Building resilient farms for the future

By Blake Jackson

CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is working globally to assist farmers in adapting to climate challenges by providing essential resources and information. According to Bram Govaerts, CIMMYT's Director General, farmers can no longer rely solely on past experience to make decisions due to the rapidly changing climate. Instead, access to up-to-date information and effective farming techniques is crucial.

CIMMYT, part of the CGIAR research network, supports farmers by offering data systems and training on new agricultural methods that improve soil health, helping farmers farm efficiently. They also provide access to drought- and pest-resistant seeds, enabling farmers to sustain their yields despite climate variations. The organization’s focus has shifted from merely increasing production to ensuring consistent yields regardless of climate shocks, such as droughts and heatwaves.

“It is no longer about increasing the yields and production,” said Govaerts. “It is about making sure that you have a minimum amount of yields and production independent of the climate shocks and drought and heat.” 

To enhance resilience, CIMMYT dedicates 50% of its programs to soil management, aiming to improve soil fertility, water retention, and carbon content. The organization also promotes the use of "opportunity crops," like finger millet, pigeon peas, and amaranth, which are nutrient-rich and beneficial for soil health. These crops are seen as essential for building resilient and sustainable agricultural systems alongside traditional staples.

The Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) initiative, launched by the U.S. State Department in collaboration with the African Union and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, is one way CIMMYT supports these crops. VACS focuses on improving opportunity crops by leveraging the infrastructure and knowledge used to enhance staple crops like maize and wheat.

While VACS initially targeted Africa, its reach is expanding to regions like Central America and the Pacific Islands, signaling growing global interest in sustainable agriculture practices. “There is interest in Central America, there’s interest…in the Pacific Island regions. So I really think [Special Envoy for Global Food Security] Cary Fowler has started something that we all now together need to keep going,” said Govaerts.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-dleonis