In the lively markets of Niger and Nigeria, every grain of cowpea tells a story of survival and sustenance. Yet, these grains face a silent enemy: contamination from harmful chemicals used to keep insects at bay during storage. For farmers and families, the struggle to keep food safe without risking health has long been an uphill battle. But an innovative
By Godfrey Asea, Lead, Breeder and Seed Systems, National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) For over three decades, Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), has led the way in using modern crop breeding methods to accelerate the development of improved varieties specifically designed to address the current challenges and meet the needs of our country. As climate threats intensify and Uganda’s
CGIAR mourns the loss of Dr. Kanayo F. Nwanze, a giant in the world of agricultural research for development and a distinguished leader whose unwavering dedication had a profound impact on global food security. Dr. Nwanze’s illustrious career spanned over four decades, during which he held pivotal roles that shaped the future of agriculture. As Director-General of the Africa Rice
By Lloyd Mbulwe (Ph.D), Acting Chief Agriculture Research Officer (CARO)-Crop Improvement and Agronomy (CIA). Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI), Ministry of Agriculture Zambia has tremendous agricultural potential, with over half of its land being classified as prime for agriculture production. Our primary staple crops – maize, sorghum, millet, cassava and groundnuts – are mainly cultivated by smallholder farmers, who form the
A review of Accelerated Breeding’s ReOganize Work Packages achievements, 2022-2024 By Sarah Hearne, Chief Scientist and Innovation Officer, CIMMYT, and former Lead of Accelerated Breeding’s ReOrganize Work Package In agricultural science, success isn’t solely determined by technical prowess—it’s also reliant on effective organizational processes and strategies. Through ReOrganize, a Work Package of CGIAR Accelerated Breeding, process management working groups delved
Across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, hundreds of millions of smallholder farmers are confronting the challenges of climate change. Many of them were already struggling, and now the surge of extreme weather the world has experienced over the past few years is damaging and even destroying their sole means of survival. Working to secure a better life for their families
Livestock farming plays a critical role in the economies of East African countries, with millions of people depending on cattle, goats and sheep for food, income and employment. However, despite the region’s vast agricultural potential, livestock production faces a significant feed deficit – nearly 40% of the total ruminant feed demand is unmet annually. This challenge, compounded by climate