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.
Researchers, including Sieg Snapp from CIMMYT, are pioneering crops that fertilize themselves by harnessing atmospheric nitrogen. This revolutionary breakthrough promises to slash synthetic fertilizer use, combat environmental damage, and usher in a new era of sustainable agriculture. A leap towards greener, self-sustaining food production is on the horizon.
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Mutoko, a semi-arid area located in Mashonaland east of Zimbabwe, is prone to droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns. In an effort to tackle the challenges faced by local smallholder farmers in the region, partners of the Resilience Building through agroecological intensification in Zimbabwe (RAIZ) project organized a participatory workshop to amplify the projectâs mandate and gather feedback from key stakeholders. The workshop at Mutoko brought together diverse participants from the Women Affairs, Youth, and Agriculture ministries from the government of Zimbabwe, local leaders and council, extension officers, students, and farmers from Wards 10 and 8. Attending farmers and stakeholders expressed interest in the project that would enable them to face challenges and improve agricultural practices in Mutoko.
Working towards climate-smart solutions: the RAIZ project
RAIZ is a collaborative effort between CIMMYT, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), and the University of Zimbabwe. The project is funded by the European Union, and it focuses on recognizing the strategic role of agroecological approaches in tackling climate change and enhancing sustainable agriculture in arid areas. Research operations are underway in Mutoko to produce scientific evidence and contribute to agroecology policy.
Agroecology offers climate-smart solutions that help farmers adapt to changing conditions, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, and promote food security and resilience in the face of climate uncertainties. RAIZ implements âLiving Labsâ which strengthens collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including farmers and scientists, whose collective insights help develop demand-driven solutions.
During the Mutoko workshop, Professor and Systems Agronomist Regis Chikowo provided context of RAIZ and emphasized on its goal of helping build resilience in farmers through sustainable approaches. âThe aim is not only to help farmers adapt to climate change but also to enable them to thrive in the face of adversity,â said Chikowo.
Building synergies between research and farmer realities
To bridge the gap between research and farmer realities, six student-researchers of RAIZ are working on various aspects of building farmer resilience based on agroecological principles. Their study areas comprise of weed control, climate-proofing with resilient small grain varieties, indigenous knowledge systems, and soil health among others. One student-researcher, in collaboration with farmers, is conducting research on weed control and its impact on crop yield. In all, they are set to articulate and tackle climate change in Mutoko.
âThrough my research in weed control and how it affects yields, we are hosting trials with some farmers. We are putting into effect mulch practices gumbeze ramwari, and assessing how it affects yields. We are then intercropping maize with cowpea so that farmers spend less time fighting off weeds, while promoting crop diversification,â says Juliet Murimwa, a Ph.D. student.
Knowledge and sources of information on when to expect rains and average temperatures are vital for farmers to better plan the entire planting-to-harvesting operations. Recognizing this, research student Rejoice Nyoni is studying the types and usefulness of climate services information accessed by smallholder farmers in RAIZ project sites.
âMy research is centered on understanding whether smallholder farmers are getting enough knowledge from available sources, including radio which is more prominent,â says Nyoni. Farmers have long relied on traditional knowledge systems to predict weather patterns and plan farming activities. However, with climate change, some of these traditional knowledge sources are being altered. âThis season, I will be joining our farmers in Mutoko to discuss and understand which indigenous knowledge systems they use to gather information about weather patterns. We want to find ways to ensure that such wisdom does not get lost, as generations are slowly moving away from traditional cultures and norms,â she adds.
CIMMYTâs work in RAIZ operational areas supported by graduate students, is also testing the effectiveness of newly availed local commercial organic fertilizers and how they contribute to climate smartness when used along with conservation agriculture practices. CIMMYT is also leading the development of an agroecology handbook, set to be used by extension staff and other development practitioners.
In line with the International Year of Millets in 2023, RAIZ actively promotes the cultivation of small grains to enhance the resilience of local farmers. As part of the project, a student researcher is conducting trials in Mutoko to assess the performance of different small grain varieties in the face of climate change. Farmers in Mutokoâs Ward 10 have started experimenting with small grains and have experienced promising yields. A farmer in Mutoko Ward 10, Mudzengera, shared his positive experience with growing sorghum, âLast year we grew three varieties of sorghum. We really liked the new variety as it was not prone to bird attack. On the other hand, the native variety we usually grow is prone to birds feasting on them. We realized good yields which improved household nutrition. I look forward to another farming season with such trials on sorghum,â he says.
A shared vision for a sustainable future
A visioning exercise conducted during the workshop, solicited views from the farmers on how they envision the future of agriculture. The session, facilitated by Isaiah Nyagumbo, senior agronomist at CIMMYT, and marking the initiation of Living Laboratories in the district, started with asking farmers what change and developments they would like to see in their ward after three to four years, with respect to agriculture. The farmers were disaggregated into four groups by gender and ward. The emerging aspirations revolved around the twin goals of safeguarding the environment and enhancing crop yields. Farmers from both wards 10 and 8, expressed a shared desire to improve agricultural marketing infrastructure, agroforestry, and the protection of forests, recognizing the critical role that trees play in mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity. Mulching, which holds immense potential in conserving soil moisture, and adopting mechanized operations were among other aspirations. Furthermore, the participants expressed interest in cultivating small grains, drought-tolerant maize, use of renewable energy, and leveraging digital platforms.
After a decade of rigorous effort, CIMMYT, along with public-sector maize research institutes and private-sector seed companies in South Asia, have successfully developed and released 20 high-yielding heat-tolerant (HT) maize hybrids across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. CIMMYT researchers used a combination of unique breeding tools and methods including genomics-assisted breeding, doubled haploidy (a speed-breeding approach where genotype is developed by chromosome doubling), field-based precision phenotyping, and trait-based selection to develop new maize germplasm that are high-yielding and also tolerant to heat and drought stresses.
While the first batch of five HT maize hybrids were released in 2017, by 2022 another 20 elite HT hybrids were released and eight varieties are deployed over 50,000 ha in the above countries.
In South Asia, maize is mainly grown as a rainfed crop and provides livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers. Climate change-induced variability in weather conditions is one of the major reasons for year-to-year variation in global crop yields, including maize in Asia. It places at risk the food security and livelihood of farm families living in the stress-vulnerable lowland tropics. âSouth Asia is highly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of climate change, with its high population density, poverty, and low capacity to adapt. The region has been identified as one of the hotspots for climate change fueled by extreme events such as heat waves and intermittent droughts,â said Pervez H. Zaidi, principal scientist at CIMMYT.
Heat stress impairs the vegetative and reproductive growth of maize, starting from germination to grain filling. Heat stress alone, or in combination with drought, is projected to become a major production constraint for maize in the future. âIf current trends persist until 2050, major food yields and food production capacity of South Asia will decrease significantlyâby 17 percent for maizeâdue to climate change-induced heat and water stress,â explained Zaidi.
From breeding to improved seed deliveryâthe CIMMYT intervention
In the past, breeding for heat stress tolerance in maize was not accorded as high a priority in tropical maize breeding programs as other abiotic stresses such as drought, waterlogging, and low nitrogen in soil. However, in the last 12â15 years, heat stress tolerance has emerged as one of the key traits for CIMMYTâs maize breeding program, especially in the South Asian tropics. The two major factors behind this are increased frequency of weather extremes, including heat waves with prolonged dry period, and increasing demand for growing maize grain year-round.
At CIMMYT, systematic breeding for HT maize was initiated under Heat Stress Tolerant Maize for Asia (HTMA), a project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Feed the Future program. The project was launched in 2013 in a publicâprivate alliance mode, in collaboration with public-sector maize research institutions and private seed companies in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
The project leveraged the germplasm base and technical expertise of CIMMYT in breeding for abiotic stress tolerance, coupled with the research capacity and expertise of the partners. An array of activities was undertaken, including genetic dissection of traits associated with heat stress tolerance, development of new HT maize germplasm and experimental hybrids, evaluation of the improved hybrids across target populations of environments using a heat stress phenotyping network in South Asia, selection of elite maize hybrids for deployment, and finally scaling via publicâprivate partnerships.
Delivery of HT maize hybrids to smallholder farmers in South Asia
After extensive testing and simultaneous assessment of hybrid seed production and other traits for commercial viability, the selected hybrids were officially released or registered for commercialization. Impact assessment of HT maize hybrid seed was conducted in targeted areas in India and Nepal. Studies showed farmers who adopted the HT varieties experienced significant gains under less-favorable weather conditions compared to farmers who did not.
Under favorable conditions the yield was on par with those of other hybrids. It was also demonstrated that HT hybrids provide guaranteed minimum yield (approx. 1 t ha-1) under hot, dry unfavorable weather conditions. Adoption of new HT hybrids was comparatively high (19.5%) in women-headed households mainly because of the âstay-greenâ trait that provides green fodder in addition to grain yield, as women in these areas are largely responsible for arranging fodder for their livestock.
âSmallholder farmers who grow maize in stress vulnerable ecologies in the Tarai region of Nepal and Karnataka state in southern India expressed willingness to pay a premium price for HT hybrid seed compared to seed of other available hybrids in their areas,â said Atul Kulkarni, socioeconomist at CIMMYT in India.
Going forwardâpositioning and promoting the new hybrids are critical
A simulation study suggested that the use of HT varieties could reduce yield loss (relative to current maize varieties) by up to 36% and 93% by 2030 and by 33% and 86% by 2050 under irrigated and rainfed conditions respectively. CIMMYTâs work in South Asia demonstrates that combining high yields and heat-stress tolerance is difficult, but not impossible, if one adopts a systematic and targeted breeding strategy.
The present registration system in many countries does not adequately recognize the relevance of climate-resilience traits and the yield stability of new hybrids. With year-to-year variation in maize productivity due to weather extremes, yield stability is emerging as an important trait. It should become an integral parameter of the registration and release system.
Positioning and promoting new HT maize hybrids in climate-vulnerable agroecologies requires stronger publicâprivate partnerships for increasing awareness, access, and affordability of HT maize seed to smallholder farmers. It is important to educate farming communities in climate-vulnerable regions that compared to normal hybrids the stress-resilient hybrids are superior under unfavorable conditions and at par with or even superior to the best commercial hybrids under favorable conditions.
For farmers to be able to easily access the new promising hybrids, intensive efforts are needed to develop and strengthen local seed production and value chains involving small-and medium-sized enterprises, farmersâ cooperatives, and public-sector seed enterprises. These combined efforts will lead to wider dissemination of climate-resilient crop varieties to smallholder farmers and ensure global food security.
The Excellence in Agronomy Initiative, supported by CGIAR centers including CIMMYT, is driving significant advancements in sustainable farming. Highlighting a case from Cambodia, this initiative exemplifies how innovative agronomy, adapted for climate resilience, is transforming agriculture globally. CIMMYT’s role in this collaborative effort underscores its commitment to sustainable agricultural development and climate change adaptation.
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In a significant breakthrough for Somalia’s agriculture, Filsan Seed Company and CIMMYT have introduced Siman, a high-yielding hybrid maize. Developed under CIMMYT’s Stress Tolerant Maize for Africa program, Siman marks a new era of enhanced productivity and food security in Somalia. Stay tuned for more on this game-changing agricultural innovation.
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The main objective of VACS is to boost agricultural productivity and nutrition by developing diverse, climate-resilient crop varieties and building healthy soils.
Strategic objectives:
The project aims to align with the Sustainable Development Goals: Contributing to SDG 2 – Zero Hunger; SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being for People; SDG 13 – Climate Action; SDG 15 – Life on Land; SGD 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
With the ever-changing climate conditions, including the unpredictable El Niño, and dynamic changes in government policies, understanding farmersâ preferences and market segmentation has become crucial for implementing impactful breeding programs. Market segmentation is a strategic process which divides a market into distinct group of consumers with similar needs, preferences, and behaviors. This allows organizations to tailor their products and services to specific customer segments, thus ensuring maximum value and impact.
In todayâs fast-paced and evolving agricultural landscape, market segmentation plays a vital role in helping organizations navigate the complexities of a dynamic market. CIMMYTâs maize breeding program has a successful track record in developing and delivering improved varieties that are climate-resilient, high-yielding and suited to the rainfed tropical conditions in Africa. To further strengthen the impact, it is important to have a clear understanding of the evolving needs of farmers in different agroecological regions and the emerging market scenario so that breeding processes can be tailored based on market needs and client requirements.
Questions arise on how to refine the breeding programs relative to country-specific market segments, what efforts are underway to target these markets, and how do these markets transition. Recognizing the importance of market segmentation in refining breeding programs at the country and regional levels, CIMMYT hosted two workshops on maize market intelligence in Kenya and Zimbabwe, under the CGIAR Market Intelligence Initiative for eastern and southern Africa.
âMarket intelligence in breeding programs is critical to understand the evolving needs of key stakeholders, including farmers, consumers, and the seed industry. It helps continuously improve the breeding pipelines to develop and deliver impactful products in targeted market segments. The workshops brought together relevant experts from the national programs and seed companies for focused discussions to develop a harmonized breeding strategy. This would help to address the needs of smallholder maize farmers in eastern and southern Africa,â said Director of CIMMYT’s Global Maize program and One CGIAR Global Maize Breeding Lead, B.M. Prasanna.
The workshops constituted a strategic continuation of the Product Design Team (PDT) meetings under CGIAR Market Intelligence, with a focus on the refinement of gender-intentional target product profile design. Guided by the expertise of CIMMYT’s Global Maize program, Market Intelligence, and ABI-Maize Transform teams, the sessions saw active participation from key stakeholders including lead breeders, seed systems experts, and market specialists from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES), alongside collaborative engagement with seed company partners. The workshops underscored the commitment to incorporate diverse perspectives, aligning with the evolving maize market landscape in eastern and southern Africa.
“The workshop provided critical insights on opportunities to improve market penetration of improved maize varieties. There is a need to strike a balance between the needs of the farmers, seed industry, and consumers in variety development; actively involve farmers and consumers in variety selection and understanding their preferences; and focus on emerging needs of the market such as yellow maize for feed and food,â said James Karanja, maize breeding lead at the Kenya Agriculture & Livestock Research Organization, Kenya.
Insights from both workshops underscored the importance of providing breeders with pertinent information and comprehensive training. The discussions illustrated the necessity for breeders to define their objectives with a 360-degree outlook, aligning breeding programs with market segments and interfacing with CIMMYT’s regional vision.
âThe market intelligence workshop is an excellent initiative for the breeding programs. It shows how traits can be identified and prioritized, based on farmersâ requirements. The maize value chain is broad, and the synergy between the developer of the product (breeder), the producer (farmer), and the consumer needs to be effective. Hence, streamlining of the market segments and eventually the target product profiles is key in ensuring that the breeders develop improved products/varieties with relevant traits that address the needs of farmers, consumers, and the seed industry,â said Lubasi Sinyinda, breeder from the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute, Zambia.
Another participant, Lucia Ndlala, a maize breeder at the Agricultural Research Council, South Africa, echoed similar enthusiasm. “The workshop was exceptionally informative, providing valuable insights into target product profiles and market segments. This knowledge will undoubtedly prove instrumental in shaping future breeding strategies,” she said.
When applied through a breeding lens, market segmentation is a vital tool in refining breeding programs at both country and regional levels, enabling breeders to better understand and address the diverse needs of the farmers, and ensuring that the improved varieties are tailored to market segments.
“As we look towards 2030, CIMMYT is focused on building inclusive value chains, advancing mechanization, and confronting seed system challenges. We are championing demand-driven technologies and improved agricultural needs,â said Sieglinde Snapp, program director of CIMMYTâs Sustainable Agrifood Systems (SAS) program, highlighting during the discussions the importance of integrating gender perspectives in research. “We are committed to integrating gender perspectives in all these initiatives, recognizing the vital role of women in agriculture and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all genders,” she added.
The one-day meeting on October 13, 2023, in New Delhi, India, hosted under CIMMYTâs SAS program, brought together diverse groups of participantsâtotaling over ten senior gender researchers working in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, namely Sieg Snapp, Vijesh Krishna, Moti Jaleta, Michael Euler, Angela Meentzen, Monica Fisherâalong with a cadre of junior and senior researchers and students collaborating with CIMMYT on gender research. The coming together of these GESI researchers provided a valuable opportunity for collaboration, sharing insights, and strategizing enhanced gender and socially inclusive research-for-development approaches within CIMMYT’s programs.
Monica Fisher, a senior researcher working in Africa, emphasized CIMMYT’s dedication to making gender equality and social inclusion more visible and relevant in agriculture globally. She said, âThe significance of GESI research, particularly in bridging the gap between the Global South and the Global North, cannot be overstated. Our objective is to deepen our engagement in these areas.”
The day-long meeting covered various topics, including the dynamics of technology adoption, gender roles in agriculture, and the feminization of Indian agriculture. Discussions underscored the need for increased financial support for GESI research, the importance of addressing disparities in research focus, and the crucial role of intersectionality in agricultural contexts.
A notable segment of the meeting was dedicated to presentations by students on their ongoing research in gender-related topics. These young researchers brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, highlighting the evolving nature of gender roles in agriculture and the impact of technology on gender dynamics in various regions. Their contributions underscored the importance of fostering a new generation of researchers committed to gender equity and social inclusion in agricultural development. Hari Krishnan K. S., a student working with CIMMYT opined, “My study, supervised by CIMMYT’s gender researchers, revealed that the concept of masculinities transcends gender, focusing instead on effective farming practices. It highlighted the diverse influences on agricultural decision-making and the varied reactions to technology adoption in Punjab’s agriculture. This reflects the critical role of CIMMYT’s gender-focused research in shaping my approach and understanding as a student in this field.”
Contributing his perspective, Vijesh Krishna, lead researcher working in India, highlighted the need for innovation in research approach. According to him, “To revolutionize GESI research, a shift towards longitudinal data analysis and cross-country data utilization is needed. Building evidence and documenting changes in gender dynamics due to policy and social transformations are essential.â He further encouraged the fostering of in-house capacities to mainstream gender considerations across disciplines, enhancing collaboration, and developing skills for the effective communication of research findings to stakeholders.
Snapp believes that the meeting was not just a gathering of minds but a milestone in CIMMYT’s ongoing journey towards agrifood systems development. âIt reaffirms the organization’s commitment to impactful research that acknowledges and addresses the nuances of gender and social dynamics in agriculture, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future in the sector.â
As the meeting concluded, Snapp spoke of the resolve to make GESI efforts urgent and relevant. She proposed three initiatives: firstly, renaming the SAS gender team the “Paula Kantor Gender and Development Centre” to reflect a broader scope and purpose; secondly, establishing a mentorship program to offer career guidance, networking opportunities, and professional development support; and finally, the introduction of a prestigious “Research Excellence in the Field” award in Paula Kantorâs honor.
âThese initiatives aim to enhance the impact and recognition of the organization’s gender-focused efforts, promote professional growth, and honor excellence in the field, embodying CIMMYTâs commitment to gender-focused efforts,â she explained.
The meeting minutes are available here.
Persistent vulnerability to frequent climate-related shocks, exacerbated by the effects of climate change poses a continual threat to the capacity of communities to secure an adequate and nutritious food supply throughout the year. The R4 Rural Resilience Initiative, led by the World Food Programme (WFP), aims to enable vulnerable, smallholder farmers to increase their food security, income, and resilience by managing climate-related risks. Expanding on the success of R4, WFP launched the Zambuko Livelihoods Initiative, a comprehensive program supported by United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This initiative strategically concentrates on fostering social cohesion within communities, advancing crop and livestock production, and facilitating improved access to financial resources.
In a collaborative endeavor, CIMMYT is leading the implementation of the climate-smart agriculture and mechanization components of the Zambuko program, with a specific focus on Masvingo Rural (Ward 15) and Mwenezi (Ward 6) in Zimbabwe. Focused on mitigating the impact of climatic shocks and stresses, the initiative aims to empower local farmers, improve agricultural practices, and foster sustainable livelihoods. This collaborative effort represents a crucial step towards building resilience in the face of climate challenges, offering a holistic approach to enhancing the adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities.
Key objectives
The overall objective is to diversify and strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods, while mitigating household vulnerability to recurring shocks, such as droughts and floods.
CIMMYT oversees interlinked goals which are â
Soybeans are a significant source of oil and protein, and soybean demand has been increasing over the last decade in Malawi and Zambia. Soybean contributes to human nutrition, is used in producing animal feed, and fetches a higher price per unit than maize, thus serving as a cash crop for smallholder farmers. These are among the main factors contributing to the growing adoption of soybean among smallholder producers. In addition, soybean is a vital soil-fertility improvement crop used in crop rotations because of its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. To a large extent, soybean demand outweighs supply, with the deficit covered by imports.
Soybean production in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to grow by over 2% per annum to meet the increasing demand. However, as production increases, significant challenges caused by diseases, pests, declining soil fertility, and other abiotic factors remain. According to official government statistics, Zambia produces about 450,000 tonnes of soybean per annum, with an estimated annual growth of 14%. According to FAOSTAT, this makes Zambia the second largest soybean producer in the southern African region. Although soybean was traditionally grown by large commercial farmers in Zambia, smallholders now account for over 60% of the total annual soybean production.
Production trends show that smallholder soybean production increased rapidly in the 2015â2016 season, a period that coincided with increased demand from local processing facilities. As smallholder production continued to increase, in 2020, total output by smallholder farmers outpaced that of large-scale farmers for the first time and has remained dominant over the last two seasons (Fig 1). However, soybean yields among smallholder farmers have remained low at around 1 MT/HA.
Soybean production in the region is threatened by soybean rust caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi. The rust became prevalent in Africa in 1996; it was first confirmed in Uganda on experimental plots and subsequently on farmers’ fields throughout the country. Monitoring efforts in the U.S. have saved the soybean industry millions of dollars in fungicide costs due to the availability of accurate disease forecasting based on pathogen surveillance and environmental data.
Soybean rust disease is spread rapidly and easily by wind, and most available varieties grown by farmers are susceptible. The above-normal rainfall during the 2022â2023 season was conducive to the spread of the fungus. A recent survey of over 1,000 farm households shows that 55% and 39% of farmers in Zambia and Malawi, respectively, were affected by soybean rust during the 2022â2023 season. The lack of rust-tolerant varieties makes production expensive for smallholder farmers who cannot afford to purchase fungicides to control the pathogens. It is estimated that soybean rust can cause large yield losses of up to 90%, depending on crop stage and disease severity. Symptoms due to soybean rust infection may be observed at any developmental stage of the plant, but losses are mostly associated with infection from the flowering stage to the pod-filling stage.
Mitigation measures using resistant or tolerant varieties have been challenging because the fungus mutates very rapidly, creating genetic variability. Although a variety of fungicides effective against soybean rust are available, the use of such fungicides is limited due to the high cost of the product and its application, as well as to environmental concerns. Due to this restricted use of fungicide, an early monitoring system for detecting rust threats for steering fungicide might only be relevant for large-scale producers in eastern and southern Africa. With the massive increase in the area under soybean production, soybean rust is an important disease that cannot be ignored. Host-plant resistance provides a cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and much more sustainable approach for managing soybean rust in smallholder agriculture that characterizes the agricultural landscape of eastern and southern Africa.
To advance the use of rust-tolerant varieties, the Southern Africa Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I) Rapid Delivery Hub, or MasAgro Africa, is presently concluding surveys to assess farmersâ demand and willingness to pay for rust-tolerant varieties in Malawi and Zambia. The results from this assessment will be valuable to seed companies and last-mile delivery partners to gain a better understanding of what farmers need and to better serve the farmers. Â This coming season AID-I will include rust tolerant varieties in the mega-demonstrations to create awareness about new varieties that show some tolerance to rust.
The livestock sub-sector is one of the most important arms of the agricultural sector, contributing to the livelihoods of 70% of Zimbabwe’s rural population. Sustainable livestock production depends on the maintenance of healthy and productive animals which requires paying particular attention to the problems of both endemic and introduced animal diseases and zoonotic. Climate relevant livestock production practices such as fodder management and conservation, water harvesting, and manure management have been identified as solutions to increasing livestock productivity.
The Livestock Production Systems in Zimbabwe (LIPS-Zim) project, funded by the European Union (EU) focuses on increasing agricultural productivity in Zimbabwe’s semi-arid, agro-ecological regions IV and V. Led by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and in partnership with CIMMYT, the French Agricultural Research Center for International Development (Cirad) and the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), LIPS-Zim is working in 10 districts of Zimbabwe, i.e. Matabeleland South Province (Beitbridge and Gwanda districts), the parched Matabeleland North Province (Binga, Hwange and Nkayi districts), Midlands (Gokwe North district), Masvingo (Chiredzi and Zaka districts), Manicaland (Buhera district) and Mashonaland East (Mutoko district). LIPS-Zim is conducting research that seeks to increase livestock feed productivity and well as reducing diseases and mortality of livestock.
Main objectives
Core to the project is to increase the adoption of climate-relevant innovations (e.g feeding) in livestock-based production systems and improve the surveillance and control of livestock diseases. CIMMYTâs main thrust in this project is based on the recognition that at least 50% of the arable land area in semi-arid region IV and V of Zimbabwe is still put to maize despite extension recommendations for farmers to grow the more resilient small grains in those regions. Given the above, and to address their food and feed needs, farmers in those regions need drought-tolerant and nutritious maize varieties that are resilient in those dry environments. CIMMYTâs work is thus focusing on testing the feed value of these nutritious and drought tolerant maize varieties when intercropped with various legumes such as mucuna, cowpea, lab-lab and pigeonpea. CIMMYT is also testing the later, along with climate smart production techniques such as conservation agriculture and water harvesting practices.
Typically looking like a small caterpillar growing up to 5 cms in length, the fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) is usually green or brown in color with an inverted âYâ marking on the head and a series of black dots along the backs. Thriving in warm and humid conditions, it feeds on a wide range of crops including maize, posing a significant challenge to food security, if left unmanaged. The fall armyworm is an invasive crop pest that continues to wreak havoc in most farming communities across Africa.
The first FAW attack in Zimbabwe was recorded around 2016. With a high preference for maize, yield losses for Zimbabwe smallholder farmers are estimated at US$32 million. It has triggered widespread concern among farmers and the global food system as it destroyed large tracts of land with maize crops, which is a key staple and source of farmer livelihood in southern Africa. The speed and extent of the infestation caught farmers and authorities unprepared, leading to significant crop losses and food insecurity.
Exploring the destructive FAW life cycle
It undergoes complete metamorphosis, progressing through four main stages including egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Reproducing rapidly in temperatures ranging from 20 to 38°C, moist soil conditions facilitate the egg-laying process, while mild winters enable its survival in some regions. The larval stage is the most destructive phase, feeding voraciously on plant leaves and can cause severe defoliation. They can migrate in large numbers, devouring entire fields within a short period if left unchecked.
Working towards effective FAW management
Efficient monitoring, early detection, and appropriate management strategies are crucial for mitigating the impact of FAW infestations and protecting agricultural crops. To combat the menace of this destructive pest, CIMMYT, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has been implementing research and extension on cultural control practices in Zimbabwe. One such initiative is the “Evaluating Agro-ecological Management Options for Fall Armyworm in Zimbabweâ. Since 2018, this project strives to address research gaps on FAW management and cultural control within sustainable agriculture systems. The focus of the research has been to explore climate-adapted push-pull systems and low-cost control options for smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe who are unable to access and use expensive chemical products.
Environment friendly practices are proving effective to combat FAW risks
To reduce the devastating effects of FAW, the project in Zimbabwe is exploring the integration of legumes into maize-based strip cropping systems as a first line of defense in the Manicaland and Mashonaland east provinces. By planting maize with different, leguminous crops such as cowpea, lablab and mucuna, farmers can disrupt the pests’ feeding patterns and reduce its population. Legumes release volatile compounds that repel FAW, reducing the risk of infestation. Strip cropping also enhances biodiversity, improves soil health and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices. Overall results show that FAW can be effectively managed in such systems and implemented by smallholder farmers. Research results also discovered that natural enemies such as ants are attracted by the legumes further contributing to the biological control of FAW.
Recently, the use of biopesticides such as Fawligen has gained traction as an alternative to fight against fall armyworm. Fawligen is a biocontrol agent that specifically targets the FAW larvae. Its application requires delicate attention – from proper storage to precise mixing and accurate application. Following recommended guidelines is essential to maximize its effectiveness and minimize potential risks to human health and the environment.
Impact in numbers
Since the inception of the project, close to 9,000 farmers participated in trainings and exposure activities and more than 4,007 farmers have adopted the practices on their own field with 1,453 hectares under improved management. Working along with extension officers from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries & Rural Resettlement, the project has established 15 farmer field schools as hubs of knowledge sharing, promoting several farming interventions including conservation agriculture practices (mulching, minimum tillage through ripping), timely planting, use of improved varieties, maintaining optimum plant population, and use of recommended fertilizers among others.
Addressing FAW requires a multi-faceted approach. The FAW project in Zimbabwe is proactive in tackling infestation by integrating intercropping trials with legumes, harnessing the application of biopesticides, and collaborative research. By adopting sustainable agricultural practices, sharing valuable knowledge, and providing farmers with effective tools and techniques, it is possible to mitigate the impact of FAW and protect agrifood systems.
Social Network Analysis (SNA) provides CIMMYT with strategic insights by mapping collaborations and communication within agricultural research networks. It highlights the importance of strong ties with research partners and the potential of non-CGIAR collaborations to extend CIMMYT’s impact on global agriculture, emphasizing network-driven strategies for innovation and food security enhancement.
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Implementing partners of the Southern Africa Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I) project, or MasAgro Africa, converged in Arusha, Tanzania, for the project’s first annual review and planning meeting. The event, which brought together 58 participants from 28 allied organizations coordinating and implementing activities as part of the flagship USAID-funded initiative, provided an opportunity to review progress towards targets set at the project launch in September 2022. During the event, partners also took time to collaboratively plan for stronger implementation in the projectâs second year, while discussing challenges faced in the previous year and coming up with practical solutions for these. Similar planning meetings took place in Malawi and Zambia during the same month.
Speaking during the meetingâs opening session, USAID Tanzania Mission Feed the Future Coordinator Melanie Edwards expressed excitement about the achievements of in-country partners in the past year. âThe Tanzania component of the project was performing very well,â she said, âand it was exciting to see the proposals coming, meaning that the number of partners was expanding.â Edwards noted that there is still a lot more to be done by the AID-I project and a call for new partner proposals was going to be issued soon to augment ongoing work. She also emphasized the importance of expanding the number of partners and was eager to see planned activities for the second year of the project.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Tanzaniaâa key partner in the AID-I initiativeâAbel Mtembenji outlined the government’s priorities: increasing productivity, creating decent jobs, enhancing extension services, improving resilience for food security, and expanding market and credit access. Mtembenji was pleased that AID-I interventions aligned with these and encouraged stakeholders to coordinate their efforts with the Tanzanian government to enhance the sustainability of project activities. He further encouraged stakeholders to notify the government of their initiatives to foster collaboration during implementation. Mtembenji recognized the support from USAID, through CIMMYT and thanked all partners for their participation and contribution to agricultural development in Tanzania.
Showcasing early successes
The AID-I initiative provides targeted assistance to up to three million African smallholder farmers by improving soil health and fertilizer management; strengthening local seed systems; connecting to financial products and services; and delivering extension and advisory services. An update presentation made by SAS Program Manager Grace Mwai revealed that through its 42 partners across Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia, AID-I had in the past 12 months set up 125 mega-demonstrations for the 2022-2023 season. Forty-two of these were managed by farmer groups themselves, with 60% managed by women.
Across all three project countries, AID-I also reached approximately 5.3 million farmers with various agronomic advisory messages through radio and television, 160,000 listeners through interactive voice response (IVR) messages. Over 9,000 farmers were linked to inputs and outputs markets, of which 40% were women. Mwai added that the project had also conducted 5,143 seed company demonstrationsâof which 2,400 took place in Tanzaniaâand had harvested and processed 13,000 metric tons of certified maize and legume seed, which was expected to directly benefit around one million smallholder farmers across the hub.
To highlight achievements from the first project year, partners showcased their products through posters and display items like seed packets during a structured session based on the World Café method. This activity allowed participants to interact and ask questions about various innovations being scaled under AID-I. More than ten partners displayed their products, and all participants at the meeting were given 15 minutes to visit other tables and share how many tons of seed they had produced and how many farmers they could reach during the season.
On the second day of the meeting, partners organized themselves into three small groups based on the three AID-I pillarsâSeed Systems, Agriculture Advisories, and Market Linkagesâto discuss forthcoming activities and what they hoped to do better in the coming season. The meeting concluded with discussions on issues including financial reporting, establishing and nurturing collaborations, and leveraging technology for improved project outcomes. During his closing remarks, Legume and Seed Systems Specialist under AID-I, Peter Setimela, emphasized the importance of timely proposal submission for the second year.
Peter Setimela is CIMMYT Country Representative for Zambia and Legume Seed Systems Lead for the AID- Project.
Setimela is a seed systems scientist with over 20 years of experience in CG centers, universities, and national agricultural research institutes.
A credible and innovative scientist with strong technical, commercial, and financial acumen and extensive experience in leading multi-cultural teams to deliver ground-breaking agricultural initiatives primarily in the Eastern and Southern African regions. Demonstrates a comprehensive portfolio of skills including research and development, technology scaling, program management, advocacy, partnerships, capacity building, logistics, team leadership, operations, fundraising, and training. An adaptable and resilient leader with strong communication and influencing skills and the ability to unite diverse agendas to achieve outstanding results.