Working with smallholders to understand their needs and build on their knowledge, CIMMYT brings the right seeds and inputs to local markets, raises awareness of more productive cropping practices, and works to bring local mechanization and irrigation services based on conservation agriculture practices. CIMMYT helps scale up farmers’ own innovations, and embraces remote sensing, mobile phones and other information technology. These interventions are gender-inclusive, to ensure equitable impacts for all.
In the male-dominated realm of agricultural machinery services, Sonia Jannat, a 28-year-old from Jhenaidah, Bangladesh, has inscribed her name as a successful Machinery Solution Provider (MSP). Her determination—and the transformative power of new technologies—has launched her on an extraordinary journey of empowerment and financial independence.
Growing up in a farming household, Sonia was already familiar with cultivation. Rooted in agriculture, she harbored a longstanding ambition to make a meaningful impact in this field. To realize her vision, she consistently stayed abreast of the latest technologies and machinery designed to boost production while minimizing labor and time. However, life took an unexpected turn when her father fell ill with heart disease, forcing Sonia to shoulder the responsibility of financially supporting her family while pursuing her honors degree. This phase of hardship proved to be a turning point in her life.
Sonia Jannat operates one of her combine harvesters in Jhenaidah, Bangladesh. (Photo: CIMMYT)
During this challenging period, Sonia came across a YouTube video showcasing a combine harvester—a cutting-edge machine that could revolutionize harvesting. She immediately recognized its potential to transform farming practices and offer a reliable income stream. The first major hurdle was overcoming her family’s financial constraints and convincing them to invest in a machine without any tangible proof of its benefits.
In October 2020, Sonia and her family attended a live demonstration organized by the private sector, where she successfully persuaded her father to invest in a combine harvester. With the support of a machinery subsidy, she selected the best model suited to her business needs.
Sonia took part in business expansion meetings, built linkages with spare parts shop owners, dealers, and commission agents, and received operational and maintenance training—for both herself and her machine operators.
In the first season of 2021, Sonia’s combine harvester generated an impressive income of approximately US$10,000 (excluding operational and labor costs). This early success fueled her ambition, and with her family’s support, she invested in a second combine harvester, expanding the business.
Today, Sonia Jannat proudly owns three combine harvesters, generating an annual income of BDT 30 lakh (approximately US$33,000). Her customer base has grown to span around ten geographical divisions across Bangladesh. Sonia’s achievements have not only reshaped her own financial future but have also broken deep-rooted societal stereotypes. Once ridiculed for her unconventional path as an unmarried woman, she now commands respect and admiration from the very community that once doubted her.
Sonia shares with pride:
“The same society that once criticized me with comments like, ‘Why is an unmarried girl traveling around to earn money? Why is she breaking social norms?’ is now praising me. After witnessing my talent, social contributions, and support for my family, they now see me as one in a thousand girls!”
With academic credentials that include honors and a master’s degree in Bangla, Sonia’s aspirations continue to grow. She now envisions launching a new entrepreneurial venture offering a wider range of agricultural machinery services. She is committed to empowering women by actively engaging them in her business model—aiming to be an inspirational entrepreneur for many others.
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.
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
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.
Victor Munakabanze in his field sharing his scaling story with scientists and district agriculture officers (Photo: CIMMYT)
Each annual field tour offers a fresh perspective on the realities farmers face. It’s a window into how different agroecological conditions shape farming experiences and outcomes, revealing what works in farmers’ fields and what doesn’t under an increasingly unpredictable climate.
This year, in Zambia’s Southern Province, the story is promising, as good rains have set the foundation for a favorable crop—a stark contrast to the past season, marked by the El Niño-induced drought.
In the Choma district’s Simaubi camp, Conservation Agriculture (CA) trials paint a picture of resilience and adaptation. The area experiences a semi-arid climate with erratic rainfall averaging 600–800 mm annually, often prone to dry spells and drought years, such as the last, when only 350–400 mm were received. The soils are predominantly of sandy loam texture, with low organic matter and poor water retention capacity, making them susceptible to drought stress.
The area around Simaubi hosts seven mother trials, where a wide range of technologies are tested, and 168 baby trials, where a subset of favored technologies are adapted to farmers’ contexts. Each trial tests different maize-legumeintercropping and strip cropping systems against conventional tillage-based practices. As adoption steadily rises, more farmers are experiencing firsthand the benefits of sustainable intensification.
A Champion in the Making
Meet Victor Munakabanze, a farmer with decades of experience and a passion for learning. He began his CA journey as a baby trial implementer, experimenting with the four-row strip cropping system on a 10 m by 20 m plot, with four strips of ripped maize and four strips of ripped groundnuts. Starting in the 2020/21 season—despite a slow start—he persevered. Instead of giving up, he and his wife embarked on a learning journey that led them to scale up and champion CA technologies in their community.
Victor has been part of CA trials under the Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia (SIFAZ) project in the Southern Province for five years and has seen the power of small steps in driving change. His initial trial plots sparked hope, showing him that improved yields were possible even under challenging conditions. Encouraged by these results, he expanded his CA practices to a 1.5-hectare plot during the 2024/2025 cropping season, investing in his farm using income from goat sales. He successfully integrated livestock within the cropping system, using goat manure to complement fertilizers—an approach that has not only improved soil fertility but also strengthened the farm’s sustainability.
From Experimentation to Expansion
Victor’s decision to adopt CA at scale was driven by tangible results. He found that intercropping maize and groundnuts in well-spaced rip lines could optimize overall yields better than conventional methods.
However, the transition wasn’t without challenges. In the first season, he started late and harvested little. The following year, delayed planting resulted in just four bags of maize from the 200 m². The El Niño event during the 2023/24 season wiped out his harvest completely. But through each setback, he refined his approach, improving his planting timing and weed management by incorporating herbicides when needed.
Now, his farm serves as a learning hub for fellow farmers from the surrounding community in Simaubi camp. They are drawn in by his success, curious about his planting techniques, and impressed by his ability to integrate crops and livestock. With 23 goats, a growing knowledge base, and a determination to share his experience, Victor embodies the spirit of farmer-led innovation. His story is proof that CA can be practiced beyond the trial plots—it is about ownership, adaptation, and scaling what works.
Inspiring Adoption, One Farmer at a Time
Victor’s journey highlights a crucial lesson: when farmers see the benefits of CA on a small scale, they are more likely to adopt and expand these practices on their own. His resilience, coupled with a keen eye for what works, has made him a role model in his community. From testing to real-world application, his success is growing evidence of the replicability of CA technologies. As adoption spreads, stories like Victor’s pave the way for a future where sustainable farming is not just an experiment—but a way of life.
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 Fenalcecontribute 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.
Away Hamza, a young and ambitious farmer in Arsi Zone, Oromia region, proudly tends to his wheat field (Photo: CIMMYT)
Wheat plays a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape. As the country’s second most important staple crop, it is crucial to national food security. Traditionally, wheat cultivation has been concentrated in Ethiopia’s highlands, but this has changed with the introduction of the ADAPT-Wheat project—an initiative designed to address the production challenges faced by Ethiopia’s irrigated lowland areas. Led by CIMMYT in partnership with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), the project aims to tackle key issues such as the lack of stress-tolerant wheat varieties and limited access to reliable seed sources.
Transforming wheat farming in Ethiopia’s lowlands
The Adaptation, Demonstration, and Piloting of Wheat Technologies for Irrigated Lowlands of Ethiopia (ADAPT-Wheat) project focuses on bridging critical wheat production gaps and introducing innovative solutions for smallholder farmers, particularly in the Afar and Oromia regions. By improving wheat production through new varieties and modern technologies, the project is not only increasing agricultural productivity but also transforming farmers’ livelihoods. The initiative aims to directly benefit 1,000 households, with a much wider impact expected across the two regions.
Financially supported by BMZ, the project aligns with Ethiopia’s broader goal of achieving food self-sufficiency. Researchers and national partners have witnessed a significant shift in wheat production practices, demonstrating the success of innovative agricultural technologies and improved collaboration among stakeholders.
Insights from researchers and partners
Bekele Abeyo, CIMMYT-Ethiopia Country Representative and project leader:
“The ADAPT-Wheat project marks a major milestone in Ethiopia’s wheat production journey. It introduces viable wheat technologies that are well-suited for the irrigated lowlands, enhancing both production and productivity in the pursuit of food and nutritional security.”
Tolossa Debele, senior researcher and EIAR–DG representative:
“For years, CIMMYT has been instrumental in advancing Ethiopia’s wheat production system by introducing germplasm, improving varieties, and offering financial, equipment &technical support and training for both researchers and farmers. With the ADAPT-Wheat project, we’ve seen another tangible difference in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, particularly in the Afar and Oromia regions. The project’s support, including the introduction of modern farm machinery, has not only enhanced mechanization at the farm level but has also contributed significantly to the broader objectives of national agricultural development.”
Tolossa Debele, senior researcher and EIAR-DG representative (Photo: CIMMYT)
Major milestones and achievements
1. Building capacity for sustainable change
One of the project’s most significant accomplishments has been its strong emphasis on capacity building—both human and physical—to empower local communities in wheat farming. Key capacity-building initiatives include:
Training for researchers: Software and scientific writing training to enhance technical skills and scientific contributions.
Training of trainers (TOT) for agricultural experts: Development agents and district-level subject matter specialists were trained to share knowledge with farmers.
The project also included seed distribution, experience-sharing visits, and field days to disseminate knowledge and encourage peer learning. A notable outcome has been informal seed exchange among farmers, amplifying the project’s impact.
Through these efforts, the project successfully reached approximately 4,300 households and engaged a wide range of stakeholders, contributing to human capacity development, seed production and distribution, technology diffusion, and sustainable farming practices.
Additionally, infrastructure development—such as the construction of a quarantine facility and installation of air conditioning units at the Werer Research Center—has strengthened research capacity and maintained high standards for agricultural innovation. The procurement of essential farm machinery has also set the stage for more sustainable wheat farming in Ethiopia’s lowlands.
2. Introducing elite wheat lines
The project introduced 505 elite bread wheat lines and 235 durum wheat lines. From these, 111 bread wheat and 49 durum wheat genotypes were identified for their promising traits, including heat stress tolerance, early maturity, and superior yield components. These lines were rigorously tested across diverse agroecological zones to ensure adaptability.
3. Demonstrating modern irrigation technology and mechanization
The project didn’t stop at improving wheat varieties—it also introduced modern mechanization practices to enhance efficiency and yield. In the Afar and Oromia regions, pilot farms demonstrated advanced machinery such as:
Subsoilers
Bailers
Land levelers
Planters
Ridge makers
Multi-crop threshers
These technologies have been showcased at various farm sites to facilitate adaptation and scaling.
4. Releasing and adapting wheat varieties
The project identified eight wheat varieties (four bread wheat and four durum wheat) suited for Ethiopia’s lowland irrigated conditions.
Additionally, two new wheat varieties—one bread wheat and one durum wheat—were officially registered and released for large-scale production. These releases mark a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen wheat production systems.
5. Seed production and distribution
Ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds has been another key priority. Through partnerships with research centers, early-generation seeds were provided to private seed producers and farmers’ cooperative unions. Field monitoring ensured seed quality at harvest, resulting in the production of 430 quintals of certified seed.
Women and youth empowerment strategy
The ADAPT-Wheat project has made a deliberate effort to empower women and youth by ensuring they have access to high-quality seeds, training, and technical support. Notably, women comprised 32% of seed distribution beneficiaries, strengthening their role in improving food security and livelihoods.
Voices from the field: Farmers share their stories
Damma Yami from Jeju district, Alaga Dore village
Farmer Damma Yami, has carefully monitors her thriving wheat crop as it nears harvest (Photo: CIMMYT)
Damma Yami’s story is a powerful example of how innovative agricultural initiatives can transform communities, especially in regions facing harsh environmental conditions.
“For many years, we have lived in arid conditions where livestock farming was our primary livelihood. However, with the challenges posed by weather trends, our traditional systems were no longer sufficient to maintain our livelihoods. The introduction of the ADAPT-Wheat project in recent years has reversed this trend. The project brought us wheat cultivation, as a new and golden opportunity for the farming community. We received high-yielding seeds, training, and technical support on farming practices, and soon we began to see impressive results. The benefits of the project are clear: it provides food for our families, generates income to send children to school, and helps meet other basic needs. As a farmer who engaged in this project, I can confidently say that the project has reshaped our future livelihood.”
Yeshiwas Worku from Oromia region, Arsi Zone, Merti district, Woticha Dole village
Farmer Yeshiwas Worku actively monitoring the growth and performance of his wheat crop on his plot, ensuring optimal results through the support of the ADAPT project (Photo: CIMMYT)
Yeshiwas Worku, a 40-year-old farmer was among those who benefited from the project.
Yeshiwas explains that before the project, wheat cultivation was not traditionally practiced in his area, but it has now become a game-changer for the community. The introduction of modern farming tools, machinery, and access to improved crop varieties has been key to their success. With the help of the project, wheat production has not only become their main source of income but has also helped farmers gain confidence in their ability to sustain their livelihoods.
“We are now familiar with modern farming tools, machines, and practices thanks to the implementing partners of the ADAPT project. We also have access to improved crop varieties, which are crucial for better production and increased income. Now, wheat production has become the main source of our livelihood. This alternative farming opportunity has not only boosted our confidence but has also allowed us to secure a more sustainable livelihood for my family and me. I am deeply grateful to the project implementing partners for playing such a crucial role in transforming our lives. The impact has truly been transformative.”
A transformative impact on wheat production
The ADAPT-Wheat project, alongside CIMMYT’s ongoing work in Ethiopia, has significantly improved wheat production systems and enhanced the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the lowland regions. More than just a This project is technological intervention, the project serves as a lifeline for smallholder farmers. By introducing innovative wheat technologies, improving seed availability, and empowering local communities, it directly contributes to Ethiopia’s food security goals while fostering economic growth and resilience in rural areas.
As Ethiopia continues its journey toward agricultural self-sufficiency, the success of the ADAPT-Wheat project serves as a model for sustainable agricultural development.
CIMMYT and Nepalese delegation and Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center research team in the field (Photo: CIMMYT)
Soil health is fundamental to agricultural productivity, food security, and climate resilience. In Ethiopia and Nepal, deteriorating soil conditions—driven by acidity, nutrient depletion, and land degradation—pose a significant challenge to farmers and policymakers alike. Addressing these issues is not just a technical necessity but a pathway to ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability and economic stability.
Recognizing these shared challenges, CIMMYT facilitated a South-South exchange between Ethiopia and Nepal to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and explore innovative solutions for improving soil health.
Shared challenges, shared solutions
Both Ethiopia and Nepal face persistent soil health challenges that hinder agricultural productivity. In Ethiopia, soil degradation—stemming from issues like soil acidity, salinity, and nutrient depletion—has become a barrier to achieving higher agricultural productivity. Similarly, Nepal is navigating soil health concerns amidst small landholdings, urban migration, and climate impacts.
For both nations, sustainable soil management is critical to strengthening their agricultural sectors. This exchange provided an opportunity for researchers, policymakers, and agricultural experts to learn from each other’s experiences, leveraging successful approaches to improve soil quality and boost productivity.
CIMMYT and Nepalese delegation listening to explanations by Experts and technicians about the various activities taking place at the soil and plan analysis laboratory (Photo: CIMMYT)
A unique exchange of knowledge
From November 25–28, a Nepalese delegation—including CIMMYT scientists and representatives from Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) and the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC)—visited Ethiopia to gain insights into its soil health initiatives.
Ethiopia has made significant progress in soil management through collaborations between government agencies, research institutions, and international partners. With CIMMYT’s support, the country has developed a National Soil Information System (NSIS), a comprehensive data-driven approach that guides interventions to improve soil health, increase productivity, and enhance food security.
During the visit, the Nepalese delegation met with leading Ethiopian institutions, including:
The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA)
The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)
The Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI)
The Holeta Agricultural Research Center
The National Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center
Through site visits and discussions, the delegation explored Ethiopia’s Vertisol management strategies, sub-soil acidity solutions, and data-driven soil health policies—areas that could be adapted to Nepal’s agricultural landscape.
A shared commitment to agricultural innovation
Beyond knowledge exchange, the visit served as a catalyst for long-term collaboration between the two countries. CIMMYT has been working in Ethiopia for over three decades, supporting research and technology development to enhance soil health and food security. In Nepal, CIMMYT scientists collaborate with national partners to strengthen agricultural commercialization and climate resilience.
During their visit, Nepalese delegates expressed particular interest in Ethiopia’s Geo-Nutrition approach, which connects soil quality to human health by analyzing how soil nutrients influence the nutritional value of crops. Nepal sees great potential in adopting this model to enhance both agricultural and public health outcomes.
Shanta Karki, Joint Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (Photo: CIMMYT)
Shanta Karki, Joint Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, reflected on the visit: “The insights we gained in Ethiopia will be instrumental in improving our soil health strategies.
We see great potential for collaboration between Ethiopia and Nepal in tackling common challenges like soil acidity and water management.” She added that another key area of learning was Geo-Nutrition, an innovative field that connects soil health to human health.
The concept, which Ethiopia has been actively exploring, looks at how soil quality influences the nutritional value of crops and ultimately the health of the populations that depend on them. The Nepalese delegation saw this as an opportunity to further develop their own approach to improving soil and human health simultaneously.
Looking Ahead: Building stronger partnerships
Shanta Karki, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoA), presents a token of appreciation to Dr. Samuel Gameda, Senior Soil Scientist at CIMMYT-Ethiopia, in recognition of his efforts to strengthen partnerships between Nepal and Ethiopia in the framework of improving soil health (Photo: Desalegne Tadesse/CIMMYT)
As CIMMYT continues to facilitate South-South exchanges, the goal is to adapt successful models from Ethiopia to Nepal while drawing lessons from Nepal’s unique agricultural landscape. The delegation left Ethiopia with renewed motivation to enhance soil health, not just for the benefit of farmers but for broader food security and economic resilience.
Narayan Prasad Khanal, Business Development Manager at CIMMYT Nepal, emphasized the importance of such exchanges. “The lessons learned here, particularly on sub-soil acidity management and Geo-Nutrition, will be crucial for enhancing our regulatory systems and addressing challenges in Nepal’s agriculture. This experience has shown us how important it is to adapt successful models from other countries and incorporate them into our own agricultural practices.
Dr. Shree Prasad Vista, Senior Scientist at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), shares his reflections and lessons learned during the experience-sharing visit (Photo: Desalegne Tadesse/CIMMYT)
Shree Prasad Vista, Senior Scientist at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), was particularly fascinated by Ethiopia’s innovative work on Vertisol management and soil acidity. He remarked, “The insights we gained from CIMMYT, particularly on Geo-Nutrition and soil acidity, will help enhance our agricultural practices and regulatory systems in Nepal.”
A Path toward collaborative solutions
As Ethiopia and Nepal continue to navigate similar agricultural challenges, the knowledge gained from this exchange will play a crucial role in shaping future soil health strategies. By learning from each other’s successes, both countries are positioning themselves to implement sustainable, climate-resilient soil management practices tailored to their unique context.
This exchange stands as a powerful example of how international collaboration fosters innovation, resilience, and food security. Through shared expertise and collective action, Ethiopia and Nepal are laying the foundation for stronger agricultural systems that will benefit future generations.
How can market intelligence and seed system insights drive varietal turnover for groundnut, sorghum, and beanstakeholders? 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.
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 Arushain a group discussion, sharing insights, challengesand 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.”
Dr. Rosichan joins IWYP after 30 years as an R&D leader in both the private and public sectors. During that time, he led complex multinational, multidisciplinary and multifunctional research teams. Most recently he was Scientific Program Director for the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) where he was the Director for the Crops of the Future Consortium and Next Generation Crops Challenge Area. He will continue to reside in the USA.
BBSRC has provided the consultancy position in recognition of the valuable achievements of IWYP in serving the wheat scientific community over these past 10 years during which IWYP has been funded and guided by numerous governmental funding agencies and private sector wheat breeding companies.
IWYP’s strong links are with scientists studying yield-related wheat traits all over the world as well as with many breeding programs, public and private. IWYP’s mission is to serve breeding programs, especially through its Hubs in CIMMYT, Mexico, Kansas State University in the USA and the National Institute of Agricultural Botany in the UK, by delivering trait-improved elite germplasm.
Farmers in Zaka with their recent harvest of drought tolerant maize (Photo: CIMMYT)
In Zimbabwe, CGIAR, through CIMMYT, runs a maize breeding program to strengthen food security and livelihoods in a country where maize is a staple crop. The program spans diverse testing plots – managed exclusively by men, women, or both – providing crucial insights into real-world farm dynamics. A significant component of our work is the extensive on-farm trials conducted across various regions, helping us understand how men and women farmers interact with and benefit from new maize varieties. Here are two ways we ensure that women-managed plots reap the same benefits as those led by men in Zimbabwe.
Increasing Women’s Representation in Crop Breeding Trials
This dichotomy highlights the importance of on-farm trials in the crop development process, as they provide insights into the diverse needs and realities of different farmer groups.
Zimbabwe’s maize breeding program has expanded on-farm trials significantly over the past few years, by over five-fold. However, women-managed plots are often underrepresented in participatory approaches. Research from Kenya also showed that trial participants are often wealthier and more educated, benefiting from stronger access to information and agricultural networks.
Training to Ensure Inclusive Farmer Representation
CGIAR and CIMMYT often rely on partners with direct connections to farming communities to select host farmers for breeding trials. Recognizing the risk of bias and underrepresentation of women farmers in this process, we designed a training program for extension officers to ensure a more representative selection of women farmers from different socioeconomic backgrounds in the country.
Without intentional representation, trial results may skew toward wealthier, male-managed farms – limiting their relevance for the broader farming population. In addition, in Zimbabwe, women-managed households are not a homogeneous group. Our research identified two distinct categories, each with unique challenges and needs. One group was wealthier in terms of agricultural assets and livestock, with a greater area under maize production. The second group of women-managed households was more resource-poor, with smaller livestock herds and greater use of intercropping within maize fields.
Using data from a survey of over 2,000 farmers, we worked to validate farmer selection processes, ensuring that women farmers were accurately represented. Today, this training is conducted annually and has become a key component of our program’s approach.
For too long, on-farm trials did not adequately reflect the diversity of farming realities. Through this gender-sensitive approach, we are now able to fine-tune recruitment methodologies to account for socioeconomic disparities. By ensuring that all groups are included in trials, we can develop and promote maize varieties that truly serve the diverse realities of Zimbabwean farming households.
Farmer in Murehwa District with her drought tolerant maize variety (Photo: Jill Cairns/CIMMYT
Incorporating Gender and Social Considerations into the Testing of Novel Genetic Technologies
In hybrid maize seed production, both male and female plants are planted side by side to facilitate controlled pollination. A critical step in this process is detasseling – the removal of male flowers (tassels) from the female plants to prevent self-pollination. If detasseling is not done correctly, the resulting seeds will not express hybrid vigor, ultimately affecting yield and performance.
This process presents two major challenges. Incomplete detasseling can result in hybrid purity issues that can lead production fields to either being rejected or farmers unknowingly paying for lower-quality seed that impacts productivity. Accidental leaf loss during the detasseling process also reduces female seed yields by approximately 14%.
To address these challenges, a Gates Foundation-funded project we implemented has explored ways to simplify the process of hybrid maize seed production by removing the need to detassel through a novel genetic technology. This technology also had a clear benefit for women farmers.
Why This Matters and How to Scale the Innovation
Although seed production involves multiple steps, this innovation has direct benefits, especially in resource-limited settings. Since only 50% of plants produce pollen, this approach optimizes yield—particularly under low-nitrogen conditions, where many smallholder farmers struggle. The technology is adaptable across different maize varieties, making it a scalable solution.
To validate this approach, we conducted station trials, followed by on-farm testing. These trials are helping us understand how both men and women farmers adopt and benefit from these varieties, particularly in drought-prone areas, where women are more likely to recycle seeds.
With the knowledge that in drought-prone years women were more likely to recycle hybrid seed, we refined our testing strategy to evaluate potential yield benefits if recycled. We found the technology provided a small, yet significant yield benefit should a farmer choose to recycle hybrid maize seed in an anticipated drought season.
Our approach provides insights into how gender and social inclusion considerations can be incorporated into breeding testing strategies. By evaluating variety performance across real-world farm conditions and gathering insights to refine and optimize future breeding efforts, new varieties will meet the needs of men and women farmers in Zimbabwe.
Conclusion
When promoting the adoption of new maize varieties and technologies, gender is one factor among many that shape adoption. Early- and late-stage on-farm trials are essential in bridging the gap between scientific innovation and real-world impact, ensuring that the varieties we develop are not only high-performing in research settings but also practical, accessible, and beneficial for all farmers.
To achieve this, a transdisciplinary approach is key. Integrating social scientists into breeding and development strategies provides deeper insights into how different farming groups interact with new technologies. By refining our selection process, testing, and deployment, we can ensure that both women- and men-managed farms benefit equitably, ultimately driving food security and better livelihoods.
Farmer Tariro from Gokwe South prepares maize for milling (Photo: CIMMYT)
Every two years, CIMMYT hosts its Science and Innovation Week (SIW), a moment not only for reflection but also for action. SIW2025 is more than a gathering; it is a call to action, challenging us to create lasting change and transformative impact. Each day, we wake up with a bold mission: to make our work meaningful to the ultimate beneficiaries – smallholder farmers.
To kick off this year’s Science Week, CIMMYT Director General Bram Govaerts reminded participants that at the heart of our work is real-world impact. More than an opportunity to evaluate strategies, Science Week is about envisioning and driving the future of food systems.
“CIMMYT’s work connects communities worldwide, from labs to corn harvests. Your tireless research deserves accolades as profound as a Nobel Prize” said Ted McKinney, CEO of the JS National Association of State Departments of agriculture, NASDA & Former USDA Undersecretary. Recognizing this urgency, CIMMYT convened leading scientists, researchers, and decision-makers at its headquarters in Texcoco, Mexico, for Science Week 2025.
This flagship event brought together experts at the intersection of agriculture, climate and food security to foster collaboration and inspire action for resilient food systems. With CIMMYT’s research agenda focused on addressing the world’s most pressing agricultural challenges, Science Week served as a key platform to shape the future of innovation, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate impact on global food security. Through knowledge sharing and strategic discussions, participants explored transformative solutions that will empower smallholder farmers, build crop resilience, and ensure a sustainable future for food systems worldwide.
A platform for collaboration and innovation
The first day set the stage for a dynamic exchange of ideas, bringing together global experts to address agriculture’s most pressing challenges. Discussions explored climate-smart agriculture, the role of digital transformation, and the resilience of seed systems, highlighting the need for innovation to ensure food security. Advances in crop breeding and cutting-edge research took center stage, reinforcing CIMMYT’s commitment to developing scalable, science-based solutions that empower farmers.
Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including climate-smart agriculture, digital transformation in agriculture, resilience of seed systems, and advances in crop breeding. High-level panels and thought leaders highlighted the importance of collaboration, from integrating AI and strategic partnerships to amplifying research impact, while deep diving into CIMMYT’s scientific breakthroughs. The challenge was clear: think beyond the event, push boundaries, and make a meaningful impact that extends far beyond this week.
From data-driven decision-making to sustainable food production, discussions reinforced the need for strategic collaboration, digital transformation, and responsible innovation. With a strong focus on open data and climate resilience, day two underscored CIMMYT’s commitment to translating science into real-world impact for farmers and food systems worldwide.
With CIMMYT generating around 122 datasets annually, experts stressed the importance of improving data quality, integrating new information, and standardizing workflows for greater transparency and efficiency. The discussions also tackled food security, conflict, and economic instability. With 8.4 million people affected by food insecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean, experts highlighted the urgent need for social protection systems, digital solutions, and adaptive policies.
Moving forward, CIMMYT must bridge science and action, ensuring that research translates into tangible solutions for farmers and food systems worldwide – because resilience is not just an option; it is the foundation of sustainable agriculture.
Scientific excellence in action
As Science Week 2025 drew to a close, discussions focused on two key themes: partnerships and communicating impact. To kick off the session, Aaron Maniam, Fellow of Practice and Director, Digital Transformation Education, Oxford University Blavatnik School, challenged participants to rethink collaboration – not just as coordination but as a balance between integration and fragmentation. Collaboration is non-negotiable, and positioning CIMMYT as the partner of choice will be critical to advancing its mission.
Today’s challenges are too complex to tackle alone, and strategic partnerships are essential to amplify impact, leverage resources, and scale innovation. But successful partnerships go beyond collaboration – they require trust and shared goals. Science must be accessible, compelling, and strategically packaged to engage diverse audiences and drive real-world change. As we move forward, the challenge is clear: Embrace, amplify, and boldly communicate our impact to shape the future of food and agriculture. The work does not stop here, this is just the beginning of the next chapter in transforming global food systems for a food and nutrition secure world.
Uganda’s Dr. Godfrey Asea of NaCRRI was recognized for developing over 20 maize varieties, including drought-tolerant hybrids that support food security. His work has earned multiple breeding and technology awards from CIMMYT, reflecting CIMMYT’s commitment to advancing climate-resilient maize in Africa. As Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture warns against counterfeit seeds, CIMMYT’s efforts in supporting national research institutions remain crucial in ensuring farmers have access to high-quality, stress-tolerant seeds.
Agriculture lies at the core of rural livelihoods, yet longstanding social inequities havestifled the potential of marginalized groups– particularly women and youth– to fully benefit. The CGIAR Agroecology Initiative (AE-I) recognizes gender and social inclusion as critical pillars in achieving sustainable agricultural transformation. By embedding these aspects within its framework, AE-I ensures that marginalized groups—especially women and youth—play a meaningful role in agroecology transitions.
Current realities on women and youth in agriculture
Women and youth are central to Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy, yet they remain underrepresented or excluded in decision-making processes and face barriers to accessing critical resources. Globally, women make up about 48% of the agricultural labor force in Sub-Saharan Africa (World Bank, 2024), yet they consistently face challenges in accessing land, credit, and markets. In Zimbabwe, these disparities are even more pronounced. In Mbire and Murehwa districts, rural economic activities, including agriculture, rely heavily on women and youth. Women make up approximately 70% of the agricultural labor force (UNDP, 2024) in these regions, but they often lack control over resources needed to enhance productivity and economic stability such as land, credit, and markets.
Agroecology Living Landscapes and Gender and Social Inclusion Matter
Embedding gender and social inclusion (GESI) into agroecology is not just a moral imperative but a foundational requirement for achieving lasting and transformative impact. Traditional top-down development approaches have often neglected marginalized groups’ unique needs and contributions, resulting in unsustainable outcomes. In contrast, the AE-I prioritizes inclusive and participatory processes, exemplified by its Agroecology Living Landscapes (ALLs), which serve as collaborative spaces where community members actively co-create locally relevant solutions.
Central to the CGIAR Agroecology Initiative (AE-I) is a commitment to “do no harm—say no harm,” ensuring that the inclusion of women, youth, and other marginalized groups is safe, meaningful, and impactful. Including marginalized groups can disrupt existing power structures and opportunity hierarchies, so it must be done with contextual sensitivity. Young and old women are provided equal opportunities to participate in and contribute to the co-creation of innovations. However, systemic barriers-such as limited agency or entrenched gender norms-continue to hinder meaningful engagement. To address these challenges, AE-I collaborates with key stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MWACSMED), to advocate for gender mainstreaming. Concrete actions have included training programs, documentation of gender norms and their impacts, elevating women and youth role models, and ensuring equal participation in ALL activities. MWACSMED has evolved into a proactive stakeholder in this process. Initially a passive participant in ALL discussions, the ministry now plays a leadership role in addressing gender and social inclusion issues within the landscapes. This deliberate attention to GESI within ALLs has illuminated systemic barriers such as unequal access to resources, rigid cultural norms, and the exclusion of certain social groups.
Conversations with farmers during ALLs meetings (Photo: CIMMYT)
Agroecology recognizes that inclusion is not merely about representation but about fostering environments where meaningful transformation can happen. For instance, cultural norms often limit the participation of women and youth in mixed-group activities. To address this, the AE-I initiated monthly “dialogues with elders,” engaging traditional authorities and community leaders to reconcile cultural traditions with transformative gender and social inclusion goals. These dialogues have yielded positive shifts in such perspectives. As one elder participant noted, “We value inputs from women and acknowledge their critical role in our community.”
The transformative impacts of AE-I’s inclusive approach are increasingly visible. Across Murehwa and Mbire districts, Agroecology Living Landscapes (ALLs) are reshaping community dynamics by empowering previously marginalized groups, such as elderly women, to contribute to agricultural innovation. Within some of the activities of the Initiative, women and youth engagement is quite impressive, with over 60% of participants in seed fairs and field days. These figures highlight the significant potential for expanding women’s and youth’s opportunities to advance agroecological goals through gender- and youth-focused interventions. It also demonstrates their eagerness to engage in knowledge-sharing opportunities. Such initiatives improve livelihoods and build women’s and youths’ agency as active contributors to agricultural innovations.
Inclusivity within ALLs is further is reinforced by low barriers to entry, emphasizing a willingness to learn and transform their crop and livestock production rather than asset ownership. This approach has expanded participation among resource-poor farmers, breaking down traditional exclusionary practices brought by other Donor programs.
As one farmer remarked, “In the past, only those with cattle or fenced homesteads could join such programs on transformative change. Now, even those of us without such assets can participate.”
Such practices have strengthened the confidence of marginalized farmers, enabling them to navigate complex production dynamics collectively.
Building Economic Independence and Transforming Food Systems
The AE-I’s focus on inclusive value chains has begun to yield tangible economic benefits. In Mbire and Murehwa, women are transitioning from subsistence farming to economic independence by engaging in agroecological business models. For example, Sasso poultry farming has become a viable income-generating activity, allowing women to reinvest in their farm-level activities. Youth are also leveraging their involvement in agriculture to build assets, diversify income and nutritional sources, and secure a more stable future.
A critical challenge remains exploitative market dynamics that limit farmers profitability. Farmers have raised concerns about the informal urban markets, where asymmetric power dynamics and a lack of competitive pricing mechanisms enable buyers to dictate unfavorable prices. Middlemen in the poultry markets suppress prices by 40%, while unstructured sorghum buyers pay 20–30% below market rates, eroding farmers’ profitability.
Addressing these bottlenecks through cooperative-led marketing, digital trading platforms (e.g., Hamara App), and guaranteed off-take agreements ensures equitable economic participation and a resilient food system.
Drudgery and Women in Agri-Food Systems
The transition to agroecology offers both opportunities and challenges, particularly for women, who bear the brunt of agricultural labor. In many rural communities, women are responsible for labor-intensive activities, including land preparation, weeding, and post-harvest handling.
While agroecological practices promote sustainability and resilience, some approaches—such as conservation agriculture—can initially increase women’s workload, exacerbating drudgery and limiting their time for other economic or social activities.
To ensure that agroecology transitions are both equitable and scalable, it is essential to integrate appropriate-scale mechanization that reduces labor burdens while maintaining ecological integrity. By embedding gender-responsive technologies into agroecological systems, AE-I can foster inclusive, productive and sustainable farming solutions.
Women in Murehwa receiving training on how to use the basin digger (Photo: CIMMYT)
To address this, the Initiative has facilitated the adoption of labor-saving technologies, improving access to mechanized solutions that ease women’s workload. In Mbire and Murehwa districts, 43 out of 95 women farmers now have access to basin diggers, significantly reducing the effort required to establish planting basins in conservation agriculture. Additionally, four multigrain threshers have been introduced in each district, enabling women to process small grain cereals more efficiently, cutting down the time spent on post-harvest handling.
These innovations not only alleviate physical strain but also increase productivity, allowing women to participate in value-added activities and play a greater role in decision-making processes within the food system.
By prioritizing appropriate-scale mechanization, the AE-I ensures that agroecology transitions foster inclusivity, sustainability, and economic empowerment for women farmers.
Wrap up
The CGIAR Agroecology Initiative’s work in Mbire and Murehwa provides a step forward for centering gender and social inclusion into agricultural development. Through participatory methods, inclusive partnerships, and a focus on actor agency and opportunity for behavior change, the Initiative has redefined what it means to build sustainable and equitable food systems. For donors, partners, and other stakeholders, the AE-I offers a compelling case for investing in inclusive approaches that transform agriculture and uplift entire communities. As agroecology continues to evolve, centering gender and social inclusion will remain vital for achieving sustainable, impactful outcomes.
In Nigeria’s drylands, a seed revolution is transforming the landscape, bringing hope and prosperity to farmers in even the most remote communities. Through the innovative Farm and Community-Managed Seed System (FCMSS) approach, farmers, women’s groups, and seed entrepreneurs are gaining access to high-quality sorghum seed, driving agricultural transformation in underserved regions.
Championed by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) and the Dryland Crops Program through the AVISA project led by CIMMYT, this initiative bridges the gap between traditional and formal seed systems, delivering life-changing solutions to last-mile farmers and enhancing rural livelihoods across the country.
Empowering communities through innovation
The FCMSS approach combines community-driven strategies with institutional support to ensure improved seed availability, accessibility, and adoption. The impact has been profound, with three newly released sorghum varieties—SAMSORG 52, SAMSORG 52, and SAMSORG 53—transforming the agricultural landscape. These varieties are being produced locally, ensuring that farmers in nearby communities have access to seeds tailored to their needs.
Farmers achieve record yields
For farmers like Abdullahi Danliti Dawanau, the FCMSS approach has been life changing. Cultivating SAMSORG 52, Dawanau achieved an impressive 4 tons per hectare—the best yield of his farming career.
“This is the best yield I’ve achieved in all my years of farming,” he shared, highlighting the transformative potential of the new sorghum varieties.
His farm, located near the Dawanau International Grain Market in Kano State, has become a demonstration site, inspiring fellow farmers and drawing admiration for the high yield and quality of the variety. Many even mistake it for an imported hybrid, underscoring its quality and productivity.
Women are leading the production and distribution of new sorghum varieties across several states in Nigeria. (Photo: Muhammad Ahmad Yahaya/IAR )
Women farmers leading the way
Women are emerging as key drivers of this agricultural revolution. The Yakasai Women Farmers Group in Kano State, led by Rabi Yakasai, is spearheading efforts to produce and distribute the new sorghum varieties. Their success has led to an overwhelming demand for the seeds in states such as Kano, Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Yobe, as well as in neighboring Niger Republic.
“These varieties fit perfectly into our farming systems,” said Mrs. Yakasai, emphasizing how they cater to local agricultural needs. SAMSORG 52, for instance, is an early-maturing and short-statured variety that aligns well with relay cropping systems, particularly when intercropped with cowpea. Similarly, SAMSORG 52 and SAMSORG 53 are medium-maturing varieties suitable for intercropping with millet and maize. These varieties provide tailored solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability for farmers in the region.
Following their participation in TRICOT on-farm trials, the group is working to meet increasing demand across multiple states.
“We need support to scale up seed production and meet these orders,” added Mrs. Yakasai.
Government and industry support success
The success of the FCMSS approach has garnered support from state governments and private sector stakeholders. During the 2nd National Sorghum Conference, held in Gombe State on December 4-5, 2024, the Gombe State Commissioner for Agriculture reaffirmed the state’s commitment to adopting climate-smart, early maturing sorghum varieties.
Private companies are also getting involved. GreenPal Global Limited, a prominent seed company, is stepping up its efforts to meet growing demand. Following successful trials of the new varieties, the company plans to scale up the production of certified seed by 2025. Similarly, Northern Nigeria Flour Mill, the country’s largest sorghum processor, is working with farmer associations such as SOFAN and NASPPAM to source quality sorghum for its flagship product, Golden Penny Dawavita—a key ingredient in staple foods such as Tuwo (a dish made from sorghum or millet flour, cooked into a thick, smooth paste or dough-like consistency) and Dumame (a dish made from fermented sorghum or millet flour, often cooked into a thick porridge).
Locally produced grains of the new sorghum variety, ensuring farmers in nearby communities have access to seeds tailored to their needs. (Photo: Muhammad Ahmad Yahaya/IAR )
Ensuring quality and certification
The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) is actively supporting the initiative by training seed entrepreneurs and monitoring seed production to ensure quality standards. During a Brown Field Day in Bagadawa community, Kano State, NASC commended the progress made under the FCMSS and the active involvement of farmers and women’s groups.
“The progress of the FCMSS and the active participation of farmers and women’s groups are truly commendable,” said the North-West Regional Director of NASC.
A brighter future for the drylands of Nigeria
The FCMSS approach is more than a seed production system—it is a movement transforming the lives of farmers and communities. By building a resilient seed system, empowering local communities, and driving economic growth, the initiative is ensuring food security and prosperity in Nigeria’s drylands. With growing momentum, the future is bright for farmers, processors, and entrepreneurs, signaling a new era of agricultural success.
