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 farmersâ own innovations, and embraces remote sensing, mobile phones and other information technology. These interventions are gender-inclusive, to ensure equitable impacts for all.
The Angola Smallholder Agriculture Development and Commercialization Project (SADCP or MOSAP2), with crucial input from CIMMYT, markedly improved food security and income for 179,000 smallholder farmers in Angola from 2016 to 2022. By introducing 4,000 Farmer Field Schools and innovative agricultural practices, including CIMMYT’s improved seeds, the project boosted crop yields by up to 196% and increased the sale of produce significantly, showcasing the transformative impact of integrating scientific research with farmer education in post-conflict agricultural recovery.
Juliana Moises tends her soybean plot. (Photo: CIMMYT)
From the rich plateau landscapes of Angonia district in the Tete province of Mozambique emerges a tale of determination and hard work. Juliana Nicolau Moises, a mother of four, has been a devoted soybean farmer for more than a decade, tending to a crop whose pods carry the potential for value-added products, including milk and porridge for her children. But one wonders, what motivates smallholder farmers like Juliana to invest their efforts in soybean production.
âI have never looked back on producing soybeans,â reflects Moises. âThis legume crop has allowed me to feed my family and meet my household needs, let alone the cash income from sales of the surplus crop. It has taken a lot of hard work and resilience to navigate through the complexities of soybean production.â
Entering her second season of implementing the Chinyanja Soy Use Case trials with CGIAR’s Initiative on Excellence in Agronomy, delivered in partnership with CIMMYT and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Moises eagerly anticipates a bumper harvest in the early planted fields. She has been avidly implementing trials on planting dates to establish the implications of early, mid, and late planting on soybean yield. Let alone the required attention to detail, she exudes a deep understanding of the significance of the trials by carrying out key agronomic practices to ensure a good harvest. This will not only nourish the health and wellbeing of her family but also symbolizes the fruits of her dedication.
Moisesâs commitment extends beyond the trial she hosts as she implements her learning from the project to other fields, using innovative approaches like the double-row planting method. In soybean farming, this involves planting two rows of seeds on a wider ridge established on the traditional spacing that farmers use on maize. Traditionally, farmers in Angonia have been planting single rows of soybean on ridges spaced at 90 cm used for maize, thereby resulting in low soy plant populations and ultimately low yields. This different technique optimizes the plant population and land use efficiency, improving yields, and facilitating easier weeding.
Moisesâs soybean plot in Angonia, Mozambique. (Photo: CIMMYT)
Despite the promise of enhanced production, challenges persist. Southern Africa continues to face a growing demand for soybeans, with annual productivity of 861,000 metric tons (mT) falling short of the 2-million-ton demand. In Mozambique, vibrant soybean farms blanket the landscape, yet smallholder farmers like Moises grapple with underdeveloped markets and climate-related adversities, such as droughts and floods currently worsened by the El Niño phenomenon.
âAs a devoted soybean farmer, I have met my own fair share of challenges. One of our biggest challenges is the labor requirement across the production season,â shared Moises as she navigates through her fields. âWe need machinery for planting, weeding, and harvesting in order to reduce the labor and drudgery associated with soybean production. In addition, markets remain a challenge.” Her unwavering commitment inspires neighboring farmers, creating a ripple effect of hope and determination in the community.
Sharing the same sentiments is Veronica Ernesto Gama, who teams up with her husband every year to tend to her soybean field. Having started in 2007, their yields have sustained the food basket of her family while meeting nutritional needs. âIn the past, I used to just scatter around soybean seeds in one place, but after these trials, I have learned the significance of applying the agronomically recommended spacing and the need for quality improved seeds to ensure a bumper harvest,â said Gama.
The power of collaboration
Addressing these challenges head-on is CGIARâs Excellence in Agronomy Chinyanja Triangle Soy Use Case, a collaborative effort aimed at strengthening the soybean industry primarily by empowering farmers with improved agronomic practices and decision support. Solidaridad, an international non-government organization (NGO) pursuing digital platforms for scaling agronomy, serves as the demand partner of the Excellence in Agronomy Chinyanja Triangle Soy Use Case, while CGIAR provides technical support. Solidaridadâs role is vital in catalyzing demand for the product or service in question. Research outputs drawn from the trials will be used to develop a mobile phone application on the Kvuno, a social enterprise borne out of Solidaridad. The platform will support farmers with onsite advisories on planting dates, site-specific fertilizer recommendations, variety selection, and crop configurations.
To date, the initiative has drawn the willingness of 70 farmers in the Angonia district of Tete province, who are implementing different suites of trials, including nutrient omission, planting date, plant configuration, and fertilizer usage. Excellence in Agronomy has come at an opportune time for smallholdersâ journeys in soybean production, emphasizing the importance of optimized spacing and improved agronomic practices.
As the story unfolds in Mozambique, women like Moises and Gama are the unsung heroes driving soybean production. Their dedication, coupled with initiatives like Excellence in Agronomy, paint a picture of progress and potential. Their commitment inspires many surrounding farmers who draw inspiration on the trials in their fields. As the sun continues to rise over the dusty soils of Angonia, it showcases not just Moisesâs fields, but the bright future of soybean production in the hands of resilient women farmers.
Participants from the Kenya PDT meeting held in Nairobi. (Photo: CIMMYT)
Product design teams (PDTs) are a CGIAR Accelerated Breeding Initiative innovation created to address the aforementioned challenges under the CGIAR-NARES partnership through coordinating SPMS and related TPPs. Each seed product market segment, which in the case of CGIAR is defined at sub-regional level, represents a unique set of requirements. Attached to the segment is a TPP which describes the ideal product to meet the requirements. Taken together, the framework provides a starting point for discussions by breeding teams on investment opportunities.
Discussions on market segments and TPPs need to develop over time as new insights are gained. Some requirements might be overlooked, and others may be emerging due to client requirements and changes in the context. There is a need for a greater understanding of the evolving requirements of the seed companies, farmers, processors, and consumers in the market segments that CGIAR serves. It must be recognized that not all requirements of farmers or consumers are amenable to breeding or efficient to incorporate in breeding pipelines â for example, some post-harvest losses or weed management can be best addressed by appropriate storage mechanisms and improved agronomic practices, respectively.
Product design teams (PDTs) were created to address the aforementioned challenges under the CGIAR-NARES partnership by and coordinating SPMS and related TPPs. A PDT is a group of crop breeding and seed systems stakeholders for a particular crop, who work together to design or redefine TPPs. PDTs have been envisioned to be cross-functional teams that meet annually with the following aims:
Review the market segments at subregional and national levels, addressing critical questions, such as:
Do the subregional segments capture country-level requirements?
What is the opportunity for impact from breeding investments across market segments?
Are there important market segments that have not been captured?
What are the potential future segments that the team needs to consider?
Review and update TPPs for each segment, addressing questions such as:
Are any important traits missing?
Are country-specific trait values factored?
Are country-specific market-dominant varieties included in the market segment?
Discuss the needs for market intelligence for the PDT:
Unknowns regarding client requirements.
Gaps regarding product design parameters.
Director of the Global Maize program at CIMMYT, B.M. Prasanna, said, âPDT meetings serve as an important platform to understand the perspectives of diverse and relevant stakeholders. These discussions enable us to reach a common understanding of the current market requirements and redefine TPPs to reflect needs across value streams through co-creation and shared responsibility.â
The impact of PDTs
Pieter Rutsaert, seed systems specialist at CIMMYT and the CGIAR Market Intelligence Initiative, participated in several PDTs on maize and other crops, such as groundnut. âPDTs are a useful format to understand the unknowns in terms of farmer, processor, and consumer requirements and generate questions that guide future work in market intelligence,â said Rutsaert.
Product Design Team (PDT) meetings bring together breeding and seed systems stakeholders to improve understanding of country and regional needs for a specific crop. (Photo: CIMMYT)
“PDTs will help in routine review of the product requirement for a specific country and will help to remove breeder bias and ensure that all stakeholdersâ views are heard and consideredâ, said Aparna Das, technical program manager for the Global Maize program at CIMMYT.
The main requirements for constituting PDTs for a specific country are:
A multidisciplinary team with 7 to 15 members, ensuring diversity of experience and providing reasonable time for decision-making.
Must consist of a range of stakeholders, such as: breeders from NARES (often the PDT convener/lead) and CGIAR; representatives of farmersâ groups, seed companies, and food processors; gender specialists; and market intelligence specialists.
30% of members should be female.
Should include a member from another crop breeding network, to bring a different perspective.
Bish Das, NARS coordinator, Dragan Milic, breeding specialist, and Lennin Musundire, breeding optimization specialist, from the CGIAR Accelerated Breeding Initiative team said, âUltimately, the client-led approach to priority setting that CIMMYTâs Global Maize program is implementing in southern and eastern Africa ensures strong alignment with partnersâ priorities and client requirements and better targeting of CGIAR regional maize breeding efforts.â
Case study: maize seed systems
CIMMYTâs Global Maize program has refined variety development to meet market needs across the value chain including farmers, processors, and consumers, thus enhancing variety adoption, which is the end goal of breeding pipelines. This has been implemented through the regional CGIAR-NARES-SMEs collaborative breeding networks and having âa bottom-upâ approach towards developing market segments and TPPs. This refers to building an understanding of end-users’ needs through inclusive in-country and regional stakeholder PDT meetings. PDTs also ensure that there are CGIAR-NARES-SME defined roles: a national mandate for NARES partners focusing on niche markets, the consolidated national mandate for CGIAR/NARES/SMEs, and a regional mandate for CGIAR Research Centers like CIMMYT.
In 2023, maize PDT teams were established and held meetings for five countries in eastern and southern Africa: Zambia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Uganda. These meetings brought together stakeholders from different fields who play an important role in product development and seed systems (national partners and seed companies), varietal release (representatives from regulatory agencies) and end-product users (for example, millers).
The advantages of TDPs are emphasized by Godfrey Asea, director of Research and Daniel Bomet Kwemoi, maize breeder at the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) in Uganda. They highlighted that the NARO maize program has now begun a systematic journey toward modernizing its breeding program. The PDT team validated the countryâs market segments and aligned five product profiles with two major target production environments (TPEs), with the mid-altitude regions taking 85% of the maize seed market and the highlands accounting for 15%. âThese TPPs will be reviewed annually by the PDT since market segments tend to be dynamic. The breeding program has reclassified and aligned breeding the germplasm to TPPs, which will guide effective resource allocation based on the market shares,â said Asea.
Feedback on PDT meetings so far suggests positive experiences from stakeholders. Wendy Madzura, head of agronomy at SeedCo in Zimbabwe, said, âThe unique PDT meeting held at CIMMYT in Zimbabwe provided a conducive environment for public and private stakeholders to have meaningful and honest discussions on the current market segments and TPPs.â Plans for continuous improvement are embedded in the PDT model. âAs a follow-up to the PDT meeting, there is a need for further involvement of various stakeholders at the village, ward, and district levels to enable deeper insights and reach because the client needs are constantly changing,â said Madzura.
At a business expo in Mwenezi, organized by NGOs including Junior Achievement Zimbabwe and Silveira House, with funding from Plan International Zimbabwe, CIMMYT showcased its products and services. Aimed at empowering youth through entrepreneurial projects, the event provided a platform for young entrepreneurs to connect with potential suppliers and clients, including leading organizations like CIMMYT, which exhibited alongside others to support economic development through value chains.
Maria Itria Ibba, a scientist at CIMMYT, was among the presenters of the newly established Marie Clark Taylor CGF (Coalition for Grain Fiber) Fellowship. Katherine Frels presented the award to Delaware State University student Lauren A. Waller on 21 February at the Coalition for Grain Fiber workshop in Kansas City, KS. The fellowship is named after Marie Clark Taylor, an educator, plant breeder, and former dean at Howard University. It honors a minority student dedicated to applying plant science and/or food science for the benefit of all socioeconomic groups.
Lauren Waller, an undergraduate studying plant science, presented her research at the CGF workshop, Opportunities and Risks: Wheat Milling, Baking Supply Chain and the Coalition for Grain Fiber. The eventâs theme was âcreating the roadmap to growing more fiber â using commercial wheats to improve diets.â
“In the U.S., where dietary fiber is critical for cardiometabolic health, over 90% of women and 97% of men fall short of recommendations,â said Ibba. âLeveraging natural variation in wheat’s major fiber components offers a promising solution without disrupting current habits. By addressing these issues, we can bridge health gaps, recognizing the link between socioeconomic status and chronic conditions.â
The Coalition for Grain Fiber seeks to improve the nutrition in staple foods without negatively impacting their taste, feel, or consumer price. It is dedicated simultaneously to establishing profit incentives for farmers and other food suppliers that deliver foods with increased nutrients. âThe efforts of the Coalition for Grain Fiber are pivotal in weaving a healthier future for all, breaking the chains of disease in under-served communities around the world.” The program builds research ties that allow students at HBCUs and minority-serving institutions to develop a network of mentors and collaborators at land grant- and R1 universities around the U.S.
The coalition is enrolling grain fiber in the fight against chronic disease. By improving the nutritional content of white and whole wheat flour, it seeks to save thousands of lives and dramatically reduce healthcare costs.
About the Foundation for Innovation in Healthy Food
FIHFÂ builds coalitions of stakeholders that support increasing the nutritional value of the foods we consume, while preserving consumersâ food experiences.
About CIMMYT
CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrowâs problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, Â through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.
CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security and improving natural resources.
A delegation from CIMMYT and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) met to discuss collaborations aimed at advancing agricultural practices. The discussions, led by Dr. Kevin Pixley and Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, focused on transitioning to agribusiness, integrated farming systems, and innovative technologies like surface seeding for wheat. Key areas of interest included root traits, heat tolerance, and photosynthetic efficiency in wheat. The meeting highlighted the potential for mutual learning and advancements in agriculture.
Recognizing that equitable access to finance and credit are key enablers for mechanization, this platform strived to understand smallholder farmer needs and the identification of key financing models to facilitate widespread adoption.
With over 40 participants ranging from government representatives, development partners, and stakeholders from organizations such as USAID, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), and Hello Tractor, this regional event provided an opportunity for robust discussions and to align the course of action.
Unpacking mechanization in the Global South
Appropriate-scale mechanization is essential and a top policy priority to transform African agriculture. Evidence shows that nearly 70% of operations in sub-Saharan Africa are done manually. However, human labor is limited and is increasingly scarce and costly given the unfolding transformation of rural spaces in most places, necessitating agricultural mechanization. The cornerstone of this shift lies in integrating small, affordable machines tailored to the operations and needs of smallholder farmers, which must be accessible through market-based financial and business models.
A top policy priority in Zambia
The Permanent Secretary, Technical Services of the Zambian Ministry of Agriculture, Green Mbozi, officially opened the meeting. He lauded the meeting as timely and commendable as agriculture mechanization is a top policy priority for Zambia.
Green Mbozi, permanent secretary, opens the meeting. (Photo: CIMMYT)
“The government has embarked on a process to formulate a national mechanization strategy, which will serve as a blueprint on how to sustainably promote agricultural machinery and equipment across the value chains. The insights from this workshop would be helpful in feeding into the formulation of the strategy and help in identifying entry points to support sustainable agriculture mechanization,â said Mbozi.
Accelerating change through inclusive dialogues
The dialogue played a crucial role in bolstering support for sustainable agriculture mechanization while tackling challenges hindering active adoption. Mbozi highlighted the imminent launch of an agricultural mechanization strategy developed with technical support from FAO and CIMMYT through the Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia (SIFAZ) project.
The mechanization strategy champions sustainable and efficient mechanization practices, strengthens the private sectorâs role in mechanization, and provides training and financial support to small-scale farmers, women, and youth. Proposed initiatives include regional centers of excellence, a national mechanization association, and the use of information and communication technologies to promote mechanization.
Sieg Snapp, director of Sustainable Agrifood Systems, delivers a presentation on mechanization financing. (Photo: CIMMYT)
âIt is important to develop the right bundle of mechanization services that meet the needs of farmers and are profitable for mechanization service providers,â said Director of Sustainable Agrifood Systems (SAS) at CIMMYT, Sieg Snapp. âFinding the right financing is needed to support multiple bundles of mechanization services, which provide profits throughout the year.â
Additionally, the SIFAZ project promotes local manufacturing, supporting quality assurance, conducting demand studies, and establishing an agricultural mechanization data bank to catalyze transformative progress.
Key insights from USAID and FAO
David Howlett, the Feed the Future coordinator at the USAID Mission in Zambia, shared with participants that, âUSAID is working to address the effects of climate change through mechanization and other adaptation strategies.â Aligning with the central focus of the meeting, he further reiterated that mechanization will be key to building resilience by improving agricultural systems.
David Howlett, Feed the Future coordinator for the Zambia USAID mission, expresses commitment to investing in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. (Photo: CIMMYT)
Offering insights drawn from country-level experiences on scale mechanization for smallholder farmers, Joseph Mpagalile from FAO said, âFAO has been helping countries develop national agricultural mechanization strategies, with 12 countries in Africa already revising or preparing new strategies for sustainable agricultural mechanization.”
Private sector engagement: lessons from Hello Tractor
Operating across 13 African countries, Hello Tractor has been leveraging digitalization to scale mechanization in Africa since its inception. Hello Tractor facilitates services to over 500,000 smallholder farmers through 3,000+ tractors and combine harvesters, while providing remote tracking of assets and preventing fraud and machine misuse for machinery owners. At the heart of the company are booking agents who connect farmers to solutions to increase productivity and income.
Call to action
As the discussions ended, key outcomes distilled highlighted a pressing need to sensitize farmers on the merits of mechanization and facilitating access through tailored financial resources. Special attention was also directed towards empowering women and youth through implementation of de-risking mechanisms and strategic marketing linkages.
Recognizing the critical absence of data, a compelling call for a funding pool to collect essential information in the ESA region became clear. In addition, it was emphasized that appropriate-scale mechanization should be driven by sustainable business and financing models. The journey towards mechanization is a collective effort, blending policy initiatives, private sector engagement, and research-driven strategies.
The experimental research station in Toluca, Mexico. (Photo: S. Herrera/CIMMYT)
In the ever-evolving field of agriculture, AGG-WHEAT is leading a transformative approach through rapid marker-selectable trait introgression in wheat breeding programs. This method aims to streamline the process of integrating desirable traits into various genetic backgrounds.
At the core of AGG-WHEAT’s strategy is the establishment of a centralized marker-selectable trait introgression pipeline. This initiative seeks to facilitate the transfer of specific genes from a centralized source into various genetic backgrounds within plant breeding programs. Molecular markers play a crucial role in efficiently identifying and selecting target traits.
The merits of a centralized trait introgression pipeline extend beyond convenience. This approach ensures a more uniform and controlled transfer of genetic material, enhancing the precision of trait introgressions across diverse breeding lines. Molecular markers streamline the selection process, improving the accuracy of desired trait incorporation into wheat varieties.
Speed breeding facilities in Toluca, Mexico
AGG-WHEAT’s marker-selectable trait introgression pipelines are implemented at the speed breeding facilities located at the CIMMYT research station in Toluca, Mexico. These facilities serve as the incubators for innovation, where new selection candidates are evaluated based on various criteria. The decision-making process involves an expert panel comprising geneticists, trait specialists, and breeders. This panel annually determines the selection candidates, considering factors such as trait demand, genetic diversity, evidence of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) effects, selection efficiency, and available funding.
The decision-making process involves a multifaceted evaluation of potential selection candidates. Documented trait pipelines and product profiles guide decision-making to ensure alignment with the overarching goals of wheat breeding programs. Considerations include the need for phenotypic variation and the existence of limited genetic diversity for the trait under consideration.
The decision-making process also explores existing in-house or external evidence of QTL effects and the underlying gene mechanisms. Selection efficiency, contingent on the availability of accurate molecular markers and a known purified donor parent, further refines the pool of potential candidates. Established phenotypic protocols for product testing and the crucial element of available funding complete the decision-making criteria.
Achievements
In a significant step towards innovation, the products of the first marker-selectable trait introgression pipelines entered yield trials in 2023. This marks a transition from conceptualization to tangible impact, reflecting the efficacy of AGG-WHEAT’s approach. A total of 97 F5-lines, cultivated through the marker-assisted backcross (MABC) scheme, now grace the fields.
These lines carry novel genes associated with fusarium head blight and rust resistance, derived from wheat genetic resources and wild relatives. The choice of these traits underscores AGG-WHEAT’s commitment to addressing challenges faced by wheat crops, ensuring improved resilience and sustainability in the face of evolving environmental conditions.
The success of these initial trait introgression pipelines represents more than a scientific achievement; it marks a pivotal moment in the trajectory of wheat breeding. The 97 F5-lines, standing as testaments to enhanced resistance traits, are poised to make a transition into mainstream breeding pipelines. This marks the commencement of a broader dissemination strategy, where these lines will be distributed for testing at National Agricultural Research and Extension Services (NARES).
The journey from the experimental fields to mainstream adoption involves a meticulous process. These lines, having undergone rigorous evaluation and selection, now hold the potential to catalyze changes in commercial wheat varieties. The lessons learned from their cultivation will shape future breeding strategies and contribute to the resilience of wheat crops in diverse agricultural landscapes.
Rapid marker table. (Photo: CIMMYT)
AGG-WHEAT’s lasting impact
AGG-WHEAT’s marker-selectable trait introgression stands as an innovative approach in wheat breeding. The centralized approach, the strategic use of molecular markers, and the meticulous decision-making process exemplify the commitment to excellence and precision. The journey from concept to realityâmarked by the entry of 97 F5-lines into yield trialsâsignals a new era in wheat breeding.
As these lines traverse from experimental fields to mainstream adoption, they carry the promise of transforming the landscape of commercial wheat varieties. AGG-WHEAT’s lasting impact goes beyond the scientific realm; it extends to the fields where farmers strive for sustainable and resilient wheat crops. In the tapestry of agricultural progress, AGG-WHEAT has woven a thread of innovation that holds the potential to redefine the future of wheat cultivation.
Healthy wheat and wheat affected by Ug99 stem rust in farmer’s field, Kenya. (Photo: CIMMYT)
The East African wheat breeding pipeline aims to improve wheat varieties and contribute to regional food security by ensuring a stable and resilient wheat supply. In 2022, CIMMYT, in partnership with the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) established a Joint Breeding Program in Njoro, a town southwest of the Rift Valley in Kenya. This was one of the first integrated breeding pipelines between CGIAR and National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) partners.
Over the last three decades, genetic trials of over 77 varieties have been conducted in several regions. In East Africa, an expanded testing network that spans over multiple research institutes in Kenya and Ethiopia has been established for Stage 1 and Stage 2 trials in network countries. This makes the pipeline a powerful driver of positive impacts, rapidly enhancing both farm productivity and production in target regions. In Kenya specifically, a genetic gain trial was conducted at two sites in 2023 with the Stage 1 trials evaluated across eight locations. These are being distributed to NARES partners to establish correlations between the breeding site in Kenya and the Target Population of Environments (TPEs) in the E&SSA regions. This breeding pipeline demarcates the population improvement from product development. Other areas in the trials include the enhancement of genetic diversity to build resilience, adaptability, and quality enhancement to meet market and consumer demands.
The trial will continue in 2024 and 2025 to establish a baseline for genetic gains and to enable the assessment of the breeding pipeline’s progress in the coming years. The first cohort of pipeline materials (250 crosses) has been advanced to F2 generation and will be ready for distribution to E&SSA partners in 2025.
Accelerated breeding
The anticipation is that accelerated breeding techniques will be implemented in Kenya by incorporating a three-year rapid generation bulk advancement (RGBA) scheme aimed at diminishing the time necessary for variety development and release. This collaborative effort encompasses various activities, including joint crossing block, generation advancement, yield testing, and population improvement. The three-year RGBA scheme, coupled with data-driven selection utilizing advanced data analytics (GEBV, SI) and genomic selection approaches, is expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating informed breeding decisions in the East African region.
3-year RGBA scheme. (Photo: Sridhar Bhavani)
Varietal improvement
The project aims to develop and release improved wheat varieties that are well adapted to the East African agroecological conditions. The Kenyan environment closely mirrors wheat-growing conditions in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, and spillover impacts to sub-Saharan countries such as Zambia and Zimbabwe. This strategic alignment with local conditions and close cooperation with NARES partner organizations has proven to be very effective in addressing critical gaps, including high-yield potential, disease resistance, and climate resilience, and aligns with CIMMYTâs overall wheat strategy for Africa.
Enhanced disease resistance
Kenya stands out as a hotspot for rust diseases, showcasing notable diversity in stem rust variants (ug99) and yellow rust. The virulence spectrums of these diseases differ from those found in Mexico, posing challenges to effective breeding strategies. It is expected that the breeding pipeline will effectively tackle these challenges as well as those associated with fusarium, Septoria, and wheat blast, which are on the rise in African environments.
Climate adaptation
The East African wheat breeding pipeline is committed to breeding wheat varieties that can thrive in changing climatic conditions, including heat and drought tolerance, and expanding testing in marginal rainfed environments experiencing heat and drought stress.
Through the support of our partners and funders from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office FCDO, the following achievements can be reported:
Regional collaboration and cooperation
For over four decades, the enduring collaboration with KALRO has yielded significant successes including the operation of the largest phenotyping platform for stem rust and various diseases. The Mexico-Kenya shuttle breeding program, incorporating Ug99 resistance, has successfully countered the threat of stem rust by releasing over 200 varieties in targeted regions and advancing the East African wheat breeding pipeline. The plan is to replicate these accomplishments in other target regions through the E&SSA network. To address limitations in KALRO’s breeding program and to conduct standardized trials, a strategic partnership with a private seed company Agventure Cereal Growers Association has been established. This collaboration will facilitate yield testing at multiple sites in Kenya to identify lines with superior performance for the East African region. So far, lines exhibiting high yield potential of up to 8 tons/ha, even under rain-fed environments, have been identified. The collaborative efforts are already making a noticeable impact, as evidenced by reports indicating increased adoption of zero-tillage practices among farmers. This shift has proven beneficial, especially during years marked by heat and drought challenges, resulting in higher returns for these farmers.
Increased capacity of national programs
From 1-13 October 2023, the AGGMW project held a training program on “Enhancing Wheat Disease Early Warning Systems, Germplasm Evaluation, Selection, and Tools for Improving Wheat Breeding Pipelines”. The course which brought together 33 participants from over 13 countries was held at the KALRO station in Njoro- Kenya. The comprehensive program covered a wide range of crucial subjects in the field of wheat breeding and research. Topics included breeding methodologies, experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and advanced techniques such as genomic selection. Participants also engaged in practical hands-on data analysis, explored rust pathology, and delved into early warning systems. Moreover, they had the opportunity for direct evaluation and selection of breeding materials. The course aimed to equip participants with a diverse skill set and knowledge base to enhance their contributions to the field of wheat breeding and research.
Other initiatives supporting the breeding pipeline include CGIAR programs, Accelerated Breeding and Crops to End Hunger. This multi-faceted approach within the breeding pipeline underpins the importance of fostering regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic investments in enhancing wheat production and addressing critical challenges in the region.
In the dynamic landscape of wheat breeding, early access to germplasm emerges as a strategic catalyst for accelerating variety turnover and meeting the evolving challenges faced by farmers in South Asia. Since its inception, the Accelerating Genetic Gains in Maize and Wheat (AGG) project has pioneered new tools to optimize the wheat breeding process. One such tool, the efficient and low-cost 3-year breeding cycle, has been fine-tuned in Mexico, using the Toluca screenhouse and field advancement in ObregĂłn, laying the groundwork for faster variety turnover.
The inaugural set of lines generated through this enhanced breeding cycle is already undergoing Stage 1 trials in the ObregĂłn 2023-24 season. However, the innovation doesn’t stop there; to expedite the variety release process and garner robust data from the Target Population of Environments (TPE), Stage 2 lines are being rigorously tested at over 20 sites in South Asia through collaboration with National Agricultural Research and Extension Services (NARES) partners. In the seasons spanning 2021-2024, a total of 918 Stage 2 lines underwent rigorous trials, aiming to provide early access to improved wheat lines for testing and release by NARES and establish a genetic correlation matrix between ObregĂłn selection environments and diverse sites across South Asia.
These extensive trials serve a dual purpose. Firstly, they facilitate early access to improved wheat lines for testing and release by NARES, bolstering the agricultural landscape with resilient and high-yielding varieties. Secondly, they contribute to the establishment of a genetic correlation matrix between the selection environments in ObregĂłn and the diverse sites across South Asia. This matrix becomes a guiding compass, aiding in selecting the most promising lines for broader TPEs in South Asia and beyond.
Transformative impact on wheat varieties in South Asia
Through the support of our partners and funders from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), great achievements have been recorded throughout the region. India, a prominent player in wheat cultivation, stands as a testament to the transformative impact of early access to advanced lines. The top three varieties, namely DBW187, DBW303, and DBW 222, covering over 6 million hectares, trace their roots to CIMMYT varieties. Adopting a fast-track approach through early-stage testing of these advanced lines at BISA sites in India, supported by the Delivering Genetic Gain in Wheat (DGGW) project, facilitated the release of these varieties two years ahead of the regular testing process. This expedited varietal release was complemented by the innovative early seed multiplication and dissemination approach introduced by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Recent additions to this accelerated channel include varieties such as DBW 327, DBW 332, DBW 370, and 371, promising further advancements in wheat cultivation.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, the early access to advanced lines has been a catalyst for releasing high-yielding, climate-resilient, and nutritious wheat varieties. In 2023 alone, 12 new varieties were released, with the renowned ‘Akbar-19,’ introduced in 2019, covering a substantial 42% of cultivated land in Punjab. Data released by the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), shows that this variety, known for its high yield potential, disease resistance, and enriched zinc content, has significantly contributed to increased wheat production in the region.
Nepal
Guided by policy interventions in the national varietal testing process, Nepal has experienced the fast-track commercialization of high-yielding and climate-resilient wheat varieties. Allowing multilocation testing of CIMMYT nurseries and advanced elite lines, Nepal released six biofortified zinc wheat varieties in 2020. The expeditious seed multiplication of these released and pre-release varieties has facilitated the rapid spread of new and improved wheat varieties.
The strategic utilization of early access to wheat germplasm in South Asia holds promise in accelerating variety turnover, offering farmers resilient and high-performing wheat varieties. Collaborative efforts between research institutions, government bodies, and international organizations exemplify the power of innovation in transforming agriculture. With an ongoing dedication to refining breeding cycles, expanding testing initiatives, and fostering collaboration, the AGG project contributes to building a sustainable and resilient agricultural future in South Asia. Early access to wheat germplasm emerges as a practical approach in this scientific endeavor, laying the foundation for a climate-resilient and food-secure region. The successes witnessed in India, Pakistan, and Nepal underscore the transformative potential of this approach, offering tangible benefits for agricultural communities in South Asia and beyond. In navigating the complexities of a changing climate and growing food demand, early access to wheat germplasm remains a pragmatic ally, propelling agricultural innovation and resilience to new heights.
Tang Renjian, former governor of Gansu province, China, and current Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and CIMMYT Director General, Bram Govaerts. (Photo: CIMMYT)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs for China, Tang Renjian, visited CIMMYT headquarters on Thursday, 11 January, along with dignitaries from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) and the Embassy of China. Tang, the former governor of Gansu province in China, attended the site with the aim of building on collaborative scientific work between his country and CIMMYT through the Joint Laboratory for Maize and Wheat Improvement in China.
CIMMYT was delighted to host Tang to showcase the benefits of the CIMMYT-China relationship for wheat and maize, and to identify opportunities for sustained collaboration. The highly regarded minister was able to hear about work including genetic analysis service for agriculture and methods to close the gap between farmers and research, as well as to observe CIMMYTâs facilities and field experiments. The meeting laid the foundations for potential future CIMMYT-China projects in areas such as germplasm exchange, molecular breeding, climate-resilient technology, and training.
Bram Govaerts, director general of CIMMYT, said, âShowcasing our science to Tang is an exciting chance for CIMMYT and China to grow what is already a fruitful partnership, impacting millions of people globally.â
Exemplifying impactful global partnerships
Since 1974, the CIMMYT-China relationship has improved the lives of millions of people via numerous evidence-based scientific projects, with support from the Chinese Academy for Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). Through five decades of partnership, the collaboration has resulted in up to 10.7 million additional tons of wheat for Chinaâs national output with a value of US $3.4 million.
CIMMYTâs contribution to Chinaâs wheat and maize is significant. In terms of wheat, 26% of wheat grown in China has been derived from CIMMYT germplasm since the year 2000, with Chinese scientists adding more than 1,000 accessions to the CIMMYT gene bank. CIMMYT maize varieties have been planted on more than 1 million hectares in China, with the partnership responsible for the release of 13 commercial varieties.
Renjian and Chinese dignitaries tour CIMMYTâs museum. (Photo: CIMMYT)
More recently, scientists have played an important role in the free exchange of germplasm between China and countries in Africa, which will help to mitigate against any gene pool loss caused by climate-induced extreme weather events and enable the development of more resilient crop varieties.
Tang said, âWitnessing first-hand the work of CIMMYTâs scientists in Mexico is inspiring. We look forward to exploring further how we can build on the excellent relationship between China and CIMMYT to address global agricultural challenges.â
Govaerts said, âWe hope that this partnership continues in order to address the need for nutritious crops and to develop innovative solutions for smallholder farmers.â
The collaboration between CIMMYT, the Regional Wheat and Maize Research Center RWMRC and the Krishi Gobeshona Foundation is set to significantly boost lentil production in Bangladesh’s Rajshahi region. By introducing high-yielding lentil varieties and modern farming practices, and offering farmer support through training and resources, this initiative aims to capitalize on underused lands, enhance food security, and reduce imports, promising a substantial increase in the local lentil supply.
CIMMYT advances agricultural mechanization to boost smallholder farming, targeting efficiency and inclusivity. Addressing challenges like financial access and market collaboration, it fosters mechanization scaling through initiatives like MasAgro in Mexico, MasAgro Africa and tools like Scaling Scan. This approach aims to rejuvenate agriculture for youth, under the guidance of director general Bram Govaerts, ensuring sustainable and globally inclusive agricultural systems.
The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28) took place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai, UAE. The conference arrived at a critical moment when over 600 million people face chronic hunger, and global temperatures continue to rise at alarming rates. CIMMYT researchers advocated for action into agricultureâs mitigating role in climate change, increasing crop diversity, and bringing the tenets of sustainability and regenerative agroecological production systems to a greater number of farmers.
Directly addressing the needs of farmers, CIMMYT proposed the creation of an advanced data management system, training, and protocols for spreading extension innovations such as digital approaches and agronomic recommendations to farmers via handheld devices to harmonize the scaling in Africa of regenerative agricultureâdiverse practices whose outcomes include better productivity and environmental quality, economic feasibility, social inclusivity, and nutritional security.
CIMMYT presented research showing that in times of fertilizer shortages, targeting nitrogen supplies from inorganic and organic sources to farms with minimal access to nitrogen inputs can improve nitrogen-use efficiency and helps maintain crop yields while limiting harm from excesses in fertilizer use. Examining how food production is driving climate change, CIMMYT promoted ways to lessen climate shocks, especially for smallholder farmers who inordinately suffer the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures and extended droughts. Improved, climate-resilient crop varieties constitute a key adaptation. Boosting farmer productivity and profits is a vital part of improving rural livelihoods in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
When asked about CIMMYTâs contribution to COP 28, Bram Govaerts, CIMMYTâs director general, highlighted the inclusion of agriculture in the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action as part of various potential solutions for climate change, an effort that CIMMYT supported through advocacy with leaders and government officials.
âOur participation addressed some of the pressure points which led to this significant recognition. It further cleared our role as an active contributor to discussions surrounding the future of food and crop science,â said Govaerts.
Sarah Hearne presents on the potential of crop diversity to help combat climate change impacts on agrifood systems. (Photo: Food Pavilion/COP 28)
Hearne explained the process that characterizes plant DNA to identify the ideal, climate-adaptable breeding traits. This classification system also opens the door for genetic modeling, which can predict key traits for tomorrowâs climatic and environmental conditions.
âOur thinking must shift from thinking of gene banks to banks of genes, to make vibrant genetic collections for humanity, opening up genetic insurance for farmers,â said Hearne.
Working towards a food system that works for the environment
With an increased strain on food production, sustainability becomes critical for long-term human and environmental health. Sarah Hearne and Tek Sapkota, agricultural systems and climate change senior scientist, from CIMMYT participated in a panel discussion: Responsible consumption and sustainable production: pathways for climate-friendly food systems. They shared how progress in genetic innovation and fertilizer use can contribute to sustainable consumption and a resilient food system.
Fertilizer use remains highly skewed, with some regions applying more fertilizer than required and others, like sub-Saharan Africa, not having sufficient access, resulting in low crop yields. However, to achieve greater food security, the Global South must produce more food. For that, they need to use more fertilizer. Just because increased fertilizer use will increase greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions, institutions cannot ask smallholder farmers not to increase fertilizer application. Increased GHGs emission with additional fertilizer application in low-input areas can be counterbalanced by improving Nutrient-Use Efficiency (NUE) in high-output areas thereby decreasing GHGs emissions. This way, we can increase global food production by 30% ca with the current level of fertilizer consumption.
Tek Sapkota speaks on how sustainable and efficient fertilizer use can contribute to a resilient food system. (Photo: Food Pavilion/COP 28)
“This issue needs to be considered through a holistic lens. We need to scale-up already proven technologies using digital extensions and living labs and linking farmers with markets,â said Sapkota.
On breeding climate-resilient seeds, Hearne addressed whether farmers are accepting new seeds and how to ensure their maximum adoption. Hearne detailed the partnership with CGIAR and NARS and the numerous technologies advancing the selection of ideal breeding traits, considering shortened breeding cycles, and responding to local needs such as heat or flood tolerance, and traditional preferences.
âDrought-tolerant maize, developed by CIMMYT and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has benefited over 8 million households in sub-Saharan Africa, which proves that farmers are increasingly receptive to improved seeds. With a better selection of appropriate traits, we can further develop and distribute without yield penalties,â said Hearne.
Regenerative and agroecological production systems
Researchers have studied regenerative and agroecological production systems for decades, with new and old research informing current debates. These systems restore and maintain ecosystems, improving resource use efficiency, strengthening resilience, and increasing self-sufficiency. In his keynote presentation, Sapkota presented 3 examples of regenerative agriculture and agroecological systems: Â conservation agriculture, cropping system diversification and site-specific nutrient management and their impact on food production, climate change adaptation and mitigation.
âAs the science continues to develop, we need to harness digital capacity to co-create sustainable solutions alongside local, indigenous knowledge,â said Sapkota. âWhile we should continue research and innovation on cutting-edge science and technologies, we should also invest in knowledge sharing networks to spread access to this research; communication is fundamental for further adoption of these practices.â
CIMMYTâs women in science are shaping the future of agriculture. (Photo: CIMMYT)
Much has changed since many CIMMYT scientists attended university. In the past decades, the STEM field was predominantly male, with far less representation from marginalized groups and communities. Challenged by societal prejudices, only a handful of young women pursued STEM subjects, which further influenced career choices made by them, reinforcing the gender gap.
The gender gap in STEM is still significant, but times are changing. âAt CIMMYT, we are deeply committed to promoting the voice of youth, marginalized communities, and women to improve the rigor of science for sustainable development. This includes investment in mentorship, learning from champions and pioneers, and appropriate performance assessment guidelines,â said Program Director of CIMMYT’s Sustainable Agrifood Systems, Sieglinde Snapp. âIt is a long journey with bumps along the way, but I am proud to be in solidarity with the Global South, where we champion gender and social inclusion every day.â
On International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024, five CIMMYT scientists who inspire, support, and open doors for many young women and underrepresented groups with their scientific work and pay-it-forward commitment share their motivation behind charting a career in STEM and encourage more young women and make the field more inclusive.
Beyhan Akin, winter wheat breeding leadÂ
Beyhan Akin stands with wheat plants. (Photo: Beyhan Akin)
Hailing from a farming family, Beyhan Akin was always surrounded by the beauty and potential of agriculture. She wished to contribute to her farming community, so 35 years ago, she joined CIMMYTâs wheat research program. Akin reminisced about her early days, how there were few women scientists, and the realization that if she succeeded, she could motivate more to follow in her footsteps.
“Agriculture science is expanding beyond core crop science with huge potential for interdisciplinary research and innovation. I hope young women students and scientists get the opportunity to pursue and excel in these fields. Increased advocacy and investmentâgrants, fellowshipsâat an institutional level is crucial to motivating and supporting the aspirations of women in science,â said Akin. âIt might have taken a long time for women scientists like us to be in positions of influence, but I hope we can ensure the path is far less challenging today for these young women pursuing agriculture science/STEM.â
Alison Laing, agroecology specialist
Alison Laing stands with women farmers. (Photo: Alison Laing)
“Search out mentors. Donât be afraid to either ask for help when you need it or to promote your achievements. And build networks,â advises Alison Laing to young women scientists starting in the field. Based in Bangladesh and working across South and Southeast Asia for over 15 years, Laing hopes that girls have opportunities to choose science education and become women with rewarding careers in fields that interest them, especially in non-traditional STEM disciplines.
Laing remembers how her mentor early in her career, the late John Schiller, a rice agronomist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), encouraged her enthusiasm for learning and research. âHe taught me so much about doing research in Southeast Asia, and I am indebted to him for his motivation and support in showing me how rewarding and interesting a scientific career can be.â She hopes other young students and scientists will have such mentors in their lives.
Sabina Tiwari, assistant research associateÂ
Sabina Tiwari speaks at a NSAF planning meeting. (Photo: Sabina Tiwari)
Fascinated by nature, plants, and how they thrive in diverse environments, Sabina Tiwariâs journey in science led her to become a plant breeder. âThe indefinite potential of agriculture to improve lives made me realize how powerful agricultural science can be. This led to the motivation that I could create a positive difference in the world by being part of crop science and technology while working alongside great scientific minds, both men and women. Today, to young girls aspiring to make a difference in the world, I recommend they empower their cause through science and innovations.”
According to Tiwari, mentorship programs, internships, and job-shadowing experiences that helped her career must be extended to young women to gain practical exposure and knowledge of the possibilities in agriculture science.
Mazvita Chiduwa, associate scientist Â
Mazvita Chiduwa speaks with a farmer. (Photo: Mazvita Chiduwa)
For Mazvita Chiduwa, a career in agriculture science has been rewarding. âI love the adventure involved in discovery in agriculture. I am inquisitive, and this career allows me to ask questions and seek answers,â said Mazvita.
Chiduwa believes society needs to embrace the participation of women and girls in STEM education and careers and that stereotypes about women not being cut out for STEM, prevalent even today, must be done away with.
To young girls and women aspiring for a career in STEM, Chiduwa says, âGo for it. There is a need for your uniqueness to contribute a wholesome solution to our worldâs challenges.â
Luisa Cabrera Soto, research associate Â
Luisa Cabrera conducts an analysis at a CIMMYT laboratory. (Photo: CIMMYT)
“A feminine perspective and approach are needed to enrich research,â reminds Luisa Cabrera Soto. âIn a society where almost half of the members are female, I hope equity and inclusion will help improve under-representation in STEM.â
According to Cabrera, it is essential that women in science continue to challenge the gender prejudices and stereotypes that still exist. âDon’t let the spark of your curiosity go out. As a food science professional, I can say that there are still discoveries to be made and, through it, the probability of finding innovative solutions to global challenges such as food security.â
