Working with smallholders to understand their needs and build on their knowledge, CIMMYT brings the right seeds and inputs to local markets, raises awareness of more productive cropping practices, and works to bring local mechanization and irrigation services based on conservation agriculture practices. CIMMYT helps scale up farmers’ own innovations, and embraces remote sensing, mobile phones and other information technology. These interventions are gender-inclusive, to ensure equitable impacts for all.
A newly published study has identified a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle against wheat blast: a novel quantitative trait locus (QTL), named Qwb.cim-7D, located on the long arm of chromosome 7D and derived from Aegilops tauschii, offers stable and moderate resistance to wheat blast—independently of the widely used 2NS translocation.
Wheat blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT), is a rapidly spreading disease threatening wheat production, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. First detected in Brazil in 1985, the disease has since caused devastating yield losses—up to 100% in severe cases. Its transboundary spread, including recent incursions in Bangladesh and Zambia, has intensified international concerns about food security, especially among vulnerable smallholder farming communities. Control through chemical means has proven unreliable, placing even greater emphasis on the development and deployment of resistant wheat cultivars.
Fig. 1 Global incidence of wheat blast with years of its first identification indicated for the affected countries
For years, wheat breeders have relied on a single major source of genetic resistance—the 2NS/2AS translocation from Aegilops ventricosa. While initially effective, recent field observations—particularly in Brazil—suggest that wheat blast pathogens are evolving to overcome this resistance. Despite extensive efforts, previous studies have failed to identify any non-2NS QTLs with both significant and stable effects across environments in field trials.
Fig. 2 Contrasted wheat blast reactions between BWMRI Gom 3 (left, a 2NS carrier) and BARI Gom 26 (right, a non-2NS carrier)
A New Genetic Solution for Blast Resistance
In a recently published study entitled “A novel QTL on chromosome 7D derived from Aegilops tauschii confers moderate field resistance to wheat blast”, CIMMYT’s wheat pathology team and collaborators reported the identification of a novel and consistent QTL—Qwb.cim-7D—which provides significant resistance to wheat blast independent of the 2NS translocation.
The donor bread wheat line, Gladius*2/KU 2097, inherited its resistance from the resistant Ae. tauschii accession ‘KU-2097’. Field experiments were conducted at two Precision Phenotyping Platforms (PPP) in Bolivia (Quirusillas and Okinawa) and one PPP in Bangladesh (Jashore), under artificially inoculated conditions—ensuring a robust evaluation of resistance. The QTL was mapped to the long arm of chromosome 7D, where it explained between 7.7% and 50.6% of the phenotypic variation across different environments. This is a significant finding, as previous studies identified non-2NS resistance loci with typically small effects (less than 10%) and inconsistent performance. In contrast, Qwb.cim-7D is the first moderate-effect QTL to demonstrate stable resistance across multiple field conditions.
To facilitate its adoption in breeding pipelines, researchers successfully converted the flanking DArTseq markers into KASP markers—enabling more efficient marker-assisted selection.
Importantly, Qwb.cim-7D provides approximately half the resistance effect of 2NS, highlighting its value as a complementary resistance factor. When deployed through gene pyramiding strategies alongside 2NS and Rmg8, this new QTL could help breeders develop varieties with stronger and more durable resistance to the evolving wheat blast pathogen.
This breakthrough marks a turning point in global wheat blast resistance breeding. It addresses the urgent need to diversify the genetic basis of resistance and equips breeders with a viable new tool to safeguard wheat yields. As wheat blast continues to threaten food security in key regions, the introgression of Qwb.cim-7D into breeding programs offers a promising path toward enhanced crop resilience and improved farmer protection.
Nestled amidst the enchanting Eastern Ghats in southern Odisha lies Koraput district, where agriculture is more than just a livelihood — it is a vital part of cultural identity. For Ranti Golari, a 58-year-old farmer from Jantaput village, this bond with the land runs deep. Yet, like many women farmers in her community, she faces numerous challenges. As she explains, “Reaching the marketplace is time-consuming,” she says, “and often, I return home empty-handed because there are no seeds available.”
Ranti Galori portrait (Photo: TAFFSA)
A Deep-Rooted Farming Heritage
Koraput’s agricultural heritage is as unique as its landscape. For centuries, tribal communities have cultivated this land using practices passed down through generations. Their traditional methods received global recognition in 2012 when the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) designated Koraput as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. This accolade celebrates their sustainable practices, which preserve native biodiversity, ensure food security, and protect the environment.
Local farmers possess an intrinsic understanding of their land, knowing precisely which crops will thrive in each season and how to maintain soil health. However, behind this legacy lies a complex web of challenges that threaten the region’s agricultural sustainability.
Better seed quality means better yields. (Photo: TAFFSA)
Challenges Beneath the Surface
Although agriculture employs 44% of Odisha’s workforce, it contributes only 24% to the state’s economy, reflecting low productivity and incomes.
Land fragmentation is a critical issue — 93% of farmers own less than two hectares, with the average size shrinking to just 0.95 hectares. These scattered plots reduce bargaining power and limit access to quality inputs and advanced farming technologies. Koraput’s remote location exacerbates these problems, leaving farmers disconnected from market trends and newer farming practices.
Women farmers, who make up 57% of Odisha’s agricultural workforce, face additional barriers. Weekly markets, known as padwas, are often 10 kilometers away, requiring arduous travel through rugged terrain. Limited transport and safety concerns compound their struggles. The unreliable quality of seed, often untreated or mixed with inferior varieties, further undermines their efforts.
Women farmers with their potato harvest (Photo: TAFFSA)
Economic constraints further compound the problem. High seed costs, limited credit access, and weak market bargaining power trap farmers in a cycle of low productivity and profitability. As Ranti poignantly puts it, “Sometimes, the harvest barely matches the seeds we sow. Five bags sown and five bags harvested — how can farming be beneficial?”
A Solution Through Smallholder Aggregation
The Transforming Agrifood Systems in South Asia (TAFSSA) initiative introduced the innovative Small Farmers Large Field (SFLF) model to address these challenges. This approach aggregates fragmented land holdings and promotes collaboration among smallholder farmers.
Potatoes, with their rapid growth and soil-building properties, proved to be an ideal crop for the region. Rich in nutrients and widely accepted in the local diet, potatoes offer consistent market demand and opportunities for value-added processing.
In Kharif 2023, 54 farmers participated in the SFLF pilot, which focused on four key pillars:
Access to quality seed: Farmers received standardized potato seed tubers, rigorously graded and sorted for quality.
Streamlined seed delivery: Seeds were distributed directly to villages, saving time and transportation costs, especially for women farmers.
Knowledge enhancement: Workshops and trainings, conducted in partnership with the local NGO Pragati, empowered farmers with improved agricultural practices.
Market integration: By linking farmers to Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), the initiative strengthened their collective bargaining power, enabling them to obtain better prices for quality produce.
Women farmers showcase proudly showcase their potato harvest (Photo: TAFFSA)
Economic Opportunities and Impact
As the world’s second-largest producer of potatoes, India offers immense potential for the crop. The introduction of rainy season potato production in Koraput allows farmers to supply fresh produce when market demand peaks, ensuring higher profits.
The impact of the SFLF initiative goes beyond economic gains. Reduced input costs, increased yields, and diversified incomes have improved financial stability, allowing families to invest in education and healthcare. Socially, the program fosters community bonds and empowers farmers through collective action and resource sharing.
Looking Ahead
The success of the SFLF model underscores the importance of targeted interventions that address seed quality, market access, and knowledge gaps. For farmers like Ranti, these changes mean more than agricultural improvement — they represent hope for preserving their heritage while building a sustainable future.
Koraput’s journey illustrates that agricultural transformation thrives when economic progress aligns with cultural preservation. As these farmers innovate and adapt, their experiences offer valuable lessons for similar regions across India.
Farmers carrying potatoes harvested from the field (Photo: TAFSSA)
CIMMYT is a key partner through which Mexico supports Ethiopia’s efforts to modernize its agricultural sector. During a meeting with the Mexican Ambassador to Ethiopia, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Girma Amente reaffirmed the country’s interest in working with Mexico to promote agricultural technologies, enhance the value chain of Bonga Products, and develop areas such as irrigation, durum wheat, soil health, and the Green Legacy initiative. He specifically requested that Mexico continue its support through CIMMYT and encouraged Mexican private investors to engage in processing agricultural products and meeting the growing mechanization needs of Ethiopian farmers.
Joe Akombaetwa shows the improved no-till multi-crop planter fitted with a T-bar and furrow kits (Photo: CIMMYT)
In Dumba Camp, a small farming community in Mazabuka District, Joe Akombaetwa is proving that even in the face of unreliable rains and poor soils, small shifts in how farmers work the land can make all the difference. A farmer since 1992, Joe has lived through the growing impacts of climate change, its frequent shocks to the rain-fed systems, and the high risks it brings to farming families in Zambia’s Southern Province. For the past five years, he has worked as one of the earliest mechanization service providers (SPs) under the European Union-funded Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia (SIFAZ) project. As a SIFAZ service provider, Joe acquired a set of machinery, including a two-wheel tractor, a trailer, a multi-crop thresher, and a sheller in 2021. Since then, he has been offering paid mechanization services to farmers in his community. But more than a service provider, Joe is an innovator, a machinery fabricator, and a businessman, creating tailor-made climate-smart mechanization solutions with the support of the SIFAZ project, responding directly to the challenges faced by farmers in his community.
Grounding innovation in reality
Joe’s innovations aren’t conceived in a lab—they’re forged in the field, shaped by the lived realities of his fellow smallholder farmers. One of his earliest breakthroughs came when he collaborated with SIFAZ engineers to design a T-bar to modify the Chinese single-row, no-till multi-crop planters into a double-row planter for a two-wheel tractor, allowing simultaneous planting of two rows instead of just one.
The original single-row planters, while functional, were slow and inefficient. “We wanted to save time and get the work done faster,” Joe explains. “So, we created the T-bar so that two planters could work together in tandem.”
But the innovation didn’t stop there. Joe received feedback from the farmers on the issue of high side separation between the seed and fertilizer openers on the planter. This high side separation of about 120 mm might be useful to reduce seed burning in an irrigated system for which the planter was developed, but Joe and his client farmers in the rain-fed system noticed reduced early plant growth, evidently resulting from delayed nutrient access by young seedlings of the crops. Further, the furrow covered by the press wheels of the planter was not optimum (leaving some seeds uncovered with soil), leading to germination failures.
With his own hands and tools, together with the SIFAZ engineers, Joe redesigned the seed placement system by better aligning the seed and fertilizer openers (with 50 mm side separation) and developing a flexible seed-covering kit fitted before each press wheel on the planter. These modifications addressed what agronomists refer to as “placement efficiency”, but for Joe, it was simply about “getting the seed and fertilizer placed close to each other for the plants to access the fertilizer early and firmly cover the seeds for optimum emergence.” To further improve performance, he added a balancing bar to help stabilize the planter across uneven ground, making the machine more practical for Southern Province’s uneven terrains and varying soil textures.
Joe demonstrates his two-wheel tractor mini boom sprayer to the CIMMYT mechanization team (Photo: CIMMYT)
Bridging science with farmer-led solutions
Joe’s hands-on creativity is not new. Back in 2010, he was part of the team that co-developed an animal-drawn ripper, a widely adopted tool that aligns with Conservation Agriculture (CA) principles by reducing soil disturbance.
With a background in blacksmithing and metal fabrication from Kasisi, and early career exposure to seed certification at ACCI in Chilanga, Joe has long moved between formal agriculture and on-the-ground adaptation. Joe is aware of declining draft animals and the aging of the farmers in Zambia, which adds to the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. He sees a declining interest of rural youths in agriculture who do not want to walk behind the beasts or do labor-intensive manual work. Observing the ease with which large-scale commercial farmers operate rippers and boom sprayers, Joe wondered, “Why not adapt this to smallholder needs?”
Joe designed a double-row ripper and a mini boom sprayer for use with a two-wheel tractor. Compared to the traditional animal-drawn single-row rippers or the knapsack sprayers, the two-wheel tractor double-row ripper saves not only time, costs, and drudgery, but also makes farming interesting. “In just ten minutes, I can finish spraying a 16 m by 39 m field,” he says. It’s a leap in efficiency, and for farmers, who often juggle time, labor, and resource constraints, it’s a game-changer! Joe has sold a few rippers and boom sprayers to his neighboring farmers and different projects. The demand for the machinery is on the rise, which encourages him as a rural manufacturer.
Business with a purpose
Joe isn’t only an innovator; he’s also a sharp businessman. From ripping and planting to boom spraying and shelling maize, his mechanization services are in high demand among farmers in and around Dumba Camp. “Ripping has been the most profitable,” he notes. “Almost every farmer now wants it because of the sustainable farming practices introduced by SIFAZ.” He charges based on plot size and crop type, typically around ZMW 200–450 per hectare (approximately US$7–16) for services like no-till planting. But he also knows the realities farmers face. “Sometimes, I negotiate. I don’t want the price to scare away the farmers.” Demonstration days and field shows are his marketing lifeline. From the Cotton Development Trust-organized mechanization field days to local radio promotions, Joe has built a network of trust and visibility. He’s become a go-to name in the Dumba Camp and beyond.
Joe stands with his 80-year-old client, who, thanks to hiring the no-till soybean planting service, is able to keep his family farm running despite his children’s absence. (Photo: Md A Matin, CIMMYT)
Staying afloat in tough seasons
Last season, the El Niño-induced drought was a huge blow in farmers’ fields. Poor and uneven rainfall and economic strain slashed demand for mechanization services. But Joe stayed afloat by leaning on his farmer instincts. He didn’t sell off all his harvest, but instead, he stored 100 bags of maize and sold another 100 bags to have money for living. That food sovereignty, paired with diversified income from shelling and ripping, kept his business breathing through the drought.
A legacy in the making
Behind the machines and modifications is a father of five, two of whom are already following in his footsteps, bringing civil engineering skills into the family’s growing innovation portfolio. It’s a quiet generational shift powered by resilience, knowledge sharing, and an openness to adapt. Joe’s story reminds us that the future of farming isn’t only shaped by distant policies or global climate models, but also built, welded, and tested in the fields of Southern Zambia, where farmer-innovators like Joe bridge the gap between science and local adaptation.
Extensive multi-year field trials conducted by CIMMYT in Mexico played a pivotal role in validating the efficacy of the Trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P) spray treatment, confirming its potential to boost wheat yields by up to 12%. Despite challenges posed by fluctuating rainfall—an increasingly common constraint under climate change—CIMMYT’s trial plots consistently outperformed untreated controls across four consecutive crop cycles. These results underscore CIMMYT’s leadership in translating laboratory innovations into resilient, field-ready solutions that enhance food security while advancing sustainable agrifood systems in diverse agroecological conditions.
In the male-dominated realm of agricultural machinery services, Sonia Jannat, a 28-year-old from Jhenaidah, Bangladesh, has inscribed her name as a successful Machinery Solution Provider (MSP). Her determination—and the transformative power of new technologies—has launched her on an extraordinary journey of empowerment and financial independence.
Growing up in a farming household, Sonia was already familiar with cultivation. Rooted in agriculture, she harbored a longstanding ambition to make a meaningful impact in this field. To realize her vision, she consistently stayed abreast of the latest technologies and machinery designed to boost production while minimizing labor and time. However, life took an unexpected turn when her father fell ill with heart disease, forcing Sonia to shoulder the responsibility of financially supporting her family while pursuing her honors degree. This phase of hardship proved to be a turning point in her life.
Sonia Jannat operates one of her combine harvesters in Jhenaidah, Bangladesh. (Photo: CIMMYT)
During this challenging period, Sonia came across a YouTube video showcasing a combine harvester—a cutting-edge machine that could revolutionize harvesting. She immediately recognized its potential to transform farming practices and offer a reliable income stream. The first major hurdle was overcoming her family’s financial constraints and convincing them to invest in a machine without any tangible proof of its benefits.
In October 2020, Sonia and her family attended a live demonstration organized by the private sector, where she successfully persuaded her father to invest in a combine harvester. With the support of a machinery subsidy, she selected the best model suited to her business needs.
Sonia took part in business expansion meetings, built linkages with spare parts shop owners, dealers, and commission agents, and received operational and maintenance training—for both herself and her machine operators.
In the first season of 2021, Sonia’s combine harvester generated an impressive income of approximately US$10,000 (excluding operational and labor costs). This early success fueled her ambition, and with her family’s support, she invested in a second combine harvester, expanding the business.
Today, Sonia Jannat proudly owns three combine harvesters, generating an annual income of BDT 30 lakh (approximately US$33,000). Her customer base has grown to span around ten geographical divisions across Bangladesh. Sonia’s achievements have not only reshaped her own financial future but have also broken deep-rooted societal stereotypes. Once ridiculed for her unconventional path as an unmarried woman, she now commands respect and admiration from the very community that once doubted her.
Sonia shares with pride:
“The same society that once criticized me with comments like, ‘Why is an unmarried girl traveling around to earn money? Why is she breaking social norms?’ is now praising me. After witnessing my talent, social contributions, and support for my family, they now see me as one in a thousand girls!”
With academic credentials that include honors and a master’s degree in Bangla, Sonia’s aspirations continue to grow. She now envisions launching a new entrepreneurial venture offering a wider range of agricultural machinery services. She is committed to empowering women by actively engaging them in her business model—aiming to be an inspirational entrepreneur for many others.
The One Health approach, which connects human, animal, and environmental health, is increasingly shaping agricultural research to address global health and food security challenges. During CGIAR Science Week, experts highlighted the need for cross sector collaboration and evidence based policy. CIMMYT’s Dr. Jordon Chamberlin shared how research on livestock health and sustainable farming aligns with this approach, supporting integrated solutions for resilient agrifood systems.
This strategic partnership aims to advance productivity, resilience, and economic opportunities for farmers by leveraging science, technology, and strong international collaboration. The MoU focuses on key areas such as innovation and bioeconomy, trade and regional integration, climate-resilient agriculture, family farming, agrifood digitalization, and agricultural health and safety.
Dr. Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT, highlighted the importance of innovation and market-driven solutions: “Partnerships like CIMMYT–IICA turn science into scale. Together, we’re accelerating innovation, supporting farmers, and strengthening food systems across the Americas—because global challenges demand connected solutions.”
Dr. Manuel Otero, Director General of IICA, added: “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to strengthening agricultural resilience, enhancing food security, and promoting economic growth in rural areas. With the increasing global demand for transforming food systems, IICA views this partnership as another testimony to its commitment to ensuring that farmers and agribusinesses across the Americas benefit from science, innovation and responsible resource management .”
Through this agreement, CIMMYT and IICA will implement joint research initiatives, promote knowledge exchange, and support innovation-driven solutions that empower farmers, enhance supply chains, and expand market opportunities.
For more information, visit iica.int and cimmyt.org
CIMMYT participated in the international training on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) organized by ICRISAT under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program, joining CGIAR centers and institutions from 16 countries to strengthen global understanding of IPR in agricultural research. Through its involvement, CIMMYT contributed to the exchange of knowledge and best practices on innovation protection, policy development, and strategic interventions essential for advancing responsible agricultural innovation. This engagement reflects CIMMYT’s broader commitment to capacity development and the promotion of equitable access to agricultural technologies that support sustainable and inclusive food systems.
Victor Munakabanze in his field sharing his scaling story with scientists and district agriculture officers (Photo: CIMMYT)
Each annual field tour offers a fresh perspective on the realities farmers face. It’s a window into how different agroecological conditions shape farming experiences and outcomes, revealing what works in farmers’ fields and what doesn’t under an increasingly unpredictable climate.
This year, in Zambia’s Southern Province, the story is promising, as good rains have set the foundation for a favorable crop—a stark contrast to the past season, marked by the El Niño-induced drought.
In the Choma district’s Simaubi camp, Conservation Agriculture (CA) trials paint a picture of resilience and adaptation. The area experiences a semi-arid climate with erratic rainfall averaging 600–800 mm annually, often prone to dry spells and drought years, such as the last, when only 350–400 mm were received. The soils are predominantly of sandy loam texture, with low organic matter and poor water retention capacity, making them susceptible to drought stress.
The area around Simaubi hosts seven mother trials, where a wide range of technologies are tested, and 168 baby trials, where a subset of favored technologies are adapted to farmers’ contexts. Each trial tests different maize-legumeintercropping and strip cropping systems against conventional tillage-based practices. As adoption steadily rises, more farmers are experiencing firsthand the benefits of sustainable intensification.
A Champion in the Making
Meet Victor Munakabanze, a farmer with decades of experience and a passion for learning. He began his CA journey as a baby trial implementer, experimenting with the four-row strip cropping system on a 10 m by 20 m plot, with four strips of ripped maize and four strips of ripped groundnuts. Starting in the 2020/21 season—despite a slow start—he persevered. Instead of giving up, he and his wife embarked on a learning journey that led them to scale up and champion CA technologies in their community.
Victor has been part of CA trials under the Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia (SIFAZ) project in the Southern Province for five years and has seen the power of small steps in driving change. His initial trial plots sparked hope, showing him that improved yields were possible even under challenging conditions. Encouraged by these results, he expanded his CA practices to a 1.5-hectare plot during the 2024/2025 cropping season, investing in his farm using income from goat sales. He successfully integrated livestock within the cropping system, using goat manure to complement fertilizers—an approach that has not only improved soil fertility but also strengthened the farm’s sustainability.
From Experimentation to Expansion
Victor’s decision to adopt CA at scale was driven by tangible results. He found that intercropping maize and groundnuts in well-spaced rip lines could optimize overall yields better than conventional methods.
However, the transition wasn’t without challenges. In the first season, he started late and harvested little. The following year, delayed planting resulted in just four bags of maize from the 200 m². The El Niño event during the 2023/24 season wiped out his harvest completely. But through each setback, he refined his approach, improving his planting timing and weed management by incorporating herbicides when needed.
Now, his farm serves as a learning hub for fellow farmers from the surrounding community in Simaubi camp. They are drawn in by his success, curious about his planting techniques, and impressed by his ability to integrate crops and livestock. With 23 goats, a growing knowledge base, and a determination to share his experience, Victor embodies the spirit of farmer-led innovation. His story is proof that CA can be practiced beyond the trial plots—it is about ownership, adaptation, and scaling what works.
Inspiring Adoption, One Farmer at a Time
Victor’s journey highlights a crucial lesson: when farmers see the benefits of CA on a small scale, they are more likely to adopt and expand these practices on their own. His resilience, coupled with a keen eye for what works, has made him a role model in his community. From testing to real-world application, his success is growing evidence of the replicability of CA technologies. As adoption spreads, stories like Victor’s pave the way for a future where sustainable farming is not just an experiment—but a way of life.
In Colombia, the path towards a more sustainable and resilient agriculture is gaining unprecedented momentum. Thanks to the implementation of the Sustainable Agrifood Colombia project, various national and international institutions are collaborating to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity through technological innovations and knowledge management models. Among these collaborations is the Hub methodology, an innovation management model developed in Mexico by CIMMYT, in conjunction with various stakeholders, which is already being successfully replicated in Guatemala, Honduras, and several African countries.
Researchers from CIMMYT engage in dialogue with Colombian technicians and producers (Photo: Sustainable Agrifood Colombia)
The project, coordinated by the Bioversity & CIAT Alliance, has 18 strategic partners for its execution, among which Agrosavia, CIMMYT, and Fenalcecontribute to the maize production system. The objective is to transform the Colombian agri-food sector through the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies and the strengthening of collaboration networks among producers, researchers, and other key stakeholders.
To this end, pilot regions have been identified where the Hub methodology is implemented, promoting knowledge sharing, validation of innovative practices, and capacity building.
The project articulation meetings and field visits were held in Colombia’s main corn-producing regions: northern Valle del Cauca, Tolima, and Córdoba. During these visits, teams from the Bioversity & CIAT Alliance, AGROSAVIA, Fenalce, and CIMMYT evaluated production conditions, identified strengths and areas of opportunity, and designed strategies for consolidating the innovation territories.
One of the most significant results of these evaluations was the definition of a training plan for producers, researchers, and technicians. This plan, which has already taken its first steps, seeks to provide local stakeholders with tools to improve maize crop yields through sustainable agronomic practices, pest management, and seed conservation.
In November, three workshops were held in different regions of the country. The first two were held in La Unión, Valle del Cauca, and in Montería, Córdoba, with the aim of identifying and involving key stakeholders in the maize production system. The third, held in Vereda Nueva Platanera, Tierralta, Córdoba, focused on seed production and conservation for small producers. Based on these events, a mapping of actors was carried out in order to analyze the interactions within the maize production network. This exercise made it possible to evaluate the degree of innovation adopted by farmers and the influence of different actors, such as technicians, companies, universities, and government institutions, in the dissemination of knowledge and the adoption of sustainable technologies.
The results of these workshops have been encouraging. To date, 220 people have been trained on key issues such as pest management (particularly Dalbulus maydis, which has recently been a serious problem), seed production and conservation, and climate change adaptation strategies. In addition, stakeholder mapping has facilitated the identification of opportunities to strengthen collaborative networks and promote the adoption of innovations in the production system.
One of the key lessons learned has been the importance of constant monitoring in the implementation of sustainable management strategies. Workshop participants have highlighted the need to generate training spaces from the initial stages of cultivation, including the preparation of plots for planting, to maximize the benefits of sustainable practices.
The Hub approach, which has proven to be an effective model in Mexico and other countries, is making significant progress in Colombia. By connecting the actors in the maize value chain, facilitating the generation and socialization of knowledge, and driving innovation from the local level, this methodology represents a comprehensive solution to address the country’s agricultural challenges.
With the coordinated work of institutions, producers, and scientists, Colombia is laying the foundations for a more resilient and competitive agri-food sector. CIMMYT’s experience in implementing the Hub methodology in different regions of the world is an example of how science, innovation, and collaboration can transform the future of Colombian agriculture.
Away Hamza, a young and ambitious farmer in Arsi Zone, Oromia region, proudly tends to his wheat field (Photo: CIMMYT)
Wheat plays a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape. As the country’s second most important staple crop, it is crucial to national food security. Traditionally, wheat cultivation has been concentrated in Ethiopia’s highlands, but this has changed with the introduction of the ADAPT-Wheat project—an initiative designed to address the production challenges faced by Ethiopia’s irrigated lowland areas. Led by CIMMYT in partnership with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), the project aims to tackle key issues such as the lack of stress-tolerant wheat varieties and limited access to reliable seed sources.
Transforming wheat farming in Ethiopia’s lowlands
The Adaptation, Demonstration, and Piloting of Wheat Technologies for Irrigated Lowlands of Ethiopia (ADAPT-Wheat) project focuses on bridging critical wheat production gaps and introducing innovative solutions for smallholder farmers, particularly in the Afar and Oromia regions. By improving wheat production through new varieties and modern technologies, the project is not only increasing agricultural productivity but also transforming farmers’ livelihoods. The initiative aims to directly benefit 1,000 households, with a much wider impact expected across the two regions.
Financially supported by BMZ, the project aligns with Ethiopia’s broader goal of achieving food self-sufficiency. Researchers and national partners have witnessed a significant shift in wheat production practices, demonstrating the success of innovative agricultural technologies and improved collaboration among stakeholders.
Insights from researchers and partners
Bekele Abeyo, CIMMYT-Ethiopia Country Representative and project leader:
“The ADAPT-Wheat project marks a major milestone in Ethiopia’s wheat production journey. It introduces viable wheat technologies that are well-suited for the irrigated lowlands, enhancing both production and productivity in the pursuit of food and nutritional security.”
Tolossa Debele, senior researcher and EIAR–DG representative:
“For years, CIMMYT has been instrumental in advancing Ethiopia’s wheat production system by introducing germplasm, improving varieties, and offering financial, equipment &technical support and training for both researchers and farmers. With the ADAPT-Wheat project, we’ve seen another tangible difference in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, particularly in the Afar and Oromia regions. The project’s support, including the introduction of modern farm machinery, has not only enhanced mechanization at the farm level but has also contributed significantly to the broader objectives of national agricultural development.”
Tolossa Debele, senior researcher and EIAR-DG representative (Photo: CIMMYT)
Major milestones and achievements
1. Building capacity for sustainable change
One of the project’s most significant accomplishments has been its strong emphasis on capacity building—both human and physical—to empower local communities in wheat farming. Key capacity-building initiatives include:
Training for researchers: Software and scientific writing training to enhance technical skills and scientific contributions.
Training of trainers (TOT) for agricultural experts: Development agents and district-level subject matter specialists were trained to share knowledge with farmers.
The project also included seed distribution, experience-sharing visits, and field days to disseminate knowledge and encourage peer learning. A notable outcome has been informal seed exchange among farmers, amplifying the project’s impact.
Through these efforts, the project successfully reached approximately 4,300 households and engaged a wide range of stakeholders, contributing to human capacity development, seed production and distribution, technology diffusion, and sustainable farming practices.
Additionally, infrastructure development—such as the construction of a quarantine facility and installation of air conditioning units at the Werer Research Center—has strengthened research capacity and maintained high standards for agricultural innovation. The procurement of essential farm machinery has also set the stage for more sustainable wheat farming in Ethiopia’s lowlands.
2. Introducing elite wheat lines
The project introduced 505 elite bread wheat lines and 235 durum wheat lines. From these, 111 bread wheat and 49 durum wheat genotypes were identified for their promising traits, including heat stress tolerance, early maturity, and superior yield components. These lines were rigorously tested across diverse agroecological zones to ensure adaptability.
3. Demonstrating modern irrigation technology and mechanization
The project didn’t stop at improving wheat varieties—it also introduced modern mechanization practices to enhance efficiency and yield. In the Afar and Oromia regions, pilot farms demonstrated advanced machinery such as:
Subsoilers
Bailers
Land levelers
Planters
Ridge makers
Multi-crop threshers
These technologies have been showcased at various farm sites to facilitate adaptation and scaling.
4. Releasing and adapting wheat varieties
The project identified eight wheat varieties (four bread wheat and four durum wheat) suited for Ethiopia’s lowland irrigated conditions.
Additionally, two new wheat varieties—one bread wheat and one durum wheat—were officially registered and released for large-scale production. These releases mark a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen wheat production systems.
5. Seed production and distribution
Ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds has been another key priority. Through partnerships with research centers, early-generation seeds were provided to private seed producers and farmers’ cooperative unions. Field monitoring ensured seed quality at harvest, resulting in the production of 430 quintals of certified seed.
Women and youth empowerment strategy
The ADAPT-Wheat project has made a deliberate effort to empower women and youth by ensuring they have access to high-quality seeds, training, and technical support. Notably, women comprised 32% of seed distribution beneficiaries, strengthening their role in improving food security and livelihoods.
Voices from the field: Farmers share their stories
Damma Yami from Jeju district, Alaga Dore village
Farmer Damma Yami, has carefully monitors her thriving wheat crop as it nears harvest (Photo: CIMMYT)
Damma Yami’s story is a powerful example of how innovative agricultural initiatives can transform communities, especially in regions facing harsh environmental conditions.
“For many years, we have lived in arid conditions where livestock farming was our primary livelihood. However, with the challenges posed by weather trends, our traditional systems were no longer sufficient to maintain our livelihoods. The introduction of the ADAPT-Wheat project in recent years has reversed this trend. The project brought us wheat cultivation, as a new and golden opportunity for the farming community. We received high-yielding seeds, training, and technical support on farming practices, and soon we began to see impressive results. The benefits of the project are clear: it provides food for our families, generates income to send children to school, and helps meet other basic needs. As a farmer who engaged in this project, I can confidently say that the project has reshaped our future livelihood.”
Yeshiwas Worku from Oromia region, Arsi Zone, Merti district, Woticha Dole village
Farmer Yeshiwas Worku actively monitoring the growth and performance of his wheat crop on his plot, ensuring optimal results through the support of the ADAPT project (Photo: CIMMYT)
Yeshiwas Worku, a 40-year-old farmer was among those who benefited from the project.
Yeshiwas explains that before the project, wheat cultivation was not traditionally practiced in his area, but it has now become a game-changer for the community. The introduction of modern farming tools, machinery, and access to improved crop varieties has been key to their success. With the help of the project, wheat production has not only become their main source of income but has also helped farmers gain confidence in their ability to sustain their livelihoods.
“We are now familiar with modern farming tools, machines, and practices thanks to the implementing partners of the ADAPT project. We also have access to improved crop varieties, which are crucial for better production and increased income. Now, wheat production has become the main source of our livelihood. This alternative farming opportunity has not only boosted our confidence but has also allowed us to secure a more sustainable livelihood for my family and me. I am deeply grateful to the project implementing partners for playing such a crucial role in transforming our lives. The impact has truly been transformative.”
A transformative impact on wheat production
The ADAPT-Wheat project, alongside CIMMYT’s ongoing work in Ethiopia, has significantly improved wheat production systems and enhanced the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the lowland regions. More than just a This project is technological intervention, the project serves as a lifeline for smallholder farmers. By introducing innovative wheat technologies, improving seed availability, and empowering local communities, it directly contributes to Ethiopia’s food security goals while fostering economic growth and resilience in rural areas.
As Ethiopia continues its journey toward agricultural self-sufficiency, the success of the ADAPT-Wheat project serves as a model for sustainable agricultural development.
CIMMYT and Nepalese delegation and Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center research team in the field (Photo: CIMMYT)
Soil health is fundamental to agricultural productivity, food security, and climate resilience. In Ethiopia and Nepal, deteriorating soil conditions—driven by acidity, nutrient depletion, and land degradation—pose a significant challenge to farmers and policymakers alike. Addressing these issues is not just a technical necessity but a pathway to ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability and economic stability.
Recognizing these shared challenges, CIMMYT facilitated a South-South exchange between Ethiopia and Nepal to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and explore innovative solutions for improving soil health.
Shared challenges, shared solutions
Both Ethiopia and Nepal face persistent soil health challenges that hinder agricultural productivity. In Ethiopia, soil degradation—stemming from issues like soil acidity, salinity, and nutrient depletion—has become a barrier to achieving higher agricultural productivity. Similarly, Nepal is navigating soil health concerns amidst small landholdings, urban migration, and climate impacts.
For both nations, sustainable soil management is critical to strengthening their agricultural sectors. This exchange provided an opportunity for researchers, policymakers, and agricultural experts to learn from each other’s experiences, leveraging successful approaches to improve soil quality and boost productivity.
CIMMYT and Nepalese delegation listening to explanations by Experts and technicians about the various activities taking place at the soil and plan analysis laboratory (Photo: CIMMYT)
A unique exchange of knowledge
From November 25–28, a Nepalese delegation—including CIMMYT scientists and representatives from Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) and the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC)—visited Ethiopia to gain insights into its soil health initiatives.
Ethiopia has made significant progress in soil management through collaborations between government agencies, research institutions, and international partners. With CIMMYT’s support, the country has developed a National Soil Information System (NSIS), a comprehensive data-driven approach that guides interventions to improve soil health, increase productivity, and enhance food security.
During the visit, the Nepalese delegation met with leading Ethiopian institutions, including:
The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA)
The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)
The Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI)
The Holeta Agricultural Research Center
The National Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center
Through site visits and discussions, the delegation explored Ethiopia’s Vertisol management strategies, sub-soil acidity solutions, and data-driven soil health policies—areas that could be adapted to Nepal’s agricultural landscape.
A shared commitment to agricultural innovation
Beyond knowledge exchange, the visit served as a catalyst for long-term collaboration between the two countries. CIMMYT has been working in Ethiopia for over three decades, supporting research and technology development to enhance soil health and food security. In Nepal, CIMMYT scientists collaborate with national partners to strengthen agricultural commercialization and climate resilience.
During their visit, Nepalese delegates expressed particular interest in Ethiopia’s Geo-Nutrition approach, which connects soil quality to human health by analyzing how soil nutrients influence the nutritional value of crops. Nepal sees great potential in adopting this model to enhance both agricultural and public health outcomes.
Shanta Karki, Joint Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (Photo: CIMMYT)
Shanta Karki, Joint Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, reflected on the visit: “The insights we gained in Ethiopia will be instrumental in improving our soil health strategies.
We see great potential for collaboration between Ethiopia and Nepal in tackling common challenges like soil acidity and water management.” She added that another key area of learning was Geo-Nutrition, an innovative field that connects soil health to human health.
The concept, which Ethiopia has been actively exploring, looks at how soil quality influences the nutritional value of crops and ultimately the health of the populations that depend on them. The Nepalese delegation saw this as an opportunity to further develop their own approach to improving soil and human health simultaneously.
Looking Ahead: Building stronger partnerships
Shanta Karki, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoA), presents a token of appreciation to Dr. Samuel Gameda, Senior Soil Scientist at CIMMYT-Ethiopia, in recognition of his efforts to strengthen partnerships between Nepal and Ethiopia in the framework of improving soil health (Photo: Desalegne Tadesse/CIMMYT)
As CIMMYT continues to facilitate South-South exchanges, the goal is to adapt successful models from Ethiopia to Nepal while drawing lessons from Nepal’s unique agricultural landscape. The delegation left Ethiopia with renewed motivation to enhance soil health, not just for the benefit of farmers but for broader food security and economic resilience.
Narayan Prasad Khanal, Business Development Manager at CIMMYT Nepal, emphasized the importance of such exchanges. “The lessons learned here, particularly on sub-soil acidity management and Geo-Nutrition, will be crucial for enhancing our regulatory systems and addressing challenges in Nepal’s agriculture. This experience has shown us how important it is to adapt successful models from other countries and incorporate them into our own agricultural practices.
Dr. Shree Prasad Vista, Senior Scientist at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), shares his reflections and lessons learned during the experience-sharing visit (Photo: Desalegne Tadesse/CIMMYT)
Shree Prasad Vista, Senior Scientist at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), was particularly fascinated by Ethiopia’s innovative work on Vertisol management and soil acidity. He remarked, “The insights we gained from CIMMYT, particularly on Geo-Nutrition and soil acidity, will help enhance our agricultural practices and regulatory systems in Nepal.”
A Path toward collaborative solutions
As Ethiopia and Nepal continue to navigate similar agricultural challenges, the knowledge gained from this exchange will play a crucial role in shaping future soil health strategies. By learning from each other’s successes, both countries are positioning themselves to implement sustainable, climate-resilient soil management practices tailored to their unique context.
This exchange stands as a powerful example of how international collaboration fosters innovation, resilience, and food security. Through shared expertise and collective action, Ethiopia and Nepal are laying the foundation for stronger agricultural systems that will benefit future generations.
How can market intelligence and seed system insights drive varietal turnover for groundnut, sorghum, and beanstakeholders? This was the central question explored during a series of workshops convened by the Accelerated Varietal Improvement and Seed Systems in Africa (AVISA) and The Accelerated Varietal Adoption and Turnover for Open-Pollinated Varieties (ACCELERATE) projects.
Held from October 21-25, 2024, across three locations in Tanzania, these workshops were designed to identify practical solutions for improving varietal turnover.
The AVISA Project focuses on modernizing crop breeding programs and strengthening seed systems to enhance the productivity, resilience, and marketability of key dryland cereals and legumes in sub-Saharan Africa. By ensuring that smallholder farmers have access to high-quality improved varieties, AVISA contributes to better food security, nutrition, and economic development.
ACCELERATE, complementing AVISA’s efforts, focuses on market-driven adoption strategies by analyzing the requirements and constraints of both large- and small-scale marketplace traders. It aims to catalyze the uptake of new varieties through market intelligence-driven interventions and foster partnerships across formal, semi-formal, and informal seed sectors to accelerate varietal adoption and turnover.
The workshops opened with expert presentations from breeders and seed system specialists from CIMMYT, CIAT, and TARI. Key topics included the adoption of improved seeds for groundnuts, sorghum, and beans; groundnut processing for peanut butter; the sustainability of digital inclusion initiatives; challenges and opportunities in seed systems; and the increasing demand for crops such as groundnuts, sorghum, and beans. The speakers provided valuable insights into crop production, seed availability, market demand, and the desired traits for improved crop varieties.
Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Dodoma – Stakeholders across Tanzania gathered to explore how market intelligence and seed system insights drive varietal turnover for groundnut, sorghum, and bean value chain (Photo: Marion Aluoch/CIMMYT)
Three separate sessions were held in Arusha, Dodoma, and Dar es Salaam, bringing together farmers, processors, traders, and researchers to deliberate on systemic challenges affecting varietal turnover. Participants then identified practical solutions to enhance the adoption of improved varieties of sorghum, beans, and groundnuts.
Opening each workshop session, TARI representatives emphasized the critical role of high-quality seeds in realizing higher crop yields and achieving agricultural growth.
“We are here to ensure improved varieties leave shelves and reach farmers’ fields in efforts to support the envisaged 5% annual growth in agriculture,” remarked Fred Tairo, the TARI Manager in Dar es Salaam. In Arusha, Nicholaus Kuboja, TARI Center Director, Selian, highlighted the importance of market intelligence. “Market intelligence is crucial, as market access has been a persistent challenge across African countries, particularly for smallholder farmers, in securing profitable markets for their produce.”
The Director General of TARI, Thomas Bwana, speaking in Dodoma, focused on partnerships. “We are actively promoting the production and distribution of early generation seed, particularly breeder seed, for access by downstream seed producers. Through collaborations with other value chain actors, we strive to ensure that these seeds meet the quality standards needed by both seed and grain producers, as well as consumers who are keen on specific varietal traits,” he noted.
The subsequent discussions underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation to meet the rising demand for these vital crops.
Identifying Challenges
In experience sharing among participants across the three workshops, some key challenges were brought to light. For instance, farmers reported limited access to certified seeds as a major barrier to increasing productivity. A farmer from Dodoma expressed concern that current seed distribution networks often do not reach remote areas, leaving farmers with no option but to use inferior seeds from the sources available.
“We want to use quality seed, but the distribution networks don’t reach us,” he said. On the other hand, traders expressed frustration over inconsistent supplies of high-quality grain produce, which is also aggravated by poor grain handling due to inadequate storage conditions leading to contamination.
Stakeholders in Arushain a group discussion, sharing insights, challengesand strategies to enhance market-driven adoption of improved crop varieties.(Photo: Marion Aluoch/CIMMYT)
One groundnut trader noted, “Poor pre- and post-harvest handling has led to smaller, shriveled nuts, making it difficult for traders to meet market expectations.” Processors echoed these concerns, highlighting aflatoxin contamination as a significant problem that undermines both product safety and marketability. They stressed the need for better practices. “We need better practices at every stage of the value chain to minimize aflatoxin contamination in the grains sourced for processing,” emphasized one processor.
Additional challenges emerged, with common bean farmers highlighting difficulties with post-harvest storage and pest damage, which reduced both quality and market value. Processors, meanwhile, pointed out consumer misconceptions that hinder the acceptance of improved varieties. For instance, white sorghum varieties that naturally turned brown during processing were sometimes perceived as inferior, underscoring the need for better consumer education.
Unveiling Solutions
Despite the challenges, the workshops were a source of optimism, as well as underscoring viable, innovative solutions and actionable strategies to drive progress. Participants explored newly released crop varieties, including TARI Sorg 1 and TARI Bean 6, which offer higher yields, disease resistance, and improved nutritional content. Stakeholders in Dodoma emphasized the use of digital tools such as WhatsApp channels and SMS for real-time updates on seed availability and agronomic practices. “Modernizing how we share knowledge can bridge gaps between farmers and researchers,” remarked one participant.
Capacity building emerged as a key strategy for tackling many of the systemic issues discussed. Farmers called for more training on seed handling and post-harvest practices to reduce losses and improve crop quality. Processors stressed the need for targeted interventions for aflatoxin management, a critical step in ensuring the safety and marketability of groundnuts. Researchers and agricultural organizations underscored the importance of aligning breeding programs with market needs.
In Arusha, discussions centered on developing groundnut varieties tailored to specific processing needs, such as improving peanut butter quality to meet consumer preferences and market standards.
Participants engage in a practical session during the Dar es Salaam workshop, exploring digital tools and market insights to enhance seed systems and varietal adoption.(Photo: Marion Aluoch/CIMMYT)
Expanding the seed distribution network also emerged as a key priority. TARI committed to scale up the production of Quality Declared Seed (QDS) and strengthen partnerships with private seed companies to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality seeds across the country. “Quality seeds must reach every corner of the country,” affirmed a TARI scientist. The stakeholders also called on breeding programs to align with market demands, emphasizing the need to tailor improved varieties to specific consumer and processor requirements.
Insights from Stakeholders and Actionable Strategies
Breakout sessions provided a platform for stakeholders to articulate their specific needs. Farmers from Dodoma and Dar es Salaam shared a common observation of increasing demand for groundnuts, sorghum, and beans, largely driven by population growth and international market expansion. In Dodoma, farmers emphasized that improved crop varieties had significantly boosted cultivation over the past decade.
Despite this progress, they highlighted the lack of drought-resistant varieties and limited access to affordable, high-quality seeds as persistent challenges. In Dar es Salaam, farmers noted that while demand for the crops had risen, their ability to meet this demand was hampered by limited seed availability and education on effective usage. Both groups agreed that weak seed distribution networks, high seed prices, and insufficient knowledge undermine productivity.
Stakeholders in Dodoma engage in discussions, sharing their insights on enhancing varietal adoption. (Photo: Marion Aluoch/CIMMYT)
Processors and traders from both Arusha and Dar es Salaam echoed these concerns but added insights into market dynamics. In Arusha, processors identified aflatoxin as a critical challenge, with inadequate farmer knowledge on grain handling practices exacerbating the issue. Processors also emphasized the need for nutrient-enhanced beans and groundnuts suited for specific products like peanut butter and flour. Traders in Arusha highlighted the need for pure white sorghum and beans free from pests to meet growing demand, particularly for export markets.
As the workshops concluded, participants identified key strategies to strengthen agricultural resilience. These included improving the seed supply chains, enhancing market linkages, and investing in continuous learning and education initiatives.
Echoing this vision, the TARI Director General emphasized in Dodoma, “This is just the beginning. By working together, we can ensure that every farmer, processor, and trader has the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.”
Dr. Rosichan joins IWYP after 30 years as an R&D leader in both the private and public sectors. During that time, he led complex multinational, multidisciplinary and multifunctional research teams. Most recently he was Scientific Program Director for the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) where he was the Director for the Crops of the Future Consortium and Next Generation Crops Challenge Area. He will continue to reside in the USA.
BBSRC has provided the consultancy position in recognition of the valuable achievements of IWYP in serving the wheat scientific community over these past 10 years during which IWYP has been funded and guided by numerous governmental funding agencies and private sector wheat breeding companies.
IWYP’s strong links are with scientists studying yield-related wheat traits all over the world as well as with many breeding programs, public and private. IWYP’s mission is to serve breeding programs, especially through its Hubs in CIMMYT, Mexico, Kansas State University in the USA and the National Institute of Agricultural Botany in the UK, by delivering trait-improved elite germplasm.
