and productivity of the country’s main staple crops and compromise efforts to achieve national food security. To help address these problems, policymakers, technical experts, and development partners in Ethiopia have come together to advocate for innovative data-driven solutions to remediate acid soils to raise crop yields and promote sustainable economic growth.  

“At a national workshop convened by CIMMYT and the One CGIAR initiative on Excellence in Agronomy on 29 July 2024 in Addis Ababa, experts from CGIAR, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), universities, regional research institutes, the national soil health task force, NGOs, and other key stakeholders gathered to discuss acid soil management in Ethiopia. Participants emphasized that proper management of soil acidity could increase fertilizer use efficiency from 20% to as much as 90%, depending on the initial acidity levels and specific nutrients involved.

Tackling soil acidity 

“Acidic soils are complex and widespread, affecting millions of hectares of arable land in Ethiopia,” said Tesfaye Shiferaw, an agronomist with CIMMYT’s Sustainable Agrifood Systems program and regional lead for the One CGIAR initiative on Excellence in Agronomy. “We understand the situation well and have developed innovative solutions under the GAIA project to address the issue. The spatial targeting framework created within the project represents a significant breakthrough, which the MoA has incorporated into Ethiopia’s nationwide acid soil reclamation initiative.”

Feto Esimo, Director General of EIAR, highlighted, “Addressing soil acidity is critical for enhancing food security and economic development in Ethiopia. A few years ago, we appealed to partners to intensify their efforts in creating sustainable strategies with lasting impacts for future generations. We are now seeing the GAIA project’s ongoing efforts effectively addressing these issues and offering potential solutions.”

The GAIA project approach 
Project research team monitoring and evaluating the field activities in Jimma Zone-Ethiopia (Photo: CIMMYT)

Researchers on the GAIA project have been evaluating alternative approaches to managing soil acidity, with a particular focus on lime application. This method aims to reduce aluminum toxicity and improve the availability of essential nutrients such as phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) in the soil. Additionally, liming decreases the solubility and leaching of heavy metals and offers benefits for legumes, such as increased microbial activity and enhanced biological nitrogen fixation. The GAIA team’s detailed evaluation includes core activities like spatial targeting to identify priority areas for liming, determining optimal lime application rates, and assessing profitability for specific crop types.

The primary goal in Ethiopia is to guide targeted investments for effective soil health reclamation and increased agricultural productivity through liming and enhanced nutrient management. The project aims to establish a strategic spatial targeting framework, serving as both a policy tool and a blueprint for soil health management. This framework is designed to optimize lime application, ensuring it is prioritized in areas where it can deliver the highest return on investment for farmers and the government. Project outcomes also include expanding this framework for broader application.

Major project outcomes in Ethiopia 

The GAIA research team conducted an in-depth investigation into the interactions between lime and fertilizer, developed a workflow and an essential policy tool integrated into the Ethiopian National Soil Information System (NSIS), and presented evidence-based recommendations on acid soil remediation to national and regional policy forums. The following significant system-level accomplishments have resulted from CIMMYT and partners’ research-driven recommendations.

Firstly, the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) recognizes the GAIA project’s model as a successful blueprint for implementing and scaling up acid soil remediation nationwide. The government has launched a plan to reclaim 300,000 hectares of acidic cropland in 2024–2025, targeting around 10% of affected areas identified through the spatial targeting framework. To support this initiative, 1.4 billion ETB (approximately 12 million USD) has been allocated to manage acidic agricultural land. Additionally, at the National Stakeholder Consultation Forum on Acid Soils held in Bonga town, South-Western Region, in April 2023, the Ethiopian government prioritized soil acidity as a key focus. Since then, the government has reinforced its commitment to soil health programs, incorporating lime as an essential input alongside improved seeds and fertilizer.

These storylines were highlighted in July 2024 during a national working group meeting aimed at streamlining acid soil management strategies across Ethiopia. The meeting, led by GAIA and EiA in collaboration with the MoA and supported by the One CGIAR initiative EiA, underscored the strategic progress made by the GAIA project in addressing soil acidity. According to Feto Esimo, Director General of the EIAR, these advancements signify a substantial improvement, promising a lasting impact beyond the current agricultural season. He expressed appreciation for the project’s achievements and advocated for its expansion to serve as a model for similar soil health programs across the country.

“Lime is the most widely used remedy, and its effectiveness in increasing yields when combined with fertilizer is well-documented,” noted Temesgen Desalegn, Director of Natural Resources Management Research at EIAR. “In this context,” he continued, “the GAIA project is timely, offering a multifaceted approach to soil health management, not limited to acid soils. The project’s model has been widely welcomed and could provide a comprehensive strategy for other soil health initiatives in Ethiopia.”

National working group on acid soil management workshop participants in Addis Ababa (Photo: CIMMYT)

The national working group meeting reached a consensus on recognizing project outcomes that drive system-level impacts. This effort to build a strong consensus extends beyond Ethiopia; it reflects a broader continental trend, highlighted by the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan: 2024–2034. This plan emerged from the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit held in May 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme ‘Listen to the Land,’ organized by the African Union.

The GAIA project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), supports large-scale rehabilitation of acid soils in East Africa through data-driven insights and evidence-based recommendations for decision-makers. Led by CIMMYT in collaboration with various partners across Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, the project works in partnership with the Excellence in Agronomy (EiA) initiative of the One CGIAR. In Ethiopia, GAIA is implemented in cooperation with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR).

The Impact of War on Agrifood Entrepreneurs in Sudan: Gendered Insights from Participatory Action Research in Kassala and Gadarif States

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Publications.

Introduction

CIMMYT, through the USAID-funded Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan (SASAS) program, empowers farmers and herders to reduce their reliance on humanitarian assistance, even in conflict-affected Sudan, where over 10 million people have been displaced and livelihoods across the country have been severely impacted. Improving agricultural value chains and agribusiness development is one of the five broad intervention areas of the SASAS program.

Several SASAS program partners support agribusiness development by working directly with micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which act as intermediaries between large firms and smallholder farmers, facilitating farmers’ access to inputs and promoting national food security. The critical role and challenges faced by agricultural MSMEs have been exacerbated by the ongoing civil war in Sudan. Due to pre-existing gender norms, the impact may differ between women and men entrepreneurs. SASAS implementing partners urgently need up-to-date, ground-level insights into the key business challenges. This includes understanding which businesses are existing and why, identifying promising and actionable coping strategies adopted by agrifood entrepreneurs, and capturing MSME owners’ perspectives on the priority interventions needed to support them.

To provide SASAS partners with critical evidence to inform their development activities with agricultural MSMEs, a team of CIMMYT researchers conducted semi-structured interviews in May 2024 with 20 women and 20 men agrifood enterprise owners residing in Kassala and Gadarif states. The findings from this research were documented in reports. The next phase of the CIMMYT team’s participatory action research focused on holding results dissemination meetings in each of the two states. The purpose of these meetings was to share study findings with research participants and SASAS partners, Mercy Corps and Practical Action, and provide an opportunity for feedback. This feedback helps clarify and validate the study findings and is central to the CIMMYT team’s approach to generating nuanced, contextually based lessons that inform the programming of SASAS partners working with agribusinesses.

Attendance at results dissemination meetings and perceptions of participants

The results dissemination meetings brought together SASAS development partners and MSME owners (research participants). In Kassala, 20 agrifood entrepreneurs (10 women and 10 men), along with several representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), and local Kassala communities, attended the meeting. CIMMYT’s partner, Practical Action, co-organized the session. In Gadarif, 13 agrifood entrepreneurs (10 women and 3 men) were joined by representatives from the MoA and local community leaders for the results dissemination meeting, hosted by CIMMYT’s partner Mercy Corps. Participants in both states engaged actively in open discussions about the research findings, offering valuable feedback, while also helping to validate and refine the results.

Participants in the research results dissemination meeting –in Kassala actively participate in the group work (Photo: Mohamed Abdulmajid/CIMMYT)

After introductions and an icebreaker, the results dissemination meetings turned into a brief presentation of key study findings facilitated by CIMMYT’s MEL consultant, Mudar Ahmed. Participants in both meetings listened intently, and their initial feedback conveyed the relevance of the study results to their lives. For instance, when asked about the applicability of the study findings, one participant in Kassala said, “The research on the impact of war on women and men agrifood entrepreneurs is valuable as it gathers various perspectives on how war has affected our work, outlines the challenges we face, identifies coping mechanisms, and offers suggestions to overcome the current bottleneck.”

Social norms influencing women’s and men’s participation in the agrifood sector

One of the factors influencing CIMMYT’s selection of Gadarif and Kassala states as study sites, aside from the relatively stable security situation and concentration of agrifood enterprises, was the interesting contrast the two states offer in terms of women’s participation in the labor market and (agricultural) business operation, with women in Gadarif generally being more active. During the meetings, participants were asked to elaborate on these gender dynamics and how they play out in their lives.

A female participant in Kassala state explained this regional difference in gendered agricultural roles and shared insights into how and why it is changing over time, “In Gadarif most of the agricultural activities are rainfed and farms are in remote areas, limiting the number of women in cultivation activities. However, more and more women cooperatives are active in agriculture and many of them get loans from funding institutions and receive technical support from women’s empowerment institutions.  The main challenge that hinders more women from participating in agricultural activities in Gadarif is that rainfed cultivation requires a lot of financial resources that women cannot access. In Kassala, although the community is more conservative and many believe that women need to stay at home and not to go out for work, more and more women are active in agricultural activities, including manual weed control and harvesting. Now thousands of women in Kassala are active in vegetable production and processing like drying okra and onions.”

Participants further explained that while there are differences in occupational gender dynamics in different states, in general, women farmers in Sudan face major barriers to agricultural entrepreneurship regardless of location. However, some highlighted ongoing improvements towards gender equality. A female participant in Gadarif had this to say: “Most agricultural land is inherited or assigned by authorities, often excluding women from ownership. However, as more women become active agrifood entrepreneurs, many have purchased farms, and several women’s cooperatives have gained access to these lands.”

Participants in the results dissemination meeting in Gadarif (Photo: Mohamed Abdulmajid/CIMMYT)
War-related challenges to daily business operations

One of the top discussion points at the meetings, was the war-related challenges to participants’ daily business operations.

A male agricultural input dealer in Gadarif noted, “Since the conflict began, prices for agricultural inputs have soared and availability has decreased, leaving us without funding and diminished profits. Many of our customers have exited agriculture and stopped purchasing from us, resulting in significant stagnation. To mitigate the adverse effects of the war on our business, we have sought joint ventures with other dealers to cut operational costs and are looking for funding to revive our operations.”

A female agrifood entrepreneur in Kassala described how internal displacement during the war has strained her business, driven by a sense of obligation to help those most in need “Due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, hundreds of thousands of displaced people resorted to Kassala state seeking safety and work opportunities. However, the limited housing capacity in the town forced many displaced people to shelter on farms limiting our cultivation activities. As vegetables and fruit producers, we had to give some of our yields freely to these vulnerable displaced people.”

A participant sharing his view during a group discussion in Gadarif (Photo: Mohamed Abdulmajid/CIMMYT)
War-related financial challenges

Participants discussed how the ongoing conflict has impacted access to finance, cash flow, and overall business sustainability. They highlighted several challenges, including the loss of assets, difficulties in accessing loans, and shifts in market dynamics caused by the war. In both Kassala and Gadarif, discussions emphasized the rising prices, which have directly affected their businesses and personal lives.

A common issue raised was the lack of adequate financial assistance, largely due to the suspension of financial aid projects that previously provided grants or microfinance through various institutions. Participants in Kassala proposed forming partnerships with institutions that could offer funding opportunities as a potential solution. Meanwhile, participants in Gadarif suggested creating small savings funds to meet the needs of the most vulnerable by offering credit opportunities within the community.

War-related non-financial challenges

Participants in this group discussed the broader non-financial impacts of the ongoing conflict, focusing on issues such as displacement, lack of infrastructure, and psychological stress. They shared personal experiences and explained how these challenges have negatively impacted business operations and development.

In Kassala, one of the key issues raised was the suspension of education, which has left thousands of students out of school. This directly affected businesses involved in food production and marketing to students. Another major challenge discussed was the increased competition in the labor market, exacerbated by the influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Participants suggested that small NGOs should provide more support to herders and called for government intervention to address the education crisis.

In Gadarif, the group discussed security concerns that have made it difficult to conduct business operations or even move around the area safely. They also noted the strain on basic services due to the influx of IDPs, which has led to overpopulation of the state. As solutions, participants emphasized the need for an end to the conflict, improved security, and better services to address the IDP crisis and strengthen basic infrastructure and social services.

Future business plans and needs

At the results dissemination meetings, agrifood entrepreneurs openly discussed how the ongoing conflict has affected their business expansion plans. As one male participant in Kassala state noted, “Our growth plans have been severely affected by the current economic situation, as many financial institutions are no longer operating, the operational and fuel costs are high, our marketing areas have shrunk, we face competition from new businesses established by displaced people, and public services such as electricity, water, and transportation are under increased demand.”

While most participants agreed that the conflict has created significant challenges, some meeting participants described opportunities that have arisen for local agrifood entrepreneurs during the current civil war in Sudan. For example, some participants described how internally displaced farmers have begun to cultivate in Gadarif and Kassala, creating a moderate demand for agricultural inputs that has benefited agribusinesses. It was also noted that displaced entrepreneurs have started new businesses in the two states, which, in addition to financial and other support from international NGOs, has facilitated the acquisition of new skills and technologies, including solar systems for processing agricultural products. Finally, one participant explained that the conflict has made entrepreneurs become more agile. These observations provide examples of human resilience and document how growth can persist even under the most challenging circumstances.

A participant shares the findings from a group discussion about the Impact of War on Women and Men Agrifood Entrepreneurs Research (Photo: Mohamed Abdulmajid/CIMMYT)

Breaking barriers in Mshewe: How Zinduka Women are Transforming Agriculture and Empowering Communities

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Features.

(Photo: CIMMYT)

In the sleepy village of Mshewe in Tanzania’s Mbeya District, a group of women is quietly revolutionizing their community through a powerful blend of agricultural entrepreneurship and social transformation. Since its inception in 2010, the Zinduka Women group has grown from a collective of women survivors of gender-based violence to an inspiring force for change that is uplifting families and challenging societal norms. 

Empowerment through economic independence is at the heart of their mission, and their name “Zinduka”— a Swahili word meaning “to wake up, come to one’s senses, or gain consciousness,”—aptly describes the group’s journey. Supported by the Southern Africa Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I) project, these women have moved beyond the shadows of their past to redefine their future. Today, they stand as role models, not only in agriculture but as champions of women’s empowerment.  

From Beans to Big Dreams 

Since their inception in 2010, the women of Zinduka have faced the challenges of limited yields and outdated farming methods. Taking a leap of faith, they sought out partnerships that could provide them with the necessary tools and training. Collaborating with the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the women embarked on an ambitious two-year journey of modern agricultural training, transforming their humble bean farm into a scalable, profitable venture. By adopting improved seed varieties like the Zinc and iron-rich Jesca beans, the group saw their yields soar from 120 kg to over 500 kg per hectare—a testament to the power of education and perseverance.

Witness Kayanga, the group’s chairperson, recalls the turning point for the women of Zinduka: ‘We realized that to break the cycle of poverty and oppression, we needed more than just hard work; we needed knowledge and resources. That’s when things started to change.’

Innovation Meets Empowerment 

With support from USAID, through CIMMYT’s AID-I project, the Zinduka Women’s Group has made remarkable progress. Today, 11 of the 38 group members are Quality Declared Seed (QDS) producers, enabling them to contribute to local food security by producing high-quality seeds while also generating a sustainable income. The group has also received a production machine that has significantly improved their efficiency. When not in use by the group, the machine is rented out to others in the community, creating an additional revenue stream.

The group’s association with NMB Bank has given them access to credit facilities that have strengthened their financial position. Furthermore, the acquisition of a digital weighing scale has brought much-needed precision to their work. These developments have enabled them to expand their business, and the impact is visible not only in their increased earnings but also in their confidence. One group member proudly shared, ‘We used to face heavy losses as some traders exploited us by using tampered tins, causing us to sell more grain for less. Now, we are more than just farmers; we are businesswomen.’

This support has empowered the Zinduka Women’s Group to not only improve their agricultural output but also elevate their standing in the community as businesswomen.

Recognizing the untapped potential for value-added products, they began producing bean flour, cakes, and pastries, which quickly gained popularity in their village and beyond. Bean flour has emerged as a healthier, more nutritious alternative, leading to an increase in demand within Mshewe. As part of their forward-thinking approach, the Zinduka Women’s Group is now exploring the introduction of premium packaging for their high-zinc and iron-rich Jesca beans. This differentiation will enable them to command higher prices in the market, further increasing their profitability and sustainability.

The group still needs more support in terms of access to capital and mechanization, as their production scale increases and so does their reliance on equipment and market linkages. Efficiently matching seed supply with market demand remains critical to avoid the risk of selling valuable seed stocks as regular grain. Nonetheless, their progress is a testament to how access to training, tools, and financial services can transform the lives of smallholder farmers and strengthen local food systems.

Beyond Agriculture: A Beacon for Women’s Rights 

While the Zinduka Women Group’s agricultural success is impressive, it is their role as advocates for gender equality that truly sets them apart. Most members have overcome significant personal trauma, using their economic success as a shield against future abuse. The group’s work is now seen as a model for integrating gender empowerment into rural development.

Not only are they transforming their own lives, but they are actively mentoring other women and youth in the region, amplifying their impact. Their success has attracted attention from various organizations, keen to replicate their model of combining agricultural innovation with social change.

A Future Built on Partnership and Hope 

USAID’s support has unlocked a future of potential for the women’s group. By equipping them with the tools to succeed in agriculture and beyond, the foundation has been laid for sustainable growth, not only for the Zinduka Women’s Group but for the entire community.

(Photo: CIMMYT)

Helping herders access grazing lands and water sources amid prevailing food insecurity in Sudan

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

In parts of the conflict-ridden Sudan, including the eastern regions such as Kassala and Gadarif, rainfall is sparse and recurring droughts caused by climate change compound the issue. Consequently, perennial grasses that are supposed to grow back year after year are dramatically disappearing.

In addition, uncontrolled and heavy grazing in large areas in Sudan is also negatively affecting soil by increasing erosion, and cattle hooves can compact the soil, preventing plant roots from receiving enough oxygen, water, and nutrients.

Due to these factors, many pastoralist groups in east Sudan are seeking grazing resources outside their recognized tribal territory. A major problem for these groups has been the recurrent droughts and the deterioration of pasture areas, which has forced them to stay longer in areas with rich grazing, thus competing with other groups and leading to frictions and conflicts.

Livestock-Food Systems Development (LFSD) is a component of the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan (SASAS), funded by USAID, focused on the dairy and meat subsector of the livestock sector. The LFSD aims to enhance the utilization of appropriate forage and feeding options through the demarcation of migratory routes to ease access to grazing, avoid conflicts, and reduce long-distance livestock travel impact on livestock health.

Along with partners, Practical Action and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), LFSD, is establishing a 50 km migratory route demarcation from Al Hindiiyya to Banqir in the Atbara River locality, Kassala State, East Sudan. These routes connect villages to public grazing land for livestock to pass through without impacting farmland.

The intervention also includes reseeding 1,000 feddans (around 420 hectares) of grazing lands and creating water ponds for animals during the rainy season. SASAS is also enhancing water harvesting by using a tractor to increase soil moisture. The two interventions were recommended by local communities and agriculture and animal resources authorities in Kassala state.

“As the rainy season is commencing, we started working with the local communities and reseeding the targeted areas in rural Kassala and River Atbara localities as recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture,” said Dr. Abdallah Osman, Project Manager, Practical Action.

Reseeding around 1,000 feddans of grazing lands in River Atbara Locality, Kassala (Photo:Suliman Fadlalla/CIMMYT )

“To ensure the best results, we used a mix of five high-quality seed types, all of which were recommended by the Kassala State Ministry of Agriculture,” Osman said.

The reseeding will serve 15 villages and enhance grazing lands for over 100,000 animals in the area. In addition, water storing capacity will be increased by constructing 15 large water ponds.

“For the past decades, our grazing lands had diminished gradually, and we face huge challenges in feeding our livestock, especially during dry seasons. In most cases, we had to buy costly fodder and water trucking,” said Ahmed Hassan, a community leader and a herder from River Atbara Locality, Kassala State. “We feel very proud to participate in reseeding the grazing lands in our areas, as this will increase grass yield and quality, enabling us to feed our animals better.”

The intervention also aims to rehabilitate animal migratory route demarcations to ease access to grazing, avoid conflicts, and reduce long-distance livestock travel impact on livestock health.

“As farmers, we suffer a lot from animals that cross into our agricultural fields and destroy our crops. We are relieved that reseeding will create more grazing lands for herders, and the demarcation of animal routes will help reduce the chronic seasonal conflicts between farmers and herders,” said Haw Osman, a farmer from Am Safri, Kassala Rural locality.

“At SASAS, we strive to ensure that herders have access to rich grazing lands. We work with our partners to address all problems linked to overgrazing, reseeding pasture lands, and treating the causes of conflict between herders and farmers. We involve local communities in creating clear animal migration routes away from farms and increasing water sources for animals through water harvesting projects,” said Abdelrahman Kheir, SASAS Chief of Party in Sudan.

Water harvesting to create water ponds for animals in River Atbara Locality, Kassala State (Photo: Suliman Fadlalla/CIMMYT )
SASAS partners work with local communities in rural Kassala and River Atbara to mark animal migration routes for animals (Photo: Suliman Fadlalla/CIMMYT)

International recognition for CIMMYT: Honorary Doctorate Awarded to Bram Govaerts in India

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

Ceremony for the awarding of an honorary doctorate to Dr. Bram Govaerts of CIMMYT. (Photo: Richa Puri / BISA)

During a formal ceremony at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology (CSA) in Kanpur, India, Bram Govaerts, CIMMYT Director General, was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor Honoris Causa. This prestigious honor not only recognizes Govaerts’ outstanding career but also highlights CIMMYT’s innovative and collaborative work on behalf of global food security, a joint effort that impacts millions of farmers and communities around the world.

Upon receiving the recognition, Govaerts dedicated it to the entire CIMMYT team, emphasizing, “This honor is a testament to the tireless work of my colleagues and collaborators at CIMMYT, who, through science and innovation, are contributing to food and nutrition security in key regions such as India and South Asia.” He further noted that this Honorary Doctorate symbolizes the global commitment of CIMMYT and Mexico in addressing the agricultural and climate challenges that threaten food production.

This recognition also underscores the strong agricultural partnership between Mexico and India, a collaboration that has saved millions of lives. This alliance dates back to the Green Revolution, led by Norman Borlaug, who introduced wheat varieties developed in Mexico that allowed India to double its agricultural output and avert a catastrophic famine in the 1960s.

Ceremony for the awarding of an honorary doctorate to Dr. Bram Govaerts of CIMMYT. (Photo: Richa Puri / BISA)

Today, CIMMYT continues to be a vital partner for India, developing maize and wheat varieties that are resilient to extreme climate conditions and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA), established in 2011 as a collaboration between CIMMYT and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is a testament to the progress made through international collaboration. BISA has played a critical role in strengthening India’s agri-food systems, improving the livelihoods of millions of farmers, and contributing to environmental restoration in the region.

Beyond commercial ties, scientific collaboration between Mexico and India has been a cornerstone of agricultural improvements in both countries. India, the world’s second-most populous country, faces significant food production challenges, many of which mirror Mexico’s struggles, such as soil degradation and the effects of climate change. Thanks to CIMMYT’s collaboration with Indian institutions, critical advances have been made to address these challenges, paving the way for more resilient and sustainable agriculture.

The honorary doctorate awarded to Bram Govaerts not only recognizes his leadership but also the transformative impact of CIMMYT and its partners in improving the lives of millions of people around the world. Govaerts said, “This award reflects the strength of international scientific collaboration and the power of science to change the world.”

Can We Transform World Food Day Into A Celebration?

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

With food insecurity affecting 733 million people worldwide, the need for solutions is urgent as World Food Day draws near. CIMMYT’s leadership in promoting sustainable agricultural systems is exemplified by Sieglinde Snapp, Director of the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Program, who emphasizes the role of biodiversity in building resilient food systems. By encouraging the use of resilient crops like millet and sorghum, CIMMYT is working to improve soil health and enhance farmers’ livelihoods, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa. Empowering women and ensuring smallholder farmers have access to resources are key elements in transforming global food systems, a cause CIMMYT is deeply invested in.

Read the full story.

Malho Marndi finds way forward with Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) Technology

Written by Nima Chodon on . Posted in Blogs.

Photo: Nima Chodon/CIMMYT

Malho Marndi, a tribal farmer from Odisha, India, has been cultivating rice on her 10-acre farm for many years. However, worsening climate conditions and labor management challenges nearly pushed her to stop growing rice, except for personal consumption. The traditional method of transplanting seedlings into puddled fields was becoming unsustainable, and farmers across Odisha were experiencing yield declines that threatened their livelihoods.

To address these challenges, the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) project led by CIMMYT, introduced the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technology in select districts under the Odisha government’s DSR-Odisha project. DSR involves sowing rice seeds directly into the field, significantly reducing the need for labor and water—making it an attractive solution for smallholder farmers.

In the Kharif season of 2021, Malho participated in a DSR awareness program led by CSISA. Inspired by the success stories of fellow farmers, she decided to take a leap of faith and implement DSR on her own land.

The results were transformative. By adopting DSR on her 10-acre farm, along with an additional 9 acres she had leased, Malho saw her yields nearly double compared to the traditional methods she had previously used. Encouraged by these outcomes and supported by CSISA’s technical guidance, she expanded her cultivation to 40 leased acres and her original 10 acres in 2022. By 2023, she increased her leased land to 50 acres, bringing the total area under DSR to an impressive 60 acres.

Photo: CIMMYT

Malho’s success didn’t end there. She became a service provider, investing in a tractor and rotavator to assist other smallholder farmers in her community. In 2023 alone, her machinery was used to support more than 30 acres of land. Today, she empowers both men and women farmers by renting out her equipment and encouraging the wider adoption of DSR.

Through mechanization and improved crop management practices, Malho now independently manages her rice and maize cultivation. Confident about the future, she hopes to see more resource-constrained farmers across Odisha adopt DSR, improving their yields and enhancing their livelihoods.

Photo: Iftikar Wasim/CIMMYT

Context-dependent agricultural intensification pathways to increase rice production in India

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

Rice is a critical staple for food security and a key export crop for India. The study published in Nature Communications explores context-specific pathways for increasing rice production in India, focusing on sustainable intensification — boosting yields without harming the environment or farm profitability.

The research analyzed over 15,000 field records across seven major rice-producing states in India using advanced machine learning techniques. The study identified nitrogen application and irrigation as key factors limiting yields, particularly in Eastern India (Bihar and Uttar Pradesh). By targeting farms with nitrogen and irrigation deficiencies, the study projects that yield gains could more than triple compared to general recommendations. Specifically, farms suffering from co-limitation by both nitrogen and irrigation could see the most significant gains in productivity and profitability.

Four scenarios for sustainable intensification were evaluated, ranging from blanket application of current nitrogen recommendations to highly targeted interventions. The analysis showed that targeted strategies, focusing on farms with the greatest yield constraints, could significantly improve nitrogen use efficiency and result in greater yields and profitability without excessive resource use.

The study highlights the potential of data-driven, context-specific solutions for rice intensification in India, emphasizing that targeted interventions could offer both higher returns for farmers and better environmental sustainability. It suggests a move away from “one-size-fits-all” approaches towards more precise, farm-specific recommendations based on local conditions and data. This approach could help close yield gaps while aligning with sustainable development goals.

Read the full study.

The Sudan Food Security Initiative: Helping Farmers Produce High-Quality Seed Varieties

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

As the conflict continues in Sudan, harshly disrupting agricultural extension communication and research linkages, Suliman Gadalla, a 55-year-old farmer from Shagarab West Village in Khasum Algrba Locality, Kassala State, eastern Sudan, feels proud that farmers in his village are eagerly asking him about the new sorghum variety he is growing on his farm. Gadalla is very satisfied with his experience using a chisel plough, growing certified seeds, and applying chemicals to control herbicides.

“Every day, no fewer than 10 farmers visit my field to gain firsthand experience in using proper agricultural technologies and to learn more about the new sorghum varieties I am growing,” said Gadalla.

“When I learned about the new sorghum varieties grown on Suliman’s farm and saw their good growth, I told myself I must follow what he is doing to understand the benefits of the new planting methods and wait until harvest to see the yield of the new varieties. If the trial is successful, I plan to get some seeds from my friend Suliman, either by purchasing or borrowing, and cultivate the new varieties next season on my farm,” said Hassan Rahamtalla, a 57-year-old farmer in West Shagarab Village in Khashum.

Under the aegis of the SASAS program, the USAID-funded SFSI was launched in May 2024 in response to Sudan’s food security challenges. SASAS partners strive to increase crop yields through the adoption of certified seeds and Quality Declared (QD) seeds of improved crop varieties.

Through farmers’ demonstration fields, SASAS partners CIMMYT and Harvest Investment Company LTD work extensively to accelerate the adoption of two newly released sorghum varieties, Butana and Dahab, and make their seeds available to communities through demonstration farms established in over ten villages across four localities in Kassala State.

Farmers in Khashum engage with CIMMYT demonstration activities. (Photo credit: Suliman Fadlalla/CIMMYT)

“In addition to inclusive agricultural advisory services, one expected outcome of the demonstration fields is to provide high-quality seeds of the new sorghum varieties, which will increase variety options for farmers and enhance seed system security through improved seed availability,” said Omar Ali, SASAS Seeds Systems Officer.

SASAS partners fully supported the cultivation of 60 feddans in Kassala State as demonstration farms to provide agricultural advisory services that deliver critical information on improved crops, soil, and water management to rural communities through extension, demonstration campaigns, and market linkages.

“The knowledge and skills I gained from the on-farm training are amazing. We were given real experience in ploughing our lands using a chisel and disk harrow and learned how to treat our seeds against fungal diseases and insect pests,” said Hawa Adam, a 45-year-old female farmer from New Halfa, adding that learning how to use herbicides to control weeds was very useful.

“Support from SASAS came at a critical time as the armed conflict spread into new areas across the country, reducing the areas allocated for improved seed production. Through the SFSI farmers’ demonstration fields, we are exposing farmers to new varieties and enabling them to produce high-quality seeds of these varieties so that we ensure seed availability for the next farming season,” said SASAS Program Chief of Party Abdelrahman Kheir.

Agricultural research in Sudan has shown that certified seeds sourced from foundation seeds increase the yield of sorghum by at least 40% compared to seeds obtained from farmers’ bags. Seed multiplication of sorghum under the proposed area (450 feddans) will produce a quantity of certified seeds with the potential to plant a significant area of sorghum for food and feed in the 2025 growing season.

Taring farmers on using pre-emergence herbicides in the demonstration field in Refi Kassala. (Photo credit: Suliman Fadlalla/CIMMYT)
Training farmers on using planters in the demonstration field in New Halfa. (Photo credit: Suliman Fadlalla/CIMMYT)

Scaling fodder innovations to improve livestock productivity in Zimbabwe’s semi-arid regions

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

Gogo Consilia Nyamunda in her pigeon pea field (CIMMYT)

When she first ventured into growing pigeon peas as a baby trial host farmer, Gogo Consilia Nyamunda doubted that intercropping them with maize would bring any benefits, especially given the weather had not been lenient over the past few years in Buhera district, in eastern Zimbabwe. “This year has been the hardest. I’ve never experienced such drought and heat stress, but it’s not just me—it’s affecting the entire country,” says Gogo Consilia. Yet, her production turned out to be better than that of farmers growing only maize, a popular crop in Southern Africa. Encouraged by the results, she expanded her efforts, dedicating half a hectare to pigeon peas. “From just 0.2 hectares of pigeon peas, I still managed to harvest 10 kilograms in these extremely dry conditions. It’s not just for feeding my chickens—other farmers are now interested in the seeds as well,” she explains.

Gogo Consilia Nyamunda is one of twelve farmers experiencing new feed production practices as part of the Livestock Production Systems in Zimbabwe (LIPS-Zim) project, rolled out since 2020 by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in partnership with CIMMYT, the French Agricultural Research Center for International Development (CIRAD), and the University of Zimbabwe (UZ).

In the face of a changing climate, building the resilience of local farmers is crucial to safeguarding both their meal baskets and livestock feed. In this context, LIPS Zimbabwe has emerged as a strategic initiative, deeply rooted in farmer-driven trials to scale fodder production while maximizing the potential of mechanization for smallholder farmers in Buhera. By integrating improved agronomic practices with scalable fodder production, LIPS Zimbabwe is helping farmers withstand the challenges posed by climate change.

Empowering local farmers through fodder production

In the same district, Shirley Makoni also began as a baby trial farmer, intercropping maize with jack bean, a leguminous crop resilient to drought. Her case highlights the importance of diversifying crops and adapting to the realities of climate change: despite initial skepticism, Shirley found that jack beans not only survived the drought but also provided valuable feed for her cows. “I didn’t think anything would come out of it, but the cows love the leaves and seeds. They’ve gained weight, and the crop has been easy to manage,” she shares. While her maize and other crops failed due to the severe weather, jack bean proved to be a reliable source of feed, allowing her to bale the leaves and even share the harvest with others.

Shirley Makoni proudly holds her jack bean hay bale (CIMMYT)

One of the key strategies employed by LIPS Zimbabwe is the promotion of resilient fodder crops that can thrive under harsh climatic, semi-arid conditions where potential evapotranspiration far exceeds seasonal rainfall, which is often below 600 mm. This approach not only ensures a reliable source of feed for livestock but also contributes to the overall resilience of farming systems. The success story of farmers like Gogo Consilia Nyamunda highlights the transformative impact of these efforts.

“The idea of testing new innovations has paid off. Despite the poor sandy soils in Buhera, these fodder crops (jack bean and pigeon pea) have done well!” says Isaiah Nyagumbo, a Systems Agronomist leading the CIMMYT component of the LIPS-Zim project. “This means we now have a more diverse range of leguminous fodder crop species that can be grown in these semi-arid conditions, apart from the more common ones such as mucuna, lablab, and cowpeas.”

Some preliminary laboratory results also suggest that jack bean contains much higher crude protein than popular fodder legumes like mucuna. Jack bean could thus offer a new resilient feed option for farmers in these drought-prone regions and can be grown as an intercrop or in rotation with cereals.

Transforming fodder production through mechanization

Tying the LIPS Zimbabwe project together is the introduction of the mechanization component, from planting to processing the fodder crops, which is crucial for increasing the scale of fodder production in Zimbabwe’s semi-arid regions. By processing forage legumes such as jack bean, lablab, pigeon pea, mucuna, and cowpea, farmers can ensure a steady supply of nutritious feed for their livestock, even in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.

Local farmers in Buhera have been equipped with machinery such as a chopper grinder, hay balers, planters, and tractors, and trained to use and maintain the equipment. “Among the machinery at hand, the hay baler has been a great win for me, especially for the cows,” says Gandani Nhachi. “Last season, I made 27 bales of fodder, which has been vital for my herd. I’ve also grown my goat herd from 16 last year to 35 this year,” he proudly shares.

Building resilience for the future

As climate change continues to challenge farmers, initiatives like LIPS Zimbabwe are essential for building resilience. By combining traditional knowledge with modern practices, scaling fodder production, and embracing mechanization, farmers in Buhera are better equipped to protect their livelihoods and ensure food security. As Gandani puts it, “Climate change is inevitable, but with the right practices, we can still thrive. When I give my goats food, they multiply. Even if one side fails, all hope is not lost.”

Nane Nane fair in Tanzania showcases agricultural innovation and collaboration

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

Partners at the AID-I exhibition booth (Photo: CIMMYT)

In Tanzania, the first week of August is all about agriculture. From August 1 to 8, agricultural fairs, also known as Nane Nane fairs, are held all over the country to recognize the contribution of farmers to the national economy. ‘Nane Nane’ in the local language means ‘eight eight,’ referring to August 8, which is celebrated as Farmers Day in the country.

Organized by the Agricultural Society of Tanzania, these fairs serve as a landmark event for agricultural stakeholders across the region. This year, the 31st edition of the fair was organized at the Nzuguni grounds in Dodoma. It saw 500 exhibitors, including smallholder farmers, agricultural enterprises, public and private sector entities, and government officials.

Themed ‘Embrace Visionary Leadership for Agricultural Transformation,’ the event emphasized the need for leadership commitment to sustainable agriculture, while highlighting the critical role of agriculture in Tanzania’s economic growth and food security.

The Southern Africa Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I), funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by CIMMYT, along with several partners, played a prominent role at this year’s fair. In addition to raising awareness of the innovative work being done, the fair provided a platform for AID-I and its partners to showcase a range of innovative agricultural technologies designed to address the specific needs of Tanzanian farmers. The event also enabled AID-I and its partners to interact directly with farmers and entrepreneurs, resulting in valuable feedback. 

Celebrating the Success of AID-I Beneficiaries at Nane Nane

 

The 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 AID-I’s support.

Among them was Sarah Mashauri, an entrepreneur from the Tabora region, who ventured into the business world by producing and selling maize flour, both wholesale and retail. Starting with only one sack of maize and a loan of 100,000 Tanzanian shillings (approximately US$36), Sarah faced numerous obstacles, including regulatory challenges that resulted in the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority confiscating her items. The AID-I project recognized her potential and resilience. She was equipped with a milling and dehulling machine, which significantly improved her business. “Before the AID-I project came into my life, I was struggling on my own,” she said. “The support, coupled with the extensive training they provided, enabled me to scale up my operations. I went from employing seven people to 35, and my business expanded significantly. I am now able to source raw materials easily from small-scale farmers, thanks to the networks and training provided by AID-I.”

Agatha Laiza, managing director of Seasoning Palate, a food products company operating under the brand name Tobi Product in Dar es Salaam, is another entrepreneur who benefited from AID-I’s support. Agatha specializes in peanut butter, crunchy nuts, and peanut oil. Her journey began in 1996 with a focus on food product processing. She later realized the potential in peanut production and shifted to adding value to peanuts, while also addressing the critical issue of aflatoxin contamination. With support from AID-I, Agatha was able to build solar dryers for farmers and provide them with high-quality seeds, significantly reducing the risk of aflatoxin in their crops. “The support from USAID, CIMMYT, and AID-I has been invaluable,” Agatha said. “They have helped us build confidence among our farmers, reducing ground nut loss and ensuring safe, quality produce. Our factory, which can process up to three tons of peanuts daily, now operates more efficiently and our products are safer and more reliable.”

Aithan Chaula, executive director of the Dodoma Agriculture Seed Production Association (DASPA), also benefited from the AID-I project’s support. Since beginning pigeon pea production in 2022, DASPA saw substantial growth in demand for pigeon pea seeds, partnering with ALSSEM, a local seed production company.

DASPA expanded its operations to produce quality declared seeds (QDS) and certified seeds, catering to a growing market. Aithan attributed their success to the strategic support from AID-I and partnerships with organizations such as CIMMYT and ALSSEM. “The collaboration allowed us to expand our production capabilities and reach more farmers across various regions,” he said. DASPA is currently working with approximately 20,000 farmers and plans to increase this number by distributing small seed packs and conducting field demonstrations.

“This year at Nane Nane, we were able to distribute small packs of pigeon pea seeds to approximately 1,200 farmers to plant and farm,” said Aithan. “This effort, supported by AID-I, ensures that pigeon pea cultivation becomes well-known and widely adopted by farmers, contributing to both food security and income generation.”

The U.SA Ambassador to Tanzania interacting with exhibitors at the AID-I exhibition booth (Photo: CIMMYT)

Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., the United States Ambassador to Tanzania, paid a visit to the AID-I exhibition booth. He engaged with AID-I representatives and the exhibitors, praising their innovative efforts to advance climate-smart agriculture and enhance food security. “It’s a joy to be participating in Nane Nane, particularly because USAID is interested in assisting Tanzania not only to become food secure but also to help with East Africa’s food security and ultimately the continent’s food security,” said Ambassador Battle Sr. He added that it was fulfilling to see the entire value chain of agriculture and agribusiness involving young people and old people engaged in the process of making Tanzania wealthier and more food secure.

For AID-I and its partners, the fair was a crucial opportunity to highlight ongoing initiatives and foster new partnerships. Peter Setimela, the Legume Seed Systems lead for AID-I, emphasized the importance of such events. “Our work in accelerating innovative technologies and ensuring they reach the farmers is reliant on strong partnerships. We bring these technologies to farmers by strengthening local seed systems, connecting farmers to financial services and products, and providing advisory services,” he said.

CIMMYT Director General visit to UQ

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

CIMMYT Director General Bram Govaerts’ visit to The University of Queensland (UQ) on September 27, 2024, reinforced a long-standing partnership aimed at tackling global food security and sustainability challenges. For over 50 years, CIMMYT’s collaboration with Australian researchers has advanced wheat breeding, contributing significantly to Australia’s agricultural resilience. The visit emphasized expanding research on key crops like sorghum, millets, and legumes, while promoting sustainable practices and climate resilience in agriculture. This collaboration continues to drive innovations that benefit not only Australia but also regions across the Indo-Pacific and Africa.

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U.S. Pledges $5M for Guatemala Food Security Initiative

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media, News.

At the UN General Assembly, the U.S. Department of State announced $5 million in food security assistance to advance the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils initiative in Guatemala. Co-led by CIMMYT and FAO, it aims to enhance sustainable agriculture through innovative practices that improve soil health and crop diversity. This initiative, part of the U.S. Feed the Future program, will strengthen resilience to climate change and support Guatemala’s agricultural sector, directly benefiting the 1.6 million people dependent on farming. CIMMYT’s leadership ensures scientific expertise in crop and soil management is central to addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in the region.

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Rebecca’s Story of Turning Waste into a Livelihood

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Rebecca Benson, a 30-year-old mother of three from Igurusi village in Mbeya, Tanzania, is living proof of how small efforts against food loss can significantly impact people’s lives. Her journey unfolded during a recent USAID field mission in Tanzania for CIMMYT’s Southern Africa Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I) project when we visited a grain storage facility operated by the Igurusi Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society (AMCOS). This local cooperative provides storage facilities and connects rice farmers to buyers, ensuring their produce is preserved and marketed efficiently. The warehouse stores over 1,000 tons of paddy, which is dried, stored, and ready for market.

As we toured the warehouse, we noticed that between the collection and storage of produce, small amounts of paddy had spilled onto the ground. Although this might seem like a minor oversight, it quickly became clear that what could have been discarded as waste was, for some, a valuable resource.

Turning Food Loss into Livelihood

A few meters away, we noticed Rebecca winnowing paddy. Intrigued by the picturesque scene of wind blowing away chaff, we approached her and soon discovered her remarkable story. Initially shy, Rebecca gradually opened up to us and shared her story of resilience and great inspiration. Four years ago, Rebecca left a comfortable life for one filled with struggle. She had been in an abusive marriage but decided to rebuild her life after an altercation with her husband almost turned fatal.

“He would drink and become very violent. I had endured a lot but realized that he might one day kill me. I was very scared,” Rebecca narrated.

Starting life on her own and without access to her family’s land, she struggled to continue her rice farming, facing the overwhelming costs of leasing land and maintaining a farm. As her situation worsened, she found it increasingly difficult to provide for her children.

A happy Rebecca Benson winnowing paddy she collected from the ground at the Igurusi AMCOS (Photo: Maria Monayo, CIMMYT)

In her quest for survival, Rebecca began collecting waste paddy from spillage at the AMCOS warehouse. Initially, after threshing, it was just enough for her family to feed on, but she soon realized she could sell some of the rice to generate income. With the cooperative’s permission, she started collecting, cleaning, and selling the grains at Tsh 700 per kilogram. On average, Rebecca gathers over 20 kg of rice daily, which helps her pay rent, school fees, and feed her family. Although a tedious task to sift through the soil and rocks, Rebecca does it enthusiastically.

While she hopes to one day acquire land and return to farming, Rebecca remains grateful for the opportunity she has now. “It is hard work, and I want to improve my life and that of my children. I have not been able to save enough to lease land for farming, but that is my goal,” she said. The work also keeps her busy and has granted her independence from her abusive partner, allowing her to support her family on her own.

The Reality of Post-Harvest Grain Loss

In Sub-Saharan Africa, post-harvest grain loss amounts to millions of dollars in lost revenue and a reduction in food security due to inadequate storage facilities and improper handling during drying and transport. While AMCOS works hard to preserve crops and prevent large-scale food loss, the small quantities of spilled rice are an unavoidable consequence of handling large volumes. For Rebecca, however, these spilled grains represent a lifeline. Through her resourcefulness, she has turned what could have been wasted into an opportunity, providing her family with food and financial stability.

How effective soil aggregate management can boost productivity and climate resilience

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

Soils are the bedrock for plant health and sustenance, but how do we protect and enhance them to maximize their nutritional potential? Years of conventional farming practices have left many soils depleted, raising urgent concerns about how to rejuvenate them. The recent El Niño event during the 2023/24 farming season in southern Africa, bringing extreme weather conditions—ranging from prolonged droughts to intense floods—has exposed the vulnerability of these soils. Poorly managed soils, already strained by years of excessive tillage and lack of cover, struggle to retain moisture under such stress, leading to crop failures even after rainfall.

However, conservation agriculture (CA) offers a vital solution. By improving soil structure and moisture retention, CA practices provide a lifeline for crops in challenging conditions. Recognizing this, CIMMYT scientists are actively promoting CA among smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting its critical role in sustaining soil health and resilience in the face of climate challenges.

Isaiah Nyagumbo demonstrating soil aggregate stability (CIMMYT)

Described as lumps of soil particles that bind together strongly, soil aggregates play a vital role in maintaining soil health, supporting plant growth, and sustaining agricultural productivity. Formed by the combined effects of biological, chemical, and physical processes, the structure and stability of soil aggregates are crucial for several soil functions—primarily water infiltration, root growth, and resistance to erosion. Soil aggregates consist of various soil particles, including sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. There are different types of soil aggregates, including macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) and microaggregates (<0.25 mm), with macroaggregates typically more stable and beneficial for soil structure and functions.

Demonstrating the value of soil aggregate stability
A CIMMYT researcher holding a soil aggregate from a CA field (CIMMYT)

Imagine three soil aggregate samples taken from the same field but under different management regimes—from virgin soil that has not been previously cropped, to land under conservation agriculture practices for the last 5 to 8 years, and soil conventionally ploughed annually before crop planting for many years. When these soil aggregates are gently immersed in clear water, stark differences can be noted. The aggregates from conventionally tilled soil, weakened by years of intensive cultivation, quickly disintegrate, turning the water murky and brown.

In contrast, the aggregates from virgin soil remain intact, preserving the water’s clarity even after several hours. The CA soil aggregates exhibit much better stability than those from the conventionally tilled soil but fail to remain as intact as those from the natural virgin soil. A simple lesson is drawn from this demonstration! Restoring degraded soils is a serious challenge. Even after 5 years of CA practices, soil organic carbon levels may only show modest improvement, and the aggregates, while more stable, still don’t match the condition of aggregates from virgin soil.

Soil recovery from a degraded state is a slow process that is not “a walk in the park.” Transitioning from conventional tillage to CA is challenging and slow, requiring years to rebuild organic matter and improve aggregate stability. Patience and careful soil management are vital, as degradation can occur rapidly, but recovery is a lengthy process. However, incorporating organic soil amendments like manure and compost, along with diversifying crops by introducing legumes such as cowpea, groundnut, soybean, mucuna, and pigeon pea, can accelerate this recovery. While degradation occurs rapidly, soil restoration demands a long-term commitment, but the rewards are worth the effort.

Exploring conservation agriculture as a source to improve soil health

Conservation agriculture is built on three key principles: reduced soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and diverse crop rotation. Minimizing soil disturbance helps preserve soil structure, while permanent soil cover shields the soil against splash erosion and boosts microbial activity. Crop rotation enhances soil fertility, maintains aggregate structure, and disrupts pest and disease cycles. These principles are essential for soil recovery and the retention of organic matter.

Among these, permanent soil cover is often the most challenging for farmers to implement, yet it is critical for effective soil management. Demonstrating its importance, a simple test with water applied to soil samples with varying levels of cover illustrates splash erosion effects.

“Such a simple test mimics real-life conditions farmers face during rains. Soils without cover suffer significant erosion, while those with minimal or substantial cover show reduced erosion and improved water retention. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining permanent soil cover to foster microbial activity and enhance soil health,” highlighted Isaiah Nyagumbo, cropping systems agronomist.

In a nutshell, soil aggregate management is fundamental to climate resilience and agricultural sustainability. Through the adoption of conservation agriculture practices, smallholder farmers can significantly improve soil health, enhance water and nutrient retention, and increase crop resilience to climate stress. The journey from degraded to healthy soil is long and challenging, but with careful management and patience, the benefits are profound and lasting. By understanding and implementing these principles, farmers can build a more sustainable and resilient food system.