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Theme: Capacity development

CIMMYT training courses play a critical role in helping international researchers meet national food security and resource conservation goals. By sharing knowledge to build communities of agricultural knowledge in less developed countries, CIMMYT empowers researchers to aid farmers. In turn, these farmers help ensure sustainable food security. In contrast to formal academic training in plant breeding and agronomy, CIMMYT training activities are hands-on and highly specialized. Trainees from Africa, Asia and Latin America benefit from the data assembled and handled in a global research program. Alumni of CIMMYT courses often become a significant force for agricultural change in their countries.

IMIC-Africa Field Day 2025: Where science meets collaboration to accelerate maize innovation in Africa

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

Regional partners in front of the CIMMYT maize lines displayed during field day. (CIMMYT)

Every year, public and private sector partners participate at The International Maize Improvement Consortium for Africa (IMIC-Africa) Field Day for Southern Africa, a unique event that seeks to transform the maize sector. The 2025 field day, hosted at the University of Zimbabwe farm on April 9th, brought together an eclectic blend of partners from seven African countries, including long-standing collaborators and new entrants such as AMAC Seeds and Grow Trade Seeds. Moving beyond just showcasing key achievements and new germplasm to partners, the field day fostered critical and meaningful discussions and experience sharing among partners, from lab to farm.

By offering access to both early- and advanced-generation maize lines, the event was a critical intersection point where public and private players align to tackle the continent’s most pressing agricultural challenges. In addition, members have the opportunity to test their pre-commercial hybrids through CIMMYT-led multi-location trials, ensuring that the products are carefully evaluated across diverse agroecologies and for essential traits such as drought tolerance, pest resistance and high yield potential. It also provides an avenue for suggesting improvements to the demonstrations, ranging from labelling.

We took time to get a clear perspective from CIMMYT scientists, private and public sector representatives.

Q: How important is the IMIC-Africa Field day in addressing maize sector challenges?

“Success of breeding programs is hinged on injection of new genetics that drive gains. Developing high value inbred and donor lines is an expensive process and platforms such as IMIC Africa help reduce product development costs in maize breeding programs of the partners and reduce time taken to deliver solutions to farmers,” emphasized Aparna Das, Senior Technical Program Manager for the Global Maize Program.

“It is rare to get an opportunity to observe and select hundreds of lines in one location as it offers each participant an opportunity to see the performance potential of each line at a glance” said James Gethi, southern Africa Seed Systems Specialist and IMIC Africa southern Africa coordinator.

Mainassara Zaman-Allah, CIMMYT’s Country Representative for Zimbabwe, reflected on the core strengths of the consortium, “It has been 8 years since the launch of the initiative, and one of the core strengths of IMIC-Africa is its inclusivity. Whether from a national agricultural research institution, maize seed company or international agricultural research organizations, IMIC-Africa opens its doors for all involved in maize breeding for the African market. This diversity enables us to leverage a broad range of expertise and resources, to articulate the challenges faced by African farmers.”

Q: What impact have the maize lines had on breeding programs?

“We have seen major improvements in the vigor of materials displayed that open a new frontier for single cross hybrid varieties development” commented Oswell Ndoro from AMAC seeds, a new member of IMIC Africa, signalling optimism for the future.

Walter Trevisan, consultant for Helix Seeds, praised CIMMYT’s Zimbabwe scientists for their collaborative support in selections, “Thank you very much for this outstanding work! We sure appreciate the help of the CIMMYT Zimbabwe scientists in helping us with this task.”

Davison Chaingeni from ARISS, formerly DR&SS Zimbabwe, echoed this, “We continue to see value in getting more DH-based lines. We hope the vigor translates to yield.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: Take us through on what was on offer in the field, where science meets need and demand.

“An array of 624 CIMMYT maize lines were on display, which consisted of 614 new lines from 4 different product profiles providing insights into the performance of different materials. The materials span early-, intermediate, and late- maturity groups to nutritious maize breeding pipelines. A critical component of the field display was trait donor lines where 5 lines were on display for selection. The traits donor lines on display were for drought, drought & heat and Low N & MLN tolerance. This comprehensive showcase enabled seed companies and NARS partners to make informed selections, tailored to their breeding needs,” Gethi explained.

Development of provitamin A-enriched maize (PVA) addresses one of the emerging challenges in combating hidden hunger and animal feed. He further adds, “On display were 126 lines originating from the PVA-enriched maize breeding pipeline. The efforts underscore CIMMYT’s commitment to address regional nutritional needs through targeted breeding initiatives.”

 

IMIC-Africa lines on display showing differences in phenotype for exploitation by partners (CIMMYT)

Q: What improvements would partners like to see moving forward?

Amsal Tarekegne, head of breeding at Zamseed Seed Company, pointed to a practical bottleneck, “It is a challenge understanding the pedigree information provided in the field book due to its length.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yet, the road ahead still demands refinement.  Lubasi Sinyinda from Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI), one of the NARS partners in IMIC-Africa since its inception, noted, “I would like to see more fall armyworm (FAW) and heat-tolerant lines displayed.”

For new entrants like Petros Guveya of Grow Trade Seed company, navigating CIMMYT’s updated heterotic groupings was a challenge, underlining the need for improved orientation for first-time participants.

On the brighter side, Themba Mutuvira complimented the design of the fields by indicating they were easy to navigate through. “The fields were well labelled, and we had no challenges at all identifying the materials”

A living laboratory for Africa’s Maize future

The 2025 IMIC-Africa Field Day was not just an event, but a living laboratory of innovation, critique, and partnership. In the face of mounting climate pressures, pest threats, and nutritional gaps, such platforms offer a rare and invaluable opportunity for the maize breeding community to align, adapt, and accelerate. As IMIC-Africa evolves, the call from partners is clear: deepen inclusivity, enhance clarity, and continually refine the experience to ensure that each plot, each line translates into impact on the farm and food on the table. The future of Africa’s maize sector will be built not in silos, but in such collaborative spaces where science meets the lived realities of farmers and seed companies alike.

How Crops to End Hunger is transforming CGIAR crop breeding from the ground up

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

When crop breeding succeeds, the impact is dramatic: improved varieties reach farmers, productivity increases, and resilience to climate change and disease improves. But breeding success doesn’t happen by chance. It relies on modern facilities, cutting-edge tools, and the ability to test and select for complex, evolving traits. That’s where Crops to End Hunger (CtEH) comes in. At CGIAR Science Week, the project team and beneficiaries demonstrated how.  

A project designed for exponential impact 

Launched in 2019, CtEH aimed to support the modernization of CGIAR’s crop breeding infrastructure, with support from GIZ, the Gates Foundation, the US government, DFID, and ACIAR. As it nears the end of the most recent two-year GIZ funding cycle, the project has made targeted investments in upgrading breeding station infrastructure, equipping them with advanced tools, building capacity across CGIAR and national breeding teams, and developing the foundational systems needed to accelerate the entire breeding process. 

Supporting CGIAR Centers’ core functions 

At CGIAR Science Week, Bram Govaerts, CIMMYT Director General, explained: “CtEH is crucial for implementing CIMMYT 2030 strategy. Support has increased our breeding capacity for maize, wheat, and newly added dryland crops that complement maize and wheat cropping systems.” 

One example is the Groundnut Biotic Stress Screening Network, established with CtEH support. The network has strengthened the capacity of partners in Uganda and Malawi to screen for groundnut rosette disease; a devastating disease spread by aphids can result in 100% crop loss, with annual losses of over $150 million. The screening network will enable development of resistant varieties. 

In Kenya, a $2.5 million worth infrastructure upgrade at the KALRO–CIMMYT Crop Research Facility in Kiboko, has accelerated breeding cycles. This investment is enabling the development of new varieties tailored to the needs of East African farmers. Drought-tolerant maize varieties developed through work in Kenya and Zimbabwe have expanded dramatically, from just 0.5 million hectares in 2010 to 8.5 million hectares across sub-Saharan Africa today. 

The Kiboko station is also a regional leader in pest and disease resistance. Its advanced screening capabilities for fall armyworm have led to the release of three tolerant maize hybrids, benefiting farmers in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, and Ghana. The development of maize varieties resistant to maize lethal necrosis further demonstrates the station’s critical role in enhancing food security across the region. 

Operational improvements: more than bricks and mortar 

CtEH isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s also about operational transformation which profoundly change the breeding work. For instance, as Gustavo Teixeira explains, “The installation of reliable irrigation systems, one of CtEH’s key priorities, improves breeding efficiency in several ways. It enables off-season trials, allowing breeders to conduct multiple generations per year. It promotes plot control, ensuring uniformity across trial plots and data quality. Finally, it improves the ability to breed for drought tolerance.” 

In Ghana, Maxwell Asante of CSIR-CRI described how CtEH brought crop-neutral upgrades that have encouraged teams to strategically plan and align resources, enabled cost attribution to specific breeding programs, improving accountability, and fostered cross-location collaboration by making centralized services possible.  

These operational improvements are helping CGIAR and national systems move toward truly modern breeding programs that can operate with greater precision, speed, and coordination. 

Building for regional collaboration and innovation 

Bram Govaerts also emphasized that collaboration is central to the future of breeding, and that CtEH is helping to make that possible. 

“Strategic collaborations enhance our impact by leveraging diverse resources and expertise, especially through public-private partnerships that scale research and technology transfer for agricultural transformation.” 

Facilities and systems funded by CtEH are helping CGIAR foster cross-disciplinary innovation and strengthen ties with governments, donors, and technology companies. This makes it easier to bridge the gap between research and real-world application – exactly what’s needed to accelerate impact. 

Empowering women in breeding 

Infrastructure improvements under CtEH have considered inclusivity and gender equity. 

Aparna Das, CIMMYT Technical Lead, explained that modernized stations have been upgraded to better support women in breeding roles – such as providing restrooms and expression rooms in remote research stations, often located far from urban centers, which help attract talent. 

Why does this matter? Women breeders bring valuable perspectives, particularly in identifying gender-relevant traits, like cooking time, seed size, and ease of harvesting. Diverse, balanced breeding teams also tend to be more dynamic and innovative, leading to better science and more relevant products for farmers. 

Targeting the right traits 

Breeding for traits farmers need starts with the ability to test and measure those traits under real-world conditions. This can require specialized equipment. 

Maxwell Asante emphasized that this is where CtEH makes a difference: 

“Testing for traits is fundamental. And now, we’re not just selecting for yield – we’re breeding for disease resistance, climate resilience, cooking quality, and more. The only way to do this efficiently is through modern breeding infrastructure and processes.” 

Modern breeding enables scientists to combine multiple traits in a single variety and identify the best candidates with greater accuracy and confidence. This is made possible through CtEH investments in equipment and data analytics, such as Bioflow, the CtEH-funded breeding analytics pipeline developed for CGIAR and its partners. 

Long-term impact through smart design 

What makes CtEH unique is its sustainability-by-design approach. The project was structured to build long-lasting capacity and to leverage investments from across CGIAR Initiatives, amplifying both the quality of upgrades and their outcomes. 

Whether it’s enabling year-round trials, supporting new partnerships, or empowering a more diverse generation of breeders, CtEH is not just upgrading infrastructure, it’s also reshaping CGIAR and partners’ breeding. 

As CGIAR continues to respond to climate, nutrition, and food security challenges, projects like CtEH are making sure we have the tools, systems, and people in place to breed for tomorrow – starting today. 

To learn more about Crops to End Hunger, check out other stories here.

With Innovations, They Protect Maize Biodiversity

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Rural women in Quintana Roo have been guardians of maize for generations. Today, with sustainable innovations and the support of technicians like Esmeralda Andrade, they are strengthening their role in food security and biodiversity conservation.

For generations, native maize has been at the heart of food systems and cultural identity in the Mayan communities of Quintana Roo. The women of these communities, heirs to the legacy of Mesoamerican societies that shaped native maize, have long selected and conserved seeds, ensuring the continuity of the varieties best adapted to their environments. In their hands, maize is not just a crop—it is a legacy.

Women from Quintana Roo during a workshop held as part of the project between the state government and CIMMYT (Photo: Yucatán Peninsula Hub)

Today, however, this legacy faces growing threats. High production costs, competition with less diverse farming systems, and increasing pressure from climate change are putting the biodiversity of native maize at risk. In response to these challenges, the Food and Nutritional Security for Rural Communities in the State of Quintana Roo project—promoted by the state government and CIMMYT—is working to strengthen agricultural productivity, seed conservation, and the sustainability of maize-based systems. At the center of these efforts are women.

In Quintana Roo, 74% of agricultural production units use native or criollo maize seeds, making the state a stronghold of maize biodiversity. However, data from INEGI’s 2022 Agricultural Census also reveal that only 17.9% of these units are headed by women. Despite their traditional role in conserving seeds, managing storage, and selling in local markets, the gender gap in agriculture remains significant.

To help close this gap, the project has prioritized training for women farmers—equipping them with scientific knowledge and technical tools to improve crop productivity and market access. These initiatives provide spaces for women to exchange seeds, learn improved agronomic practices, and build stronger support networks. Community seed houses and native maize multiplication plots have been established to support these efforts.

Esmeralda Andrade, one of the project’s technicians, promotes the integration of traditional knowledge with scientific approaches. “Many of our producers grow native maize, and use the lunar calendar to guide planting and management activities. They’ve also adopted innovations like optimal planting arrangements, seed treatment, and agroecological pest management,” says Esmeralda, highlighting how innovation can strengthen tradition.

Participants in one of the workshops to promote sustainable practices for the conservation of native maize (Photo: Yucatán Peninsula Hub)

This blend of knowledge strengthens food security and reduces the vulnerability of communities to climate change. “One of the key changes we’ve seen is that farmers now have a more sustainable outlook. They understand the importance of soil conservation and the quality of their agricultural products,” she adds.

The project has also been a platform for breaking down gender barriers in agriculture. As a female technician, Esmeralda has faced the challenge of working in communities where agricultural decisions have traditionally been made by men. “In the area where I work, due to customs and traditions, it is mostly men who attend meetings and workshops, so it can be difficult to engage with them,” she explains. However, the support of community leaders has been key to building trust and fostering inclusion.

Thanks to these efforts, more and more women producers are increasingly participating in decisions related to agricultural production and family food security. “The impact of women technicians is clear. Rural women are participating more in production activities and financial education. This fosters teamwork in rural households, where women are now making decisions—not just helping in the fields,” says Esmeralda.

The Food and Nutritional Security for Rural Communities in the State of Quintana Roo project not only aims to improve productivity and market access—it is also planting a seed of change in the role of women in agriculture. By providing them with tools to strengthen their role as guardians of maize, it is also enhancing their economic autonomy, community participation, and capacity to shape the future of agriculture in the region.

Producer during a grain moisture measurement activity (Photo: Yucatán Peninsula Hub)

“My message to other women interested in becoming technicians or leaders in the agri-food sector is: don’t forget your worth and your abilities. Believe in your value—and above all, know that you’re not alone. You are supported every step of the way. There’s still a long road ahead,” Esmeralda concludes.

With projects like this, the rural women of Quintana Roo are showing that the best way to ensure the future of maize is through training, organization, and empowerment. In their hands, the legacy of native maize will continue to flourish.

Sowing knowledge, Reaping impact: Lydia’s journey from trial farmer to community leader in Monze, Zambia

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Lydia Siankwede explaining her mother trial demonstration to agronomists, sharing insights and results (photo: CIMMYT)

An early morning walk across the fields in Zambia’s Southern province, one is met with maize fields infested with fall armyworm. In contrast to last season’s El Nino induced drought, and as we approached Lydia Siankwede’s field, one is met with her thriving maize and legume field, with its deep-green canopy signaling strong growth and optimal soil health in her crop.

Each morning, Lydia tends to her field with an inquisitive mind, clutching her protocol, which serves as a guide for daily tasks. The dew clings to her shoes as she inspects each plot, checking crop performance, scouting for pests, and noting observations in her trial protocol. Yet beneath this plant vigor, a silent threat lurks—fall armyworm, its larvae discreetly feeding on tender maize leaves.

Her field, which hosts a mother trial under the EU-funded Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia (SIFAZ) program, is a patchwork of promising technologies. A mother trial is a farmer-managed, researcher-led experiment that serves as a central site for testing a variety of agricultural treatments under controlled conditions.

Mother trials are part of a mother-and-baby trial approach—a participatory research model designed to test and disseminate new farming technologies while involving farmers in the evaluation process. The approach involves mother trials and baby trials. Baby trials are farmer-managed trials conducted across multiple locations, usually in individual farmers’ fields. Each participant chooses a subset of treatments from the mother trial to test in their own field under specific local conditions. In these mother-and-baby trials, science meets farmer reality, and knowledge grows with every season.

Across the Southern Province, mother-and-baby trials are part of a broader research effort to develop crop intensification practices tailored to smallholder farming systems. In Kazungula Camp, where rainfall is low and erratic, the focus has been on integrating livestock and crop systems, rotating maize with fodder legumes like mucuna and lablab. In other communities, experiments are ongoing with integrating soybean into the maize-based cropping systems and intensifying them with pigeon pea and Gliricidia, both leguminous shrubs that provide fodder and enhance soil fertility. Each treatment is carefully monitored across experimental plots over several seasons to assess its effect on yields, soil health, pest pressure, and its longer-term impact in light of a changing climate.

Lydia, a hardworking farmer with 11 hectares of cultivable land, began her journey as a baby trial implementer, testing a single conservation agriculture (CA) practice in her own field. But her passion for learning and strong work ethic quickly set her apart. Within three years, she transitioned to managing a full-scale mother trial, giving her the opportunity to test a wider array and bundle of technologies across a larger plot. Today, Lydia experiments with crop rotations, intercropping, and fodder management—practices designed to boost productivity for humans, soil, and animals; build resilience; and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.

A maize–velvet bean (mucuna) rotation aimed at improving maize yield, soil fertility, and fodder production in Southern Zambia. (Photo: CIMMYT)

What do the agronomic results bring to the table?

Each season, unique by nature, has brought valuable lessons, with promising long-term results. Since 2021, more than 1,200 farmers in Kazungula Camp, including Lydia, have adopted CA-based crop rotations beyond the trials. While yield gains for maize and legumes are not always immediate, economic analyses consistently show that CA systems generate higher returns compared to conventional tillage systems with sole maize cropping. This proved especially important in years such as 2023/24, when rainfall barely reached 373 mm due to an unprecedented El Niño year. In Kazungula, trials on maize–mucuna strip cropping and maize–lablab rotations showed resilience, with farmers expressing strong interest in growing more fodder and advancing seed multiplication for these crops.

Her reality on-farm

For Lydia, these trials are more than research—they are a valuable tool for transformation. What impressed her most was the maize–lablab rotation. “It’s a game changer for me,” she says. “Lablab suppresses weeds, improves the soil, and even the leaves and pods are useful to eat as relish.” Although lablab is primarily cultivated as animal feed, Lydia’s family has started to enjoy lablab as part of their diet, reducing food costs and increasing nutrition.

In addition, the strip cropping of alternating four rows of narrowly planted maize with four legume rows has also impressed her, especially in terms of weed management. “Weeds are easier to manage, and although armyworm damage is present, it is not destructive,” she explains.

Her determination has grown with each season. Last year, Lydia harvested just 50 bags of maize from scattered parts of her trial field. But instead of pulling back, she leaned in. This season, with better planning and deeper knowledge, she expects to harvest up to 300 bags—enough to feed her household of seven and still have a surplus to sell.

Lydia’s story highlights how participatory research can empower farmers to lead change from the ground up. With access to the right knowledge, support, and tools, she is not merely surviving uncertain seasons—she is farming with purpose.

CIMMYT Appoints Flavio Breseghello as Global Wheat Program Director

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

(Photo: CIMMYT)

CIMMYT is pleased to announce the appointment of Flavio Breseghello as the new Director of the Global Wheat Program. A renowned wheat breeder and leader in agricultural research, Breseghello will guide CIMMYT’s flagship wheat initiative at a pivotal moment for global food security. 

“CIMMYT’s wheat program has long been a cornerstone of global food security,” said Breseghello. “I’m honored to contribute to this legacy, while helping shape its future in the face of new challenges.” 

With over two decades of experience advancing wheat research in Brazil and internationally, Breseghello brings scientific expertise and strategic vision to the role. His appointment underscores CIMMYT’s commitment to science-driven innovation that responds to evolving global needs—particularly in low- and middle-income countries where wheat is a staple crop and climate resilience is increasingly urgent. 

“Climate change is reshaping the risks and realities for wheat farmers in low- and middle-income countries,” Breseghello said. “Our challenge—together with our partners—is to stay ahead of these threats with science that is inclusive, adaptive, and driven by the needs of the most vulnerable.” 

CIMMYT’s Global Wheat Program is at the forefront of developing high-yielding, climate-resilient, and disease-resistant wheat varieties that feed over 2.5 billion people around the world. As director, Breseghello will lead efforts to strengthen international research collaboration, expand capacity building, and ensure the program’s innovations reach those who need them most. 

“Flavio is a globally respected leader whose deep experience and inclusive approach will be a tremendous asset to the program and to the global wheat community,” said Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT. “We are thrilled to welcome him to this vital role.” 

Pest and disease attacks on crops rising due to climate change: Scientist

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

Pest and disease outbreaks in agriculture are increasing at an alarming rate due to the impacts of climate change, with shifting temperatures and erratic weather patterns creating favorable conditions for pests and pathogens to thrive. This growing challenge threatens crop yields and food security across climate-vulnerable regions. Dr. Prasanna Boddupalli, Distinguished Scientist and Regional Director for Asia at CIMMYT, underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient, pest- and disease-resistant crop varieties, alongside robust surveillance systems and strengthened capacity building. Addressing these risks through integrated, science-driven strategies is vital to safeguarding plant health and securing resilient agrifood systems for the future.

Read the full story.

Strengthening One Health Approach in Agriculture Requires Cross-Sectoral Partnerships, Information

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

The One Health approach, which connects human, animal, and environmental health, is increasingly shaping agricultural research to address global health and food security challenges. During CGIAR Science Week, experts highlighted the need for cross sector collaboration and evidence based policy. CIMMYT’s Dr. Jordon Chamberlin shared how research on livestock health and sustainable farming aligns with this approach, supporting integrated solutions for resilient agrifood systems.

Read the full story.

CIMMYT and IICA Partner to Strengthen Agricultural Innovation and Economic Growth in the Americas

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Press releases.

Nairobi, 2025 – The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and CIMMYT have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance agricultural research, innovation, and trade across the Americas. 

This strategic partnership aims to advance productivity, resilience, and economic opportunities for farmers by leveraging science, technology, and strong international collaboration. The MoU focuses on key areas such as innovation and bioeconomy, trade and regional integration, climate-resilient agriculture, family farming, agrifood digitalization, and agricultural health and safety. 

Dr. Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT, highlighted the importance of innovation and market-driven solutions: “Partnerships like CIMMYT–IICA turn science into scale. Together, we’re accelerating innovation, supporting farmers, and strengthening food systems across the Americas—because global challenges demand connected solutions.” 

Dr. Manuel Otero, Director General of IICA, added: “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to strengthening agricultural resilience, enhancing food security, and promoting economic growth in rural areas. With the increasing global demand for transforming food systems, IICA views this partnership as another testimony to its commitment to ensuring that farmers and agribusinesses across the Americas benefit from science, innovation and responsible resource management .” 

Through this agreement, CIMMYT and IICA will implement joint research initiatives, promote knowledge exchange, and support innovation-driven solutions that empower farmers, enhance supply chains, and expand market opportunities. 

For more information, visit iica.int and cimmyt.org 

A transformative leap in effective subaward implementation: Inside the revitalized sorghum and millets breeding programs at ZARI

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

In the heart of Africa’s farming landscape, the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) is setting a new standard for agricultural research and climate resilience, thanks to a critical subgrant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, facilitated by the Africa Dryland Crops Improvement Network (ADCIN).

Established in August 2023 and convened by CIMMYT’s Dryland Crops Program (DCP), ADCIN is a collaborative network uniting over 200 scientists from more than 17 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. Its mission is to create a dynamic and sustainable community to develop and deliver improved varieties of dryland crops in the region. By leveraging the collective expertise of its multidisciplinary members, ADCIN strives to accelerate the access of enhanced crop varieties to smallholder farmers.

Through this partnership, ZARI has modernized its facilities and practices, creating a model for agricultural innovation in Eastern and Southern Africa. These advancements reflect a powerful vision of enhancing the capacity of breeding programs, improving crop resilience, and boosting food security for communities across the continent.

The Challenges of Transformation

Historically, ZARI faced significant challenges that limited its potential. As Lloyd Mbulwe, Acting Chief Agriculture Research Officer at ZARI, recalls:

“We faced research-related hurdles, from outdated lab facilities and inefficient irrigation systems to limited digital infrastructure and insufficient seed storage.”

These issues hindered not only ZARI’s ability to innovate but also its capacity for collaboration with regional and international partners.

With limited resources, ZARI was unable to meet the demand for high-quality, consistent research and innovation. Data collection was often manual, errors were common, and collaboration was difficult. The lack of modern infrastructure restricted the scope of experiments and the institute’s ability to respond to critical regional issues such as climate change and food insecurity.

A New Era of Modernization and Strategic Partnerships

In partnership with ADCIN, ZARI has received targeted funding and technical support, enabling transformative upgrades across its infrastructure that are redefining its research capabilities.

“The upgrades have reshaped our research capabilities,” Mbulwe explains. “With new equipment, enhanced data management systems, and a suitable greenhouse, we’re conducting better plant breeding experiments that directly address the region’s target product profiles.”

In July 2023, CIMMYT’s Dryland Crops Program conducted breeding program assessments of ZARI’s Golden Valley location, where the national institute’s sorghum and millets breeding programs are being conducted. Mark Nas, CIMMYT’s Sorghum and Millets Breeder for Eastern and Southern Africa, describes ZARI’s program as, “a high-potential program composed of talented and dedicated researchers and technicians, but in need of significant infrastructure upgrades if they are to meaningfully contribute to the shared regional breeding pipelines.”

With a subaward granted to ZARI by the end of 2023, Mbulwe and his team quickly worked on implementing the suggested improvements from the program assessments. Key upgrades include a greenhouse facility for speed breeding and controlled drought research, allowing researchers to rapidly produce lines for regional trials, while evaluating regional materials for drought tolerance. Enhanced water storage and solar power installations now enable uninterrupted research, even during power outages, a frequent challenge in this region. Transitioning to Starlink internet has also strengthened ZARI’s capacity for regional and international collaboration, and real-time data delivery, bridging communication gaps and enabling seamless data sharing.

Boosting Capacity for Impact

The new facilities have transformed ZARI’s capacity for impactful research. Rapid generation advance techniques, where breeding populations are quickly advanced through successive selfing generations, allow ZARI researchers to conduct multiple plantings within a year—dramatically boosting progress in line development.

Additionally, the upgrades also enable off-season research through the ZAMGRO Project, which has expanded water storage capacity from 45 cubic meters to an impressive 3,600,000 cubic meters. With year-round breeding, farming and water management research are now possible, giving ZARI an edge in breeding programs.

Mbulwe shares how automated data collection systems and standardized procedures have further improved the precision and reproducibility of ZARI’s research. “Our teams are now equipped to produce high-quality data leading to actionable results,” he says. “These improvements ensure the quality of outcomes and make our processes more efficient.”

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, ZARI plans to scale its research impact by establishing a Center of Excellence for Climate-Smart Agriculture and establishing a biotechnology lab to advance genetic improvement. Expanding greenhouse and irrigation systems, as well as enhancing digital infrastructure for data management, are key priorities. ZARI also aims to strengthen public-private partnerships to bridge the gap between research and practical applications for farmers across Zambia and beyond.

Inspiration and Best Practices for Other NARES Institutions

ZARI’s success story serves as an inspirational blueprint for other National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) institutions. Through strategic partnerships, targeted investments in infrastructure, and an emphasis on capacity building, ZARI has shown what is possible when organizations and their leaders commit to modernizing and adapting to the evolving challenges of agriculture.

From irrigation upgrades to energy-efficient, solar-powered facilities, ZARI’s best practices are setting the stage for similar projects in other regions. “We’ve demonstrated that modernization can make a profound difference in NARES breeding programs,” says Dr. Mbulwe. “It’s about leveraging every resource to upgrade our plant breeding capabilities to address the challenges that climate change and food security bring to our region.”

The Role of ADCIN in Agricultural Innovation

ADCIN has been instrumental in supporting this transformation. Through its technical assistance, funding, and strategic guidance, ADCIN has empowered ZARI and other NARES institutions to elevate research standards across Africa. By aligning investments with regional research priorities, ADCIN not only supports individual institutions but also strengthens agricultural networks on a continental scale. Harish Gandhi, Associate Director of CIMMYT’s Dryland Crops Program, states, “We are operating in a new and transformative model of working with our partners. We want our partners to be resourced to succeed.”

ADCIN’s efforts to enhance research capacity, foster collaboration, and improve governance have seen significant returns. “This partnership has made ZARI a stronger institution,” Mbulwe asserts. “Our research output, regional partnerships, and access to funding have all grown. ADCIN’s support reaffirms its commitment to advancing the excellence of regional breeding and other research in dryland crops across Africa.”

Take-Home Message

ZARI’s journey is a prime example of the power of strategic investment, collaboration, and a shared commitment to addressing climate and food security challenges by building the capacity of national programs through equitable subawards. As it continues to innovate, ZARI remains a symbol of progress for agricultural research across Sub-Saharan Africa. With support from ADCIN, ZARI’s advancements signal a brighter, more resilient future for African dryland crops agriculture—one rooted in science, collaboration, and the promise of food security for all.

Building IP Capacity Across Nations: ICRISAT’s South-South Training Sparks Cross-Country Learning

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

CIMMYT participated in the international training on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) organized by ICRISAT under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program, joining CGIAR centers and institutions from 16 countries to strengthen global understanding of IPR in agricultural research. Through its involvement, CIMMYT contributed to the exchange of knowledge and best practices on innovation protection, policy development, and strategic interventions essential for advancing responsible agricultural innovation. This engagement reflects CIMMYT’s broader commitment to capacity development and the promotion of equitable access to agricultural technologies that support sustainable and inclusive food systems.

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Colombia moves toward a more sustainable agriculture with the Hub methodology

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

In Colombia, the path towards a more sustainable and resilient agriculture is gaining unprecedented momentum. Thanks to the implementation of the Sustainable Agrifood Colombia project, various national and international institutions are collaborating to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity through technological innovations and knowledge management models. Among these collaborations is the Hub methodology, an innovation management model developed in Mexico by CIMMYT, in conjunction with various stakeholders, which is already being successfully replicated in Guatemala, Honduras, and several African countries.

Researchers from CIMMYT engage in dialogue with Colombian technicians and producers (Photo: Sustainable Agrifood Colombia)

The project, coordinated by the Bioversity & CIAT Alliance, has 18 strategic partners for its execution, among which Agrosavia, CIMMYT, and Fenalce contribute to the maize production system. The objective is to transform the Colombian agri-food sector through the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies and the strengthening of collaboration networks among producers, researchers, and other key stakeholders.

To this end, pilot regions have been identified where the Hub methodology is implemented, promoting knowledge sharing, validation of innovative practices, and capacity building.

The project articulation meetings and field visits were held in Colombia’s main corn-producing regions: northern Valle del Cauca, Tolima, and Córdoba. During these visits, teams from the Bioversity & CIAT Alliance, AGROSAVIA, Fenalce, and CIMMYT evaluated production conditions, identified strengths and areas of opportunity, and designed strategies for consolidating the innovation territories.

One of the most significant results of these evaluations was the definition of a training plan for producers, researchers, and technicians. This plan, which has already taken its first steps, seeks to provide local stakeholders with tools to improve maize crop yields through sustainable agronomic practices, pest management, and seed conservation.

In November, three workshops were held in different regions of the country. The first two were held in La Unión, Valle del Cauca, and in Montería, Córdoba, with the aim of identifying and involving key stakeholders in the maize production system. The third, held in Vereda Nueva Platanera, Tierralta, Córdoba, focused on seed production and conservation for small producers. Based on these events, a mapping of actors was carried out in order to analyze the interactions within the maize production network. This exercise made it possible to evaluate the degree of innovation adopted by farmers and the influence of different actors, such as technicians, companies, universities, and government institutions, in the dissemination of knowledge and the adoption of sustainable technologies.

The results of these workshops have been encouraging. To date, 220 people have been trained on key issues such as pest management (particularly Dalbulus maydis, which has recently been a serious problem), seed production and conservation, and climate change adaptation strategies. In addition, stakeholder mapping has facilitated the identification of opportunities to strengthen collaborative networks and promote the adoption of innovations in the production system.

One of the key lessons learned has been the importance of constant monitoring in the implementation of sustainable management strategies. Workshop participants have highlighted the need to generate training spaces from the initial stages of cultivation, including the preparation of plots for planting, to maximize the benefits of sustainable practices.

The Hub approach, which has proven to be an effective model in Mexico and other countries, is making significant progress in Colombia. By connecting the actors in the maize value chain, facilitating the generation and socialization of knowledge, and driving innovation from the local level, this methodology represents a comprehensive solution to address the country’s agricultural challenges.

With the coordinated work of institutions, producers, and scientists, Colombia is laying the foundations for a more resilient and competitive agri-food sector. CIMMYT’s experience in implementing the Hub methodology in different regions of the world is an example of how science, innovation, and collaboration can transform the future of Colombian agriculture.

Driving Varietal Turnover: Insights from Market Intelligence and Seed Systems in Tanzania

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

How can market intelligence and seed system insights drive varietal turnover for groundnut, sorghum, and bean stakeholders? This was the central question explored during a series of workshops convened by the Accelerated Varietal Improvement and Seed Systems in Africa (AVISA) and The Accelerated Varietal Adoption and Turnover for Open-Pollinated Varieties (ACCELERATE) projects.

Held from October 21-25, 2024, across three locations in Tanzania, these workshops were designed to identify practical solutions for improving varietal turnover.

Organized by CIMMYT in collaboration with the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), the Alliance of Bioversity & CIAT, the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), and the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), the workshops brought together stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.

The AVISA Project focuses on modernizing crop breeding programs and strengthening seed systems to enhance the productivity, resilience, and marketability of key dryland cereals and legumes in sub-Saharan Africa. By ensuring that smallholder farmers have access to high-quality improved varieties, AVISA contributes to better food security, nutrition, and economic development.

ACCELERATE, complementing AVISA’s efforts, focuses on market-driven adoption strategies by analyzing the requirements and constraints of both large- and small-scale marketplace traders. It aims to catalyze the uptake of new varieties through market intelligence-driven interventions and foster partnerships across formal, semi-formal, and informal seed sectors to accelerate varietal adoption and turnover.

The workshops opened with expert presentations from breeders and seed system specialists from CIMMYT, CIAT, and TARI. Key topics included the adoption of improved seeds for groundnuts, sorghum, and beans; groundnut processing for peanut butter; the sustainability of digital inclusion initiatives; challenges and opportunities in seed systems; and the increasing demand for crops such as groundnuts, sorghum, and beans. The speakers provided valuable insights into crop production, seed availability, market demand, and the desired traits for improved crop varieties.

Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Dodoma – Stakeholders across Tanzania gathered to explore how market intelligence and seed system insights drive varietal turnover for groundnut, sorghum, and bean value chain (Photo: Marion Aluoch/CIMMYT)

Three separate sessions were held in Arusha, Dodoma, and Dar es Salaam, bringing together farmers, processors, traders, and researchers to deliberate on systemic challenges affecting varietal turnover. Participants then identified practical solutions to enhance the adoption of improved varieties of sorghum, beans, and groundnuts.

Opening each workshop session, TARI representatives emphasized the critical role of high-quality seeds in realizing higher crop yields and achieving agricultural growth.

“We are here to ensure improved varieties leave shelves and reach farmers’ fields in efforts to support the envisaged 5% annual growth in agriculture,” remarked Fred Tairo, the TARI Manager in Dar es Salaam. In Arusha, Nicholaus Kuboja, TARI Center Director, Selian, highlighted the importance of market intelligence. “Market intelligence is crucial, as market access has been a persistent challenge across African countries, particularly for smallholder farmers, in securing profitable markets for their produce.”

The Director General of TARI, Thomas Bwana, speaking in Dodoma, focused on partnerships. “We are actively promoting the production and distribution of early generation seed, particularly breeder seed, for access by downstream seed producers. Through collaborations with other value chain actors, we strive to ensure that these seeds meet the quality standards needed by both seed and grain producers, as well as consumers who are keen on specific varietal traits,” he noted.

The subsequent discussions underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation to meet the rising demand for these vital crops.

Identifying Challenges

In experience sharing among participants across the three workshops, some key challenges were brought to light. For instance, farmers reported limited access to certified seeds as a major barrier to increasing productivity. A farmer from Dodoma expressed concern that current seed distribution networks often do not reach remote areas, leaving farmers with no option but to use inferior seeds from the sources available.

“We want to use quality seed, but the distribution networks don’t reach us,” he said. On the other hand, traders expressed frustration over inconsistent supplies of high-quality grain produce, which is also aggravated by poor grain handling due to inadequate storage conditions leading to contamination.

Stakeholders in Arusha in a group discussion, sharing insights, challenges and strategies to enhance market-driven adoption of improved crop varieties. (Photo: Marion Aluoch/CIMMYT)

One groundnut trader noted, “Poor pre- and post-harvest handling has led to smaller, shriveled nuts, making it difficult for traders to meet market expectations.” Processors echoed these concerns, highlighting aflatoxin contamination as a significant problem that undermines both product safety and marketability. They stressed the need for better practices. “We need better practices at every stage of the value chain to minimize aflatoxin contamination in the grains sourced for processing,” emphasized one processor.

Additional challenges emerged, with common bean farmers highlighting difficulties with post-harvest storage and pest damage, which reduced both quality and market value. Processors, meanwhile, pointed out consumer misconceptions that hinder the acceptance of improved varieties. For instance, white sorghum varieties that naturally turned brown during processing were sometimes perceived as inferior, underscoring the need for better consumer education.

Unveiling Solutions

Despite the challenges, the workshops were a source of optimism, as well as underscoring viable, innovative solutions and actionable strategies to drive progress. Participants explored newly released crop varieties, including TARI Sorg 1 and TARI Bean 6, which offer higher yields, disease resistance, and improved nutritional content. Stakeholders in Dodoma emphasized the use of digital tools such as WhatsApp channels and SMS for real-time updates on seed availability and agronomic practices. “Modernizing how we share knowledge can bridge gaps between farmers and researchers,” remarked one participant.

Capacity building emerged as a key strategy for tackling many of the systemic issues discussed. Farmers called for more training on seed handling and post-harvest practices to reduce losses and improve crop quality. Processors stressed the need for targeted interventions for aflatoxin management, a critical step in ensuring the safety and marketability of groundnuts. Researchers and agricultural organizations underscored the importance of aligning breeding programs with market needs.

In Arusha, discussions centered on developing groundnut varieties tailored to specific processing needs, such as improving peanut butter quality to meet consumer preferences and market standards.

Participants engage in a practical session during the Dar es Salaam workshop, exploring digital tools and market insights to enhance seed systems and varietal adoption. (Photo: Marion Aluoch/CIMMYT)

Expanding the seed distribution network also emerged as a key priority. TARI committed to scale up the production of Quality Declared Seed (QDS) and strengthen partnerships with private seed companies to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality seeds across the country. “Quality seeds must reach every corner of the country,” affirmed a TARI scientist. The stakeholders also called on breeding programs to align with market demands, emphasizing the need to tailor improved varieties to specific consumer and processor requirements.

Insights from Stakeholders and Actionable Strategies

Breakout sessions provided a platform for stakeholders to articulate their specific needs. Farmers from Dodoma and Dar es Salaam shared a common observation of increasing demand for groundnuts, sorghum, and beans, largely driven by population growth and international market expansion. In Dodoma, farmers emphasized that improved crop varieties had significantly boosted cultivation over the past decade.

Despite this progress, they highlighted the lack of drought-resistant varieties and limited access to affordable, high-quality seeds as persistent challenges. In Dar es Salaam, farmers noted that while demand for the crops had risen, their ability to meet this demand was hampered by limited seed availability and education on effective usage. Both groups agreed that weak seed distribution networks, high seed prices, and insufficient knowledge undermine productivity.

Stakeholders in Dodoma engage in discussions, sharing their insights on enhancing varietal adoption. (Photo: Marion Aluoch/CIMMYT)

Processors and traders from both Arusha and Dar es Salaam echoed these concerns but added insights into market dynamics. In Arusha, processors identified aflatoxin as a critical challenge, with inadequate farmer knowledge on grain handling practices exacerbating the issue. Processors also emphasized the need for nutrient-enhanced beans and groundnuts suited for specific products like peanut butter and flour. Traders in Arusha highlighted the need for pure white sorghum and beans free from pests to meet growing demand, particularly for export markets.

As the workshops concluded, participants identified key strategies to strengthen agricultural resilience. These included improving the seed supply chains, enhancing market linkages, and investing in continuous learning and education initiatives.

Echoing this vision, the TARI Director General emphasized in Dodoma, “This is just the beginning. By working together, we can ensure that every farmer, processor, and trader has the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.”

An entrepreneur’s journey in aquaculture: Fueled by partnership, innovation, and resilience

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Cosmas Chachi’s demo fishpond – one of the nine ponds where he trains locals in fish farming (Photo: Cosmas Chachi)

Cosmas Chachi, a 46-year-old businessman, owns Triple Blessing Supermarket in Zambia’s Luwingu District. In 2000, Cosmas identified an opportunity to address the growing demand for fresh fish in his community and started selling the product in his local area. Like many rural entrepreneurs, Cosmas faced initial challenges such as unreliable supply chains, insufficient cold storage, and limited access to financing, all of which prevented him from meeting the rising demand from local customers. Undeterred, Cosmas embarked on a transformative journey into aquaculture.  

The turning point for Cosmas occurred in April 2023 when he participated in a training program on integrated aquaculture under the aegis of the Southern Africa Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I) Rapid Delivery Hub, led by CIMMYT. The training implemented by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), one of the key implementing partners of the project, emphasized sustainable intensification and equipped Cosmas with advanced skills in sustainable feed management, water quality control, efficient harvesting methods, and business management, among other areas.   

A view of Cosmas Chachi’s Triple Blessings Supermarket, a thriving hub where he sells fish from his fishponds and manages his off-taking business (Photo: Cosmas Chachi)

“The training equipped me with expert knowledge in aquaculture management and skills to design and operate efficient fishponds,” Cosmas said. 

With his new-found expertise, Cosmas upgraded three of his existing fishponds and built six more, each measuring 13×15 meters. To meet customer demand, he introduced a strategic stocking system, staggering the placement of 1,000 fingerlings across his nine ponds. This innovation ensured consistent fish supply even during Zambia’s annual fish ban. “By stocking and harvesting my ponds, I can maintain a steady supply even during the national fish ban when local supply decreases because some other farmers who supply my supermarket depend on fish from natural water bodies,” Cosmas shared.  

Creating livelihoods and building resilience

Cosmas’ aquaculture enterprise has become an economic engine in his community, employing 25 permanent workers, primarily local youth, and offering seasonal jobs to 12 more. For Emmanuel Makumba, a shop attendant at Triple Blessing supermarket for the last eight years, the opportunity has been life changing. “The job at the supermarket helped me relocate from my village, build my own house, and send my children to a private school,” said Emmanuel. 

In June 2024, his business received a significant boost with the installation of a 15-ton cold storage facility, funded by IWMI through the AID-I project. The upgrade significantly reduced post-harvest losses and enhanced Cosmas’ fish storage capacity. It ensures a steady supply for his business and the farmers he supports, strengthening the local aquaculture value chain.  

“In the past, we could only purchase 50 to 100 kilograms (kg) of fish at a time, selling it at US$ 2.50 per kg,” Cosmas shared. With the new cold storage facility, Cosmas can now buy and store up to 700 kg of fish per harvest without the risk of spoilage. The effort not only secures a reliable supply for his business but also creates a dependable market for local consumers, fostering growth and sustainability in the region’s aquaculture sector.  

A ripple effect of progress: Expanding aquaculture for community impact

Today, Cosmas’ success goes beyond his supermarket. He owns a thriving restaurant, offering customers a unique dining experience with fresh fish from his ponds. “The training I received during the AID-I workshops helped me transform my passion for aquaculture into a successful business. Now, in addition to the supermarket, I own a popular restaurant and outdoor fishponds, offering customers a unique dining experience,” he said.  

Fish from local fish farmers before being stocked at Triple Blessings Supermarket (Photo: Cosmas Chachi)

Building on his business success, Cosmas has further expanded his impact by transforming his fishponds into practical classrooms, offering free, hands-on training to aspiring fish farmers. Over the past year, he has trained 50 farmers in sustainable aquaculture best practices.  

As more farmers in Luwingu adopt these practices, local food security improves, and income streams diversify. Cosmas’ leadership is stabilizing the community’s food supply and improving diets with nutrient-rich fish. This aligns with AID-I’s broader goal to promote sustainable and scalable agricultural models.  

By September 2024, the AID-I project, through IWMI’s efforts, had supported 297 fish farmers with training, market linkages, and tools for success across Northern and Luapula Provinces: creating a ripple effect of progress and also addressing Zambia’s fish supply and demand gap. The project empowers communities to adopt innovative and sustainable aquaculture practices, driving growth in fish production and ensuring a more reliable supply to meet the needs of a growing population. As fish is a critical source of protein and essential nutrients, fostering a sustainable aquaculture sector is vital for supporting Zambia’s food security and nutritional goals.  

Cosmas’ journey exemplifies the power of partnerships, innovation, and resilience in driving community progress. It underscores the potential for a robust aquaculture sector in Zambia, where challenges spur solutions and success benefit entire communities. Through AID-I’s comprehensive interventions, Cosmas’ story of transformation offers a vision for sustainable development in rural Zambia, led by innovation and community empowerment.

The first harvest from the fish demonstration was attended by Mr. Sakala, District Livestock Coordinator, who was invited to observe the progress and assess the impact of the initiative (Photo : Cosmas Chachi)

 

CDA’s Innovative Approach Doubles Farmers’ Yields

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Improved seeds of sorghum and groundnut have been a game-changer for farmers in Nigeria, doubling their yields and transforming their livelihoods.

At the Farmers’ Field Day organized by the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) in Tofa Local Government, farmers from 22 adopted communities of CDA shared their remarkable stories of increased productivity and income.

(Photo: CIMMYT)

As a partner in the AVISA project and the African Dryland Crop Improvement Network (ADCIN), in collaboration with CIMMYT, CDA plays a vital role in developing and disseminating improved seed varieties tailored for dryland farming systems. Through comprehensive research efforts, CDA focuses on screening and selecting superior seed varieties for multiplication and distribution, ensuring that agricultural practices remain both sustainable and productive.

The AVISA project, funded by the Gates Foundation, aims to enhance food security, resilience, and the livelihoods of small-scale producers and consumers in the dryland regions of Nigeria and eight other countries in West and Central Africa, including Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Mali, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. By strengthening networks to modernize crop breeding and fostering public-private partnerships, AVISA works to improve the productivity, profitability, and marketability of key dryland crops, including sorghum, millet, groundnut, cowpea, and common bean.

Similarly, ADCIN, established in August 2023 and convened by CIMMYT through its Dryland Crops Program (DCP), serves as a collaborative platform bringing together over 200 scientists from more than 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. ADCIN’s mission is to foster a dynamic and sustainable network dedicated to improving dryland crop varieties and ensuring their accessibility to farmers. By leveraging the collective expertise of its multidisciplinary members, the network aims to accelerate the adoption of resilient and high-yielding crops, ultimately transforming dryland agriculture.

Farmers shared compelling testimonies about the impact of CDA’s work on their productivity and income. Faruk Haruna, a beneficiary of CDA’s training and improved seeds, testified that his millet yield skyrocketed from 15–20 bundles to 52 bundles, a staggering increase of 200%. He jokingly referred to CDA as the “Cash Development Association” due to the significant financial gains.

(Photo: CIMMYT)

Nasiru Yusuf, another farmer, reported an impressive four-fold increase in yield—approximately a 400% increase—with the improved sorghum seeds, leading to a substantial boost in income.

Women farmers also praised CDA’s initiatives. Amina Habibu and Nafisatu Auwalu shared how CDA’s training and improved seeds have transformed their farming practices and benefited numerous women farmers’ associations.

(Photo: CIMMYT)

“CDA’s efforts have been instrumental in improving agricultural practices among local farmers,” said Deputy Director of Training, Prof. Sanusi Gaya Mohammed.

He emphasized the center’s commitment to enhancing farming through research and community engagement.

Echoing this sentiment, the Deputy Director of Outreach and Publications of CDA, Professor Amina Mustapha, said CDA is happy with the progress made by the farmers and how their farming systems have improved. She noted that the field day provides farmers with an opportunity to interact with the centre and learn best practices to further enhance their productivity.

Dr. Hakeem Ajiegbe, a senior researcher at CDA, underscored the importance of modern farming practices. “Farming all over the world has changed, and it is imperative for farmers to adopt best practices to improve their yield,” he said.

The district head of Tofa Local Government, Alhaji Sunusi Abubakar Tofa, commended CDA for its impact on farmers in the 22 adopted communities. He urged local farmers to continue embracing CDA’s innovations to enhance food production and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.

(Photo: CIMMYT)

The land that gives life: Tomasa and Fabián’s plot

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Somewhere in the enchanted valley of Santa Catarina Lachatao, Oaxaca, under the vast blue sky and in the heart of a land full of history and hope, Fabián Marcos Cano and Tomasa García Pérez are working toward the future they have long envisioned, their hands deep in the soil. In this land, where the Zapotec language gives its name to the territory, each seed sown by their hands is an act of trust.

Fabián, his gaze marked by years of experience, speaks of his land with the pride of someone who has learned to listen to the voice of the earth. “We used to plant the way God guided us,” he says, recalling the days when farming was a practice of intuition and inherited wisdom.

Today, with the support of SEFADER technicians like Reinalda Gómez and her team, they have transformed their approach to farming. Fabián and Tomasa have learned to respect the rhythms of the soil, to give back what they take, and to see each plant through a new lens. “It’s like food for food,” Fabián explains.

Corn and beans grow unhurriedly in their fields. The land is enriched with crop residues that were once fed only to livestock, along with compost that was once discarded. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s our life,” says Fabián, with the firm determination of someone who understands that effort is part of the cycle.

For Tomasa, each harvest is a link to her ancestors. “The land gives us life,” she says with unwavering certainty. In her fields, milpa thrives alongside squash, beans, amaranth, and purslane, in a balance that requires patience and respect. She has learned to let nature do its work, to understand that burning fields robs the soil of its ability to renew itself. “We pile up the weeds, let them decompose, and that’s how the land nourishes itself,” she explains.

The journey has not been easy. Last year, a violent storm destroyed much of their crop. “It grew beautifully, but the wind tore everything down,” Fabián recalls with resignation. But they are not giving up. “We make do with what God gives us, because it is more than enough for us.” What remains is harvested as seed for the next cycle.

Every application of bio-inputs, every crop diversification, every lesson shared by agricultural engineers has changed their way of farming and their understanding of life. The land, once seen as an adversary that imposed its own rules, is now an ally that responds generously to care.

The story of Fabián and Tomasa is a testament to resilience and learning. It is proof that agriculture can be different, that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand. Because in every bean they harvest, in every ear of corn they save for the next cycle, there is a valuable lesson: the land gives back what it receives. And in Santa Catarina, under the sun that shines on Fabián and Tomasa’s fields, life flourishes with strength.