We believe all people have a right to nutritious food and a better livelihood.

ICRISAT works in agricultural ICRISAT-India ICRISAT-Niger ICRISAT-Ethiopia research for development across (Headquarters) Niamey, Niger Addis Ababa, Ethiopia the drylands of Africa and Asia, Patancheru, Telangana, India [email protected] [email protected] making farming profitable [email protected] ICRISAT-Malawi for smallholder farmers while ICRISAT-Nigeria Lilongwe, Malawi reducing malnutrition and ICRISAT-India Liaison Office Kano, Nigeria [email protected] environmental degradation. New Delhi, India [email protected] ICRISAT-Mozambique Maputo, Mozambique We work across the entire value ICRISAT-Mali ICRISAT-Kenya [email protected] chain from developing new (Regional hub WCA) (Regional hub ESA) ICRISAT-Zimbabwe varieties to agri-business and Bamako, Mali Nairobi, Kenya Bulawayo, Zimbabwe linking farmers to markets. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ICRISAT appreciates the support of CGIAR investors to help overcome poverty, malnutrition and environmental degradation in the harshest dryland regions of the world. See http://www.icrisat.org/icrisat-donors.htm for full list of donors.

About ICRISAT: www.icrisat.org ICRISAT’s scientific information: EXPLOREit.icrisat.org

/company/ /PHOTOS/ /ICRISAT /ICRISAT /ICRISATco /ICRISATSMCO ICRISAT ICRISATIMAGES 261-16 About ICRISAT

The International Crops Research poorest of the poor. ICRISAT and Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics its partners help empower these (ICRISAT) is a non-profit, non- poor people to overcome poverty, political organization that conducts hunger, malnutrition and a degraded agricultural research for development environment through better and in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa more resilient agriculture. with a wide array of partners from ICRISAT is headquartered near throughout the world. Covering Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, 6.5 million square kilometers of with two regional hubs and four land in 55 countries, the semi-arid country offices in sub-Saharan Africa. tropics have over 2 billion people, ICRISAT is a member of the CGIAR and 644 million of these are the Consortium.

ICRISAT-Bamako (Regional Hub West and Central Africa) BP 320, Bamako, Mali Fax: + 223 20 70 92 01 Phone: + 223 20 70 92 20 Email: [email protected] ICRISAT-Niger BP 12404, Niamey, Niger (via Paris) Fax: + 227 20 73 43 29 Phone: + 227 20 72 25 29 Email: [email protected]

ICRISAT-Kano PMB 3491, Sabo Bakin Zuwo Road, Tarauni, Kano, Nigeria Phone: + 234 70 34 88 98 36 Email: [email protected]

Concept and editorial coordination Contributors Citation Agathe Diama, ICRISAT Baloua Nebie1, Eva Weltzien1, Fred H ICRISAT West and Central Africa. ([email protected]) Rattunde1, Sabine Togola1, Angarawai, 2016. Future-proof science for II1, Hakeem Ajeigbe1, Babu N Motagi1, upcoming generations. 2015. Editing, design and proofreading Michael B Vabi1, Falalou Hamidou1, Regional Hub: BP 320, Bamako, Textpolish Fatondji Dougbedji1, Malick Ba1, Mali. International Crops Research (www.textpolish.com) Alphonse Singbo1, Edmond Totin1, Krista Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics. Isaacs1, Chiaka Diallo1, John Nzungize1, 56 pp. www.icrisat.org Felix Badolo1, Hippolyte Affognon1, Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu1, Mathieu ICRISAT’s scientific Ouédraogo1, Samuel T Partey1, Robert information: Zougmoré1, Saratjith MC1, Ramadjita exploreit.icrisat.org Tabo1, Aboubacar Toure1, Sapna Jarial1; JF Rami2, Denis Bastianeli2, Myriam 2 2 2016 ICRISAT WCA. Adam , Fabrice Davrieux , Kirsten vom 1 ICRISAT All rights reserved. Brocke2, Abdoulaye Gaoussou Diallo3, 2 CIRAD – Montpellier/France 3 3 3 Institut d’Economie Rurale (IER), Mali Fily Dembele , Abocar Touré , Samba 4 Institute for Agricultural Research, Traoré3, Niaba Teme3, DA Aba4, Mary Ahmadu Bello University (IAR/ABU), Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria 4 5 Yeye , and Michael Blummel . 5 International Livestock Research Institute Contents

4 Letter from Director General and SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND Director, West and Central Africa POLICY AND IMPACT 28 Stable future for millet and CROP IMPROVEMENT sorghum as improved varieties 8 Sweet ways to sorghum success penetrate Niger and Nigeria in integrating crops and livestock thanks to high grain yield and 30 Seed certification and marketing stover quality policies in Mali: do farmers actually benefit? 10 Climate-smart sorghums gain Nigerian farmers’ backing to 32 Opportunities and barriers in reverse the crop’s production the purchase of sorghum hybrid decline seeds in Mali: a qualitative assessment 12 Development of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopic 34 Research-development calibrations for sorghum stem partnerships for large-scale use quality of priority proven technologies of millet and sorghum in Mali 14 Designing effective groundnut breeding strategies through 36 Integrated management of farmer-breeder interaction in soil fertility and the Striga northern Nigeria parasitic weed gives a 60% boost to sorghum and pearl 16 Groundnuts show new traits millet yields of tolerance to drought stress conditions under lysimeter 38 Making improved varieties seed system in Niger available to boost groundnut productivity in West Africa INTEGRATED CROP MANAGEMENT 40 Farmers in Mali adopt soil and 20 Effect of Acacia species husbandry water conservation measures on millet and cowpea grown in to offset climate change pure stands or strip cropping CLIMATE CHANGE AGRICULTURE 22 Tillage practice and nitrogen AND FOOD SECURITY application can boost soil health and productivity of sorghum- 44 Developing Climate-Smart village based systems in the dry savanna models through integrated participatory action research 24 Resistance genes retain a vital at West Africa sites role in the face of climate change 48 VISITS AND ACTIVITIES

54 WHO WE ARE 5

Letter from Director General and Director, West and Central Africa

We are pleased to present the ICRISAT–West and Central To start this report, we will introduce you to the first The value of in-depth and thorough research in today’s Africa annual research highlights for 2015. This report multi-purpose sweet sorghum varieties with high grain agricultural environment impacted by the consequences contains articles covering the major advancements that yield and stover quality for integrating crop and livestock of a changing climate cannot be overestimated as the we experienced during the year with regards to crop systems in West and Central Africa (WCA). Also for the impacts of global climate change – combined with rapid improvement, integrated crop management and systems first time, we present the results of our preliminary socioeconomic changes – are likely to increase uncertainty analysis, policy and impact. experiences with the development of near-infrared in water availability and water security. In this context, reflectance spectroscopic (NIRS) calibrations for assessing we are carrying out research on current and future water sorghum stem quality as a determinant of fodder and feed availability and on the demand scenarios. quality for livestock. Our research is geared towards improving water Our participatory variety selection by farmers at multiple resources management and addressing water-related locations has provided interesting results that are problems in the region. We are committed to generating highlighted in the report. You will learn more about and exchanging knowledge in order to strengthen efforts of scientists and producers in designing effective cooperation, and we hope that our combined efforts groundnut breeding strategies through farmer-breeder will improve water management and help address the interactions in Northern Nigeria. Also, read more problems of water shortages and water-related hazards. about drought phenotyping of a groundnut reference ICRISAT in West and Central Africa is engaged in providing collection sub-set in lysimetric conditions for new traits scientific and analytical background as a foundation for of tolerance in Niger. expansion and also in strengthening the capacities of our agrarian pilot communities, which should also serve as a Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT With regard to integrated crop management, this report catalyst for scaling. highlights the effects of some crop management practices David Bergvinson on the productivity of crops and soil: To conclude, we would like to acknowledge the significant • the effect on millet and cowpea grown in pure stands contribution of partners, and by ICRISAT as a whole, who or in strip cropping with managed Acacia species have made it possible to provide our beneficiaries with • the effect of tillage practice and nitrogen application a wide range of relevant services through a variety of on soil health and productivity of sorghum-based channels in response to diverse needs. systems in the dry savanna of West Africa • the effect of water and nutrient stress on groundnut Political commitment, partnerships, adequate financing varieties. and complementary actions in all aspects of agricultural research for development are essential to reducing The last section of this report shows the importance hunger and poverty. We always value the professionalism, given to systems analysis in our research work; this year efficiency, equity, integrity, accountability, transparency highlighting sorghum and millet productivity in WCA, and assistance available to us from partners. seed certification and marketing policies, opportunities and barriers in the purchase of seeds in Mali through a Through all such links it is our duty and obligation to improve qualitative assessment to ensure that farmers actually the quality of life of the smallholder farmers population benefit from the results of the research. This also through our service deliveries. By continuing to work involves research-development partnerships being together we will achieve our goal of increasing agricultural developed for large-scale utilization of priority proven productivity to improve the nutrition of many agricultural technologies of millet, sorghum and groundnut. households and thus reduce hunger and poverty. Ramadjita Tabo RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS 2015

CROP IMPROVEMENT 9

Figure 1. Appreciation of tô (thick paste) of multi-purpose varieties in Sweet ways to sorghum success in integrating Kita zone by men and women crops and livestock thanks to high grain yield and Appreciation of Tô in Kita 95 stover quality 90 85 80 New multi-purpose varieties developed and identified food processing, combining grains and stover for culinary Feedback from farmers highlighted that the multipurpose % of farmers 75 by ICRISAT and its partners are providing higher grain tests in which criteria such as percentage of decorticated sweet sorghums are well appreciated by animals as they 70 and stover yield, together with greater stem palatability grain, flour percentage,tô (thick sorghum paste) color, tô consume the whole stem with over 60% of leaves remaining 65 60 for cattle and a highly desirable sweet sorghum paste. consistence, and tô taste, among others, were considered green until harvest and due to stem lignin being low. 55 50 Sweet sorghum has long been grown on a small scale The dominant criterion chosen by farmers to evaluate a Furthermore, the tô paste from multipurpose sweet 45 in many countries of West and Central Africa (WCA) dual-purpose variety was the grain yield (100% of cases) sorghum went down well with farmers and in some 40 35 where its stems have been used as treats, especially by and the second criterion was the number of green leaves villages outranked the local checks (i.e., Tiankoro/ 30 children, courtesy of a high content of juice and sugar for per plant at the grain physiological maturity stage (80% of Koutiala, Kenieroba/Kita, Mafeya/Koulikoro). Gender energy sourcing. Grain has been regarded as useless for cases). High grain yields (around 2 t/ha) and high stover was strongly associated in some villages (Fig. 1) with coura Fadda food because of its flouriness, very small size and usual yield (20 t/ha) were recorded. Stover yield is important but the overall appreciation of the tô, demonstrating that Jiguikata Narichita Loubatimi

attack by grain mold. However, dwindling pasture area not of the greatest importance in ensuring farmers accept both men and women should be included at each step Tiandougou and increasing cattle numbers mean that farmers are a variety for animal feed. Sorghum landraces that are tall of variety evaluation to increase the probability of increasingly using crop residues to feed animals, especially with substantial biomass weight are not appreciated by acceptance and adoption. Global appreciation % (Kita) during dry seasons, and they have started to request livestock eating leaves and the top of the stem because of Men varieties combining grain and stover qualities. the hardness (high lignin content) of these landraces and Based on farmer appreciation and variety performance, Women their leaves that dry before harvesting. five multi-purpose varieties well adapted to 800–1000 mm ICRISAT and partners responded by crossing local sweet rainfall areas were proposed for registration in the national sorghum with adapted grain sorghum to develop a set of and regional catalogues. Conclusion and perspectives varieties combining grain yield and quality, sugar/juice and Farmers can intensify production and better integrate Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT stover yields. The objective of this work was to develop/ crop and livestock using this first available set of multi- identify adapted multi-purpose varieties for farmer uses purpose sweet sorghums combining grain and juicy/ and conditions. After developing and testing progenies on sweet stems. This material could also be used in breeding station, the first set was evaluated in 2015 under farmer programs to develop dual/multi-purpose varieties adapted conditions and some were placed at the top of rankings by to farmer needs in a target zone. Seed production of farmers for their better food and stover yield and quality these preferred varieties is being increased in 2016 to when compared to local checks. ensure their availability for farmers and other partners. Ongoing activities to diversify the pool of multi-purpose Malian and Ethiopian sweet sorghum landraces (F60, F221 varieties focus on the grain quality for food processing and IS23541) were crossed with grain sorghum landraces Farmers evaluating and anthracnose resistance in order to optimize juice and (Drongonikala) and improved varieties (Lata, Soumba, varieties in fodder quality. Soumalemba, Tieble) for their grain yield and quality. Two the field and Collaborative work was initiated with a team of engineers types of material were developed, including caudatum and appreciating the from Saint Thomas University/USA in order to develop guinea races. A total of 71 fixed progenies (29 caudatum feed quality of a sorghum syrup condenser for processing significant and 42 guinea types), were evaluated on station during these varieties quantities of stem juice into syrup that is rich in energy, rainy season 2014, and the best lines combining grain yield potassium, calcium, vitamin B6, iron, zinc, etc. and quality, stover, juice and sugar yields were selected for on-farm testing using a selection index (SI). Partners: We acknowledge farmers from Sixteen varieties (including 1 hybrid and 1 local variety as Dioila, Kita, Koulikoro, Koutiala, Beleko and their respective cooperatives/unions, checks) were evaluated on farm by 26 farmers from 13 who conducted these trials. We also acknowledge the McKnight Foundation’s villages in five zones (Koutiala, Koulikoro, Dioila, Beleko financial support through the project: and Kita. Each variety was represented by six 5-m rows in Dual-Purpose Sorghum and Cowpeas: two replications. Seventeen men and 10 women farmers Opening the Window for Crop-Livestock carried out a participatory agronomic evaluation of the Intensification by Combining Grain and Improved Crop Residues. varieties in each village to select the four best varieties for 11

Table 1. Mean performance of sorghum varieties by agronomic characters in 2015 on-farm trials at Climate-smart sorghums combined locations gain Nigerian farmers’ backing Days Smut disease to 50% Plant Panicle Grain yield score to reverse a production decline Entry No. Variety designation flowering height (cm) length (cm) (kg/ha) (0-5)

A reversal in Nigeria’s decline in sorghum production is on track after a joint Despite an annual consumption 1 12KNICSV-188 (DEKO) 67 177 31 2818 1 program of developing and evaluating new improved ‘climate-smart’ varieties among smallholder farmers of more with farmer help. than 75 kg/person and its consequent 2 ZAUNA-INUWA 81 156 42 2409 2 important role in the diets and economies of the people of Nigeria, 3 12KNICSVA-22 (ZABUWA) 68 167 28 2356 1 sorghum production in terms of area harvested and yields began to decline 4 DAYYANA 80 213 36 1719 1 in 2009 (FAOSTAT, 2012) because of the unavailability and non-dissemination of 5 Farmers’ local 86 222 36 1631 3 improved varieties and hybrids adapted to the Sudan and Sahel ecologies with Mean 76 187 35 2187 1.6 low rainfall and Striga infestation. SE± 14.3 69.7 6.7 288.7

ICRISAT, in collaboration with the This farmer participatory rating across the various agro- Note: On-farm trials were carried out at Akori, Gambawa, Wajeri, Gumel, Ikara, Institute for Agricultural Research at ecologies selected 12KNICSV-188 and 12KNICSV-22 as first Kofa, �ingi, Zango and Zaria during the Ahmadu Bello University (IAR/ABU) of and second, respectively, in the Sudan and Sahel zones. 2015 cropping season Zaria, Nigeria, developed and evaluated sorghum varieties with farmer Mean performance for yield and other agronomic participatory evaluation across major characters from the combined nine locations indicated sorghum growing ecologies during the that 12KNICSV-188 and 12KNICSV-22 were the earliest Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT 2015 rainy season. Early maturity and to attain days to 50% flowering in 67 and 68 days, high grain yields adapted to the dry respectively. Combined average yield for the nine locations savanna agro-ecology were targeted. showed that 12KNICSV-188 and 12KNICSV-22 had high Four sorghum varieties were evaluated grain yield of 2818 kg/ha and 2356 kg/ha, respectively on-farm across nine locations (Bakori, (Table 1). On-station genotype-by-environment data Gambawa, Wajeri, Gumel, Ikara, (GxE biplot) analysis underlined that the clustering of Kofa, Ningi, Zango and Zaria) with five Ikara and Birninkudu sites located in the Sudan savanna farmers at each location tending the ecology, and that of Sokoto and Zangon Daura located in replications for farmer participatory the Sahel favors the performances of 12KNICSV-188 and selection against local checks. 12KNICSV-22 as robust farmers’ choices.

On a plot size of 10 m2, hills were This was reinforced by Mallam Isa Ahmed, Ward Head of spaced at 30 cm inter-row and 75 Ikara Local Government in Nigeria’s Kaduna state, who cm intra-row spacings for the on- called on behalf of participating farmers for ICRISAT, the farm trials. Recommended fertilizer Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Samau and the rates were applied at three and six Government of Nigeria to facilitate new releases and weeks after planting and data for ensure seed availability for smallholder farmers to buy the days to 50% flowering and grain improved varieties as a matter of urgency. yield recorded and analyzed from the individual locations. Participatory “We are very happy with improved Deko because of its appraisals at each location were uniformity, bold white grain, panicle shape and size, based on the major farmer-preferred and earliness to maturity,” he said. “This variety has the sorghum variety traits, including potential to give food even in the years of low rainfall, days to maturity (earliness), grain as in the coincidental case of 2015 when the rain ceased size (bold), plant height (medium) mid-September. On the other hand it will allow early and grain color (white or yellow). harvest before the Fulani herdsmen can do damage to late crop varieties.” 13

Observed versus NIRS predicted values of Figure 2. Results from use of the sorghum stem attributes. advanced NIRS instrument at IER, Mali Development of near-infrared N: number of samples LV: number of latent variables R2: coefficient of determination 30 90 reflectance spectroscopic calibrations RMSE: root mean squared error 25 for sorghum stem quality RPD: residual predicition deviation 80 20 70 State-of-the-art instrument analysis backed by calibration Sampling and data analysis “There is a growing demand value Predicted 15 value Predicted data assembled in Mali by ICRISAT, the Malian Institut for the use of NIRS in 60 10 d’Economie Rurale (IER) and by the Centre de Cooperation The dataset used to develop NIRS calibration for sorghum different WA plant breeding N=57 N=86 LV=6 50 LV=6 Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le stem quality attributes mainly comprised of representative 5 R2=0.97 R2=0.88 programs for rapid and low- RMSE=0.94 RMSE=3.20 Developpement (CIRAD) in France is paving the way for samples from the CGIAR Generation Challenge RPD=5.63 RPD=2.85 cost characterization of plant 0 40 rapid and precise screening and selection of valuable Programme’s Sorghum Research Initiative on Backcross materials. The established NIRS 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 improved dryland cereals. Nested Association Mapping (BCNAM) (n=46) and hybrid facility at IER appears to have Sugars Observed value NDF Observed value trials (n=16) at ICRISAT–Mali during 2013 in addition to immense potential to meet 24 samples shared between ICRISAT and CIRAD during regional demand. However, 70 60 their past collaboration. All the samples were subjected to Sorghum is one of the first dryland cereals to benefit the need for good quality reference analysis at CIRAD for crude protein (CP), neutral 60 from the intervention in Mali of near-infrared reflectance 50 detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid reference values (uniqueness spectroscopy (NIRS) to phenotype major plant traits in 50 detergent lignin (ADL), sugars and in-vitro digestibility of in both primary reference upcoming new varieties and speed up the analysis of the value Predicted 40 value Predicted 40 dry matter (IVD). method and the reference large numbers of potential new varieties emanating from analyses laboratory) to develop 30 breeding programs. Stem quality is the first key trait being N=86 N=86 The absorbance spectra (12,489–3594 cm-1) of all these and update NIRS calibrations LV=6 30 LV=8 assessed in candidate progeny by a Fourier-transformation- 20 R2=0.93 R2=0.92 samples were recorded in the MPA instrument at a resolution is a major challenge for the RMSE=2.77 RMSE=2.05 based NIRS instrument, namely a multipurpose analyzer RPD=3.75 RPD=3.46 of 16 cm-1 using ‘integrating sphere’ as the measurement 10 20 (MPA, Bruker Optics), at the Sotuba Biotechnology successful operation of the channel. Each spectrum was set to be an average of 64 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 20 30 40 50 60 Laboratory of Mali’s Institute of Rural Economy (IER) NIRS facility. Moreover, it is internal replicated spectra. Two spectra were taken for each necessary to identify a focal IVD Observed value ADF Observed value Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT The MPA instrument sponsored by the CGIAR Research sample and first derivative (FD) of their average spectrum person to co-ordinate NIRS 14 12 Program on Dryland Cereals (CRP-DC) will underpin was used for calibration development. A partial least squares activities in WA.” a regional platform mainly for the characterization of regression (PLSR) model was built between each sorghum 12 10 dryland cereals in West Africa (WA). stem attribute and FD of absorbance. A leave-one-out cross- Sarathjith M C 10 8 validation approach was implemented to find the optimum Post Doctoral Fellow 8 NIRS has been widely recognized as an indirect, non- number of latent variables for the PLSR model. The calibration International Crops Research Institute value Predicted value Predicted 6 for the Semi-Arid Tropics. destructive and non-invasive approach for a rapid, low-cost performance was evaluated based on the coefficient of 6 4 and simultaneous estimation of multiple attributes of plant determination (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE), and the 4 N=86 N=86 LV=6 LV=6 materials. In the NIRS approach, the spectral reflectance residual prediction deviation (RPD). R2=0.86 2 R2=0.85 2 RMSE=0.60 RMSE=0.70 RPD=2.75 RPD=2.60 from target material over 700–2500 nm is linked with 0 0 the attribute of interest by an efficient multivariate The calibration performance of the MPA instrument was 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 regression model (also referred to as calibration). The NIR found to be excellent (RPD≥4.1) for sugars, very good CP Observed value ADL Observed value wavelengths are characterized by weak overtones and the (3.5≤RPD≥4.0) for both IVD and ADF and fair (2.5≤RPD≥2.9) combinations of fundamental vibrations (stretching and for CP, NDF and ADL as shown in Figure 2. The overall Mr Yebedie Ankounidjou (Technician, IER Sotuba) bending) of spectrally active functional groups, mainly results of this study advocate the use of these NIRS acquiring spectra of sorghum stem samples using N–H, O–H, C–H and S–H in the mid-infrared frequencies, calibrations to estimate the selected stem quality attributes MPA (Bruker) and hence those attributes with strong linkage with for a fair to accurate screening in sorghum breeding these functional groups are more likely to be estimated programs in WA. However, it is necessary to incorporate using NIRS. One of the major requirements for sorghum samples with high variability (field, environment, variety breeding in WA is to develop NIRS calibrations for their use etc.) in the existing calibration dataset to develop more The NIRS team gratefully acknowledges in routine characterization of stem quality attributes. accurate, reliable and robust NIRS calibration models for the CGIAR Research Program on Dryland Cereals for the establishment of a regional routine characterization of sorghum stem quality attributes. NIRS platform in West Africa and also for the Commissioned Grants 2014, which offered financial support for the activities involved in this study, via the project entitled ’Transfer and Improvement of NIRS Calibrations for Stover and Grain Quality for Sorghum Breeding in Mali (BCNAM-NIRS)’. 15

Number of participants: Gumel (Jigawa State): Male = 21 and Female = 15; Table 2. Summary of paired- Zango (Katsina State):Male = 15 and Female = 15; wise ranking exercise farmer Designing effective groundnut breeding strategies Minjibir (Kano State): Male = 11 and Female = 15. selection of groundnut varieties through farmer-breeder interaction in northern in northern Nigeria Ranking Nigeria Farmer-desired Additional information from discussion with farmers attributes Gumel Zango Minjibir during participatory assessment sessions st st Best-bet groundnut varieties are no gamble thanks to the and the Institute for Agricultural Research established Resistance to pests 1 Not cited 1 Attribute underlines varieties that withstand prevailing and diseases pests and diseases (reducing the need for investment in effective participation of Nigerian farmers in the selection and directly managed similar validation demonstrations. accompanying inputs) process. At all locations, the demonstrations consisted of 15 elite Early maturity 2nd Not cited 9th Escapes negative effects of end-of-season drought breeding lines and three ruling varieties as checks, making Co-operation between ICRISAT and national partners has a total of 18 entries, all selected for four exposures: High pod yields 3rd 6th 3rd High returns and brings cash income created a perfect alignment of farmers’ preferences with rosette, aflatoxin, foliar diseases and drought. A standard High oil content 4th 5th 6th Attribute mostly emphasized by female participants breeders’ concerns over the development of improved randomized complete block design with three replicates for processing into oil (preference for small kernel sizes groundnut varieties with the prime assets of early maturity, and six entries per block was used with each replicate with red color) high pod and haulm yields, high oil contents and tolerance having three blocks. Easy to sell/ 5th 4th Not cited Attribute emphasizes color, oil content and haulm yield to prevailing biotic stresses, which combine to offer escape marketability from unpredictable end of season droughts. Three independent participatory varietal selection By-products (cakes 6th NA Not cited Attribute emphasizes the ease of processing; argument exercises were conducted at three out of the four locations including Kulikuli) put forward mostly by female participants Nigeria is the leading producer of groundnut in West during the 2015 cropping season by involving a total Household 7th NA Not cited Attribute underlines the nutritious value of groundnut and Central Africa, accounting for 51% of recorded total of 92 (45 female and 47 male) farmers. A groundnut consumption and derived products (soup, snacks, pap etc.) production in the region. The crop is produced in 15 out breeder led the ICRISAT team, while the participatory Color of kernel 8th 8th 4th Varieties that are reddish are easily sold, have good oils of the 19 States in the Sudan and Sahel savannas of the selection exercises were initiated by a farming systems and produce much more country. Demand for improved groundnut varieties has been agronomist. A rural sociologist, together with two research th th th increasing over the years, making it imperative to develop technicians, led the participatory paired-wise ranking High haulm yield 9 7 7 Attribute underlines the dual purpose of groundnut; feed for ruminant livestock and cash income source, varieties suitable for the different agro-ecological zones, exercises at the three locations. Results of the paired-wise especially in the dry season which take into account market preferences, the challenges ranking exercise revealed that resistance to pests and Pod and seed size 10th 1st 5th Attribute has two elements: yield ability, roasting generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT of aflatoxin contamination and climatic variability. diseases, early maturity, pod yield, oil yield, haulm yield, and generation of cash income through sale as pod and kernel features, and drought tolerance are the confectionary type In 2015, the co-operation team established multi-location important groundnut traits for the farmers involved in Generates cash Not cited 2nd Not cited Attribute seems to be included in others: pod size, seed validation demonstrations with the aim of proposing the participatory varietal selection exercise, irrespective income size, color and oil content best-bet varieties for eventual release by appropriate of sex and location (Table 2). Easy to process Not cited 3rd Not cited Attribute underlines the need for varieties that are soft, Nigerian authorities. On-farm trials were established at hence easy for manual processing by women four locations, Gumel (Jigawa State) and Zango (Katsina Selected elite breeding lines are being further validated Drought tolerance Not cited Not cited 2nd Attribute highlights the importance of early maturing State) where locations were managed by ICRISAT with along with short and medium duration check varieties varieties in a context of climate variability support from extension agents of the Agricultural and in targeted agro-ecological zones during the 2016 Good taste Not cited Not cited 8th Attribute complements that of household consumption Rural Development Authorities (ADPs), and at Minjibir main cropping season for their eventual release by and marketability of emerging varieties (Kano State) and Samaru (Kaduna State) where ICRISAT the competent Nigerian authorities.

Paired-wise Ranking Exercise Farmer Selection of Groundnut Varieties by female farmers (left) and male farmers (far left) at Minjibir, Kano State, Nigeria.

Funding support for this intervention is provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation within the framework of the implementation of the Tropical Legumes-III (TL-III) and the Groundnut Up-scaling Projects under the CGIAR Research Program on Grain Legumes (CRP-GLs). 17

Figure 3. Relationship between transpiration efficiency, pod and haulm weight of 60 groundnut Groundnut shows new traits of tolerance genotypes under drought stress (WS) to drought stress conditions under conditions 35 R2 = 0.73553 lysimeter system in Niger 30 25 20 Previous studies under field water stress (WS), at either side of 15 conditions have investigated the the trench. WW soil was kept at

Haulm weight (g) Haulm weight 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 response of 300 accessions from a 90% of field capacity until harvest, 10 groundnut reference collection to while drought stress (WS) was R2 = 0.23459 drought stress as well as selected imposed at the 50% flowering time 8 6 contrasting lines. Groundnut is of each genotype. On the first day 4 largely grown in rainfed areas in of WS imposition one plant from 2 the semi-arid tropics, and known each lysimeter tube was sampled (g) weight Pod 0 pod yield decrease can reach 72%. for measuring the initial biomass 2 3 3 4 4 Now assessment of a sub-set of (IDM). The transpiration efficiency Transpiration efficiency 60 genotypes from the groundnut was determined using IDM, the The findings revealed that ICG 3312 (g kg-1) under WS reference collection in lysimeters, biomass at harvest (FDM) and the and ICG 81 were short duration and which give similar conditions to fields total of transpired water. Phenology drought tolerant. Grain weight and and allow measurement of crop and agromorphological traits were harvest index were traits associated water requirement, could lead to the investigated. with drought tolerance under identification of new sources and/ lysimetric conditions. ICG 81, ICG Drought stress is the main constraint to groundnut or traits of tolerance to drought for Significant genotypic variation was 9666, ICG 10053 and ICG 7969 were production but encouraging results are flowing from improving groundnut productivity. observed on flowering time ranging dual-purpose accessions under well drought phenotyping using a lysimetric system in Niger. from 22 to 30 days after sowing. water conditions. Water requirement This involved placing the genotypes Drought stress decreased the pod and use could be determinant in Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT under intermittent drought stress at yield (68%), haulm yield (30%), tolerance to drought in groundnut. flowering time (50%) in the lysimetric harvest index (47%) and grain weight Experiments with water extraction, system at ICRISAT’s Sahelian Centre by up to 76%. The high grain weight roots systems, soil water content and (ISC) in Sadoré (45 km south of decreased under WS suggesting that canopy temperature measurement Niamey, Niger, from September to drought affected flower numbers and could confirm drought-tolerant December for investigating (i) the the resulting photosynthesis inhibition genotypes identified in this study. genotypic variation in phenology, (ii) led to less grain filling. Transpiration the effect of intermittent drought efficiency (TE) decreased by up to Differences in genotype performance on agromorphological traits, and (iii) 47% under WS, and TE determined under well water and drought select drought-tolerant and high- biomass production of pods under conditions were revealed by the yielding genotypes, and identify traits drought (Figure 3). study. Under well-watered conditions, related to drought tolerance. ICG 81, ICG 9666, ICG 10053 and The genotypes ICG 1188, ICG 15232, ICG 7969 revealed dual-purpose Three seeds were sown by hand into ICG 10053, ICG 118, ICG 3312, ICG performance for pods and haulm each lysimeter tube filled with soil 1711 and ICG 81 revealed high yield biomass. Water stress decreased collected from the station farm, then under both WW and WS conditions. pod yield and its components but seedlings were thinned to two plants The highest haulm yield under both the observed genotypic variation per tube at 14 days after sowing water regimes was observed on ICG indicated that the negative effects (DAS), and the lysimeter tubes were 9777, ICG 9842, ICG 2773, ICG 9666, varied among investigated accessions. weighed twice weekly to measure ICG 1399, ICG 11109, ICG 14475 and Grain weight showed the greatest transpired water. ICG 3992. Genotypes ICG 3312, ICG decrease under drought, suggesting 81, ICG 6375, ICG 9809 and ICG 3746 that water stress during flowering Opposite: Sub-set of the groundnut The experimental design was a revealed the highest grain yield under time had significant effect on reference collection under well water (WW) and drought stress (WS) randomized complete block design WS while ICG 3312, ICG 81, ICG 9809, groundnut reproduction. Genotypes conditions in lysimetric system at with five replications and two water ICG 1711 and ICG 15232 showed the showing high grain weights were ICRISAT Sadoré, Niger regimes, well water (WW) and highest harvest index. revealed as drought-tolerant. INTEGRATED CROP MANAGEMENT

I am a PhD student from the Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako, Mali, working on the integration of crop modelling and crop screening methods to better identify drought-tolerant traits in Malian sorghum genotypes. This will help crop improvement programs develop progenies with the highest values in terms of productivity and yield stability in the face of dwindling resources, especially water.

This knowledge will help Malian breeders to more efficiently develop climate-smart breeding lines that better cope with specific stress patterns. Part of my work currently entails improving the model’s capacity to accurately predict photoperiod responses, which is a key trait for adaptation in the Malian genotypes

Madina Diancoumba, currently with ICRISAT in Mali and India. 21

Figure 4a: Impact of shrub husbandry Potential to improve the common systems on total millet biomass production ) 2 160 mixing crops, livestock and trees is revealed A: Millet 140 in Niger studies (g/m 120 100 Livestock manure may be the key to overcoming the Planting was carried out on 2 July 2013, 17 June 2014 and 80 Intercropping was advantageous under all three options very low productivity that characterizes mixed crop- 10 July in 2015. Cumulative rainfall on the experimental 60 of crop association with and without addition of organic 40 livestock-tree systems favored by many West plot was 519.6 mm in 2103, 668 mm in 2014 and 483 mm manure as on average a Land Equivalent Ratio of 1.28 20 African farmers. in 2015. Frequent dry spells were observed in 2013 and 0 was obtained without manure and 1.45 with manure. In 2014, leading to crop failure and replanting in 2014. In particular, planting two rows of millet for three rows of Millet total biomass per strip biomass per strip total Millet

A study carried out at ICRISAT’s Sadoré research station addition, rainfall stopped 75 days after planting in 2103. SMI SMI cowpea appeared to be more beneficial with LER of 1.6 2Mvs3C 2Mvs2C 2Mvs3C 1Mvs1C 2Mvs2C 1Mvs1C & 0gOm & 0gOm & 0gOm in Niger targeted the depressive effect of Acacia species, Rainfall distribution in 2015 was even with fewer dry spells. & 0gOm when amended with 200 g manure per hill. & 200gOm & 200gOm & 200gOm millet and cowpea planted in close proximity. Mixed crop- & 200gOm livestock-tree systems are common in West and Central To account for the effect of the Acacia tree, the crops were This study showed that manure is crucial under the ) 2 160 Africa but are characterized by very low productivity. harvested in strips starting from the trunk of the shrub. Four B: Cowpea experimental conditions. Legume intercropping did little Some of the causes include low inherent soil fertility, soil strips of 1 m width, two at each side, were delineated around 140 on its own under these conditions. The small trees (shrubs) (g/m 120 degradation through nutrient and organic matter (OM) the trunks that are considered to experience a tree effect. seem to depress millet yield in their neighborhood but 100 depletion, and recurrent droughts exacerbated by erratic Following the same approach, we delineated four other strips 80 have no effect on cowpea growth. However, application of rainfalls and climate variability. of 1.5 m width starting 2 m from the areas to the side of the 60 manure compensated slightly for the effect of the shrubs trunk that are considered to be less affected by the shrub. A 40 on millet growth. The objectives of the study were: (1) to assess the effect of total of 16 strips were harvested in each plot per replication. 20 Acacia sp. husbandry through mapping millet and cowpea 0 Growing two strips of millet versus three of cowpea also

production when grown in pure stands or strip cropping; Total millet biomass SCp SCp appears to be an option for effective land space use. Cowpea total biomass per strip biomass per strip total Cowpea (2) to assess whether applying organic fertilizer could Total biomass was low in 2014 due to the crop failure 2Mvs3C 2Mvs2C 2Mvs3C 1Mvs1C 1Mvs1C 2Mvs2C & 0gOm & 0gOm & 0gOm & 0gOm Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT & 200gOm & 200gOm & 200gOm compensate for the potentially depressive effect of Acacia mentioned earlier. Total millet biomass across the three & 200gOm It is planned to complete this data set with soil nutrients sp. husbandry on millet and cowpea grown in pure stands experimental years was 1.6 times higher on strips that were data to assess nutrient dynamics in the system. The dying or strip cropping 2 m away from the trunk of the shrub, compared to strips Figure 4b: Impact of shrub husbandry No shrub effect exotic Acacia tumida trees will be replaced with local Cassia on total cowpea biomass production closer on average to the shrub (Figure 4a). Application of 200g Shrub effect sieberiana (drumstick) trees to enable the study to generate Millet and cowpea were planted in 2013/14/15 in manure per hill led to 2.2 times greater total biomass being recommendations easy applicable by West African farmers. a 7-year Acacia tumida plantation in which the tree produced on the strips that are 2 m away from the trunk. crowns were pruned each year by removing the lower Furthermore, an indication that nutrient addition compensated branches. The experiment was laid out at the Sadoré slightly for the suppressive effect of the shrub on millet biomass ICRISAT research station in random complete block production was demonstrated by higher biomass (2.6 times) design (RCBD) with four replications. Crops were planted being obtained on the strips that are less than 2 m around the in strips following treatment combinations. In each shrub. A comparison contract from the data indicates that strip replication two rows of Acacia tumida 10 m apart and 5 intercropping reduced total biomass by 174 g/m2 two meters m within row spacing and one row of improved ziziphus away from the trunk and 74 g/m2 in the vicinity of the shrub. (buckthorn family member) were planted. The following treatment combinations were adopted: Total cowpea biomass Total cowpea biomass was very low in 2013 and 2014 • millet only – with/without manure due to the earlier reasons but also because no crop • two lines each of millet and cowpea – with/without protection measure was applied. In the three years of manure experimentation, total cowpea biomass production was not • one millet line to one of cowpea – with/without affected by shrub husbandry (Figure 4b). However, applying manure 200 g per hill of manure resulted in seven times more • cowpea only – with/without manure biomass production compared to no application of manure. • two millet lines to three of cowpea – with/without The comparison contrast shows that, even though not manure. statistically different, strip intercropping reduced cowpea total biomass by 234 g/m2 two meters away from the trunk and by 192 g/m2 at two meters diameter around the shrub. 23

Tillage practices and nitrogen application can boost soil health and the productivity of sorghum-based systems in the dry savanna

The marriage between modern to ensure sustainable soil health and kgN/ha, respectively, showed N Minjibir Samaru conservation agriculture and crop yield improvement. effectiveness in Minjibir and 2703, Soil Soil traditional farmer practices with SPAD @ moisture %) SPAD @ moisture %) 6384, 6556 kg/ha at 0, 30, and 60 sorghum in West Africa is being A long-term trial was established Treatment Sorghum Stalk 6WAS @ 6WAS Sorghum Stalk 6WAS @ 6WAS kgN/ha in Samaru. mediated through tillage and fertilizer in 2013 in Samaru and Minjibir in Tillage management trials. the Sudan savanna zone of Nigeria N treatment had significant effect to evaluate the crucial effects of Conventional 651 2839 28.2 5.5 1614 5226 42.13 19.7 on chlorophyll content of sorghum Minimum tillage and N application minimum tillage, different cereal- Minimum 1761 6789 40.2 9.1 1772 5202 43.4 30.8 in Minjibir where 60 kgN/ha have been shown by ICRISAT to have legume cropping systems and organic (39.2) was significantly higher P of F 0.004 0.046 0.021 0.079 0.26 0.976 0.249 0.032 a significant positive effect on yields and inorganic fertilizer management than 30 kgN/ha (35.3) which was and leaf health of sorghum in the on soil health and crop productivities. LSD 391.6 3758.7 7.58 4.67 439.8 3055.7 1.659 8.809 significantly higher than 0 kgN/ Sudan savanna of Nigeria. Rotating ha (28.2). N treatment also had Fertilizer sorghum with soybean has also Tillage practices in the experiment significant effect on chlorophyll produced dividends in grain and included a conventional tillage 0 kg/ha N 549 3377 28.6 7.6 852 2703 35.6 24.9 content or leaf health of sorghum fodder yield. practice of double harrow and ridge, 30 kg/ha N 1111 4909 35.3 7.8 2077.0 6384 46.5 25.0 in Samaru. Despite there being while the second practice was a no significant difference between Conservation agriculture (CA) relies minimum tillage where herbicide was 60 kg/ha N 1958 6156 39.2 6.4 2150.3 6556 47.3 25.8 60 kgN/ha (47.3) and 30 kgN/ on the simultaneous use of three used to control weeds, followed by P of F 0.001 <.001 <.001 0.058 <.001 0.002 <.001 0.481 ha (46.5), both treatments had practices: minimum or zero-tillage; gentle scratching of the soil with hoes significantly higher values than 0 LSD 168.5 463.3 2.75 1.23 247.9 1766.2 1.911 1.599 maintenance of a permanent soil or cutlass to remove stubborn weeds kgN/ha (35.6). N treatment did Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT cover; and diversified profitable crop and stubbles. The dead weeds were System not have significant effect on soil rotation. Soil cover is very important left as mulch on the field. Fertilizer S/Cowpea relay 1191 4563 33.8 7.1 1704 5245 42.9 25.9 moisture content in the wetter due to its impact on the soil water was applied as NPK 15.15.15 to Samaru location. balance, biological activity, soil obtain the initial 30 kg N, P and K, Sorg-Sorg 1303 4778 34.0 7.6 1711 5693 42.8 24.9 organic matter build-up and fertility while urea was applied to balance Sorg-Soy rotn. 1373 6023 34.4 7.4 1925 6578 43.4 25.4 Significant differences were replenishment. However, in West for treatment with 60 kg N. Cropping observed among the sorghum- Sorg-Gnut rotn. 957 3893 34.6 7.1 1431.3 3341 43.4 24.84 Africa’s dry savannas farmers and systems included sorghum-sorghum based cropping systems evaluated. livestock keepers allow their animals continuous cropping, sorghum- P of F 0.056 <.001 0.85 0.644 <.001 <.001 0.710 0.303 Sorghum-groundnut rotation to roam about – especially in the cowpea relay, sorghum-soybean produced significantly less sorghum LSD 121.8 767.8 2.10 0.883 217.3 832.5 1.358 1.248 long dry season – grazing freely on rotation and sorghum-groundnut yield while sorghum-soybean any available forage on fields around rotation. These were selected because Mean 1206 4814 34 7 1693 5214 43 25 rotation produced significantly the villages, while the transhumance they are the most common systems CV 15.1 23.6 9.1 18.0 19.0 23.6 4.7 7.3 higher grain and fodder yields in livestock rearers graze their livestock applied in farmers’ fields in the region. both locations. The systems did on ranges and farms, both far and not have significant effect on plant near the villages. In Minjibir, mean sorghum grain and the effect of tillage on soil moisture Table 3. Effect of tillage and nitrogen moisture (30.8%) than conventional tillage health and soil moisture content stalk yields were significantly (5%) content was not significant at 5% fertilizer on sorghum yields (grain and (19.7%). in both locations. Under such circumstances, and higher under minimum tillage (1761 though minimum tillage significantly stalk kg/ha) and soil moisture in Sudan savanna of Nigeria where crop residues may have kg/ha and 6789 kg/ha, respectively) had higher mean moisture content at The impact of N on grain and stalk It is now evident that minimum higher value uses than mulching, compared to the conventional a 10% significance level. yields was significant in both locations, tillage and N application have CA with crop residue as mulch is tillage yields (651 and 2839 kg/ha, with higher N application producing significant positive effects on unlikely to be adopted by farmers respectively). SPAD measurements The effects of tillage on sorghum were significantly higher grain (549, 1111 yields and leaf health of sorghum in the short run. In the design of CA revealed the effects of tillage practices less evident in Samaru where there was and 1958 kg/ha, at 0, 30 and 60 kgN/ in the Sudan savanna of Nigeria. for WA, it is therefore necessary to on chlorophyll content of sorghum neither significant effect on grain and ha, respectively, in Minjibir and 851, The cultural practice of rotating make use of traditional practices and leaves, which was significantly higher stalk yields nor on chlorophyll content 2077, 2150 kg/ha at 0, 30, and 60 kgN/ sorghum with legumes, especially farmers’ knowledge on soil fertility in the minimum tillage (40) than in of the plants, although minimum tillage ha in Samaru. Stalk yields of 3378, soybean, should be encouraged. management using local resources the conventional tillage (28). However, had significantly higher mean soil 4909, 6156 kg/ha, at 0, 30, and 60 25

Resistance genes retain a vital role in the Figure 5. Number of aphid progenies produced on different groundnut face of climate change varieties subjected to water stress

Genes giving resistance to aphid attack will still bolster the Well watered protection of groundnut varieties even if climate change Fleur 11 brings increased drought stress. Water stressed

ICG 11088 An ICRISAT study shows that drought-stressed groundnut plants or low phosphorus (P) conditions do not In addition to the negative effects of water stress on systematically lead to rapid increases in the population plant growth, drought stress increased plant nitrogen and ICGV 12991 of Aphis craccivora Koch, which is the common aphid potassium content, while low P stress reduced plant P transmitting the groundnut rosette disease (GRD) that and nitrogen contents. 55-437 can have a significant effect on production and yield of groundnut crops. Aphids feed exclusively on phloem sap, and their 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 association with plants is believed to depend on the Number progenies produced Sustainable crop production in sub-Saharan Africa is quality of the sap. The independent effects of water and constrained by the limited availability of water, low soil P deficits were not the same on the four groundnut High P fertility and by crop losses to insect pests and diseases. varieties, suggesting that groundnut genetic background Fleur 11 Low P The advent of climate change means that drought, high outweighed the growth conditions of the plants. temperature and low P continue to be major concerns for ICG 11088 groundnut production in the Sahel region. An increase in Water stress had an unfavorable effect on A. craccivora the drought associated with climate change could increase development on the aphid-resistant groundnut variety ICGV ICGV 12991 the frequency and severity of insect population outbreaks, 12991, while aphids performed better on the aphid-sensitive Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT and thus, the occurrence of disease epidemics. varieties Fleur 11 and 55-437 under combined drought stress and low P conditions. Such findings suggest that 55-437 To obtain an understanding of the combined effects of drought-stressed groundnut plants or low P conditions do 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 drought and low P on aphid dynamics on groundnut, and not systematically lead to rapid increases in the A. craccivora Number progenies produced to strengthen control strategies for GRD and reduce losses population. In other words, genes of resistance to aphids are to small-scale farmers, the study investigated the effects of still needed regardless of changing growing conditions. Figure 6. Number of aphid progenies water and P stress on A. craccivora development on four produced on different groundnut varieties subjected to phosphorus groundnut varieties. fertilization SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND POLICY AND IMPACT 29

Stable future for millet and sorghum as improved varieties penetrate Niger and Nigeria

Improved sorghum and millet varieties to withstand Using nationally representative household survey data elasticity estimates, the rate of growth impending climate stress will ensure stable pricing from the World Bank, ICRISAT in collaboration with Virginia in the demand for sorghum and millet and availability of these crucial crops in the diets and Tech University under the leadership of Dr Catherine is estimated for both countries. livelihood of poor rural dwellers. Larochelle (Virginia Tech, USA) and Dr Alphonse Singbo (ICRISAT) analyzed the consumption and demand for In Niger, the demand for sorghum is sorghum and millet in Niger and Nigeria. expected to grow at 5.1% and 7.0% A recent study by ICRISAT and partners has confirmed the annually in rural and urban areas, importance of both crops and set out the major influences The study objective was to document sorghum and respectively, while the demand on consumption, demand and associated price and millet consumption patterns by population sub-groups, for millet is estimated to grow at spending elasticities. and to estimate the responsiveness of sorghum and respective rates of 4.6% and 7.3%. millet demand to changes in the crops’ own prices (own- Combining rural and urban estimates, In Niger and Nigeria, as in most Sahel countries in West price elasticities), other food group prices (cross-price demand for sorghum in Niger is and Central Africa (WCA), millet and sorghum are crucial elasticities), and household expenditures (expenditure expected to grow at a rate of 5.2% to the diets and livelihood of the rural population. In Niger, elasticities). The rationale for the study was to inform annually and the demand for millet consumption of millet and sorghum averaged 144 and 38 kg/ ICRISAT scientists and the research community regarding is estimated to have a rate of growth capita/year, respectively, over the last two decades, making changes and drivers in sorghum and millet consumption of 4.8%. In Nigeria, the growth rate in these crops key to household food security (FAO, 2015). demand in WCA. the demand for sorghum is estimated There was a slight decrease in per capita millet consumption to be 4.2% in rural areas and 8.0% in areas. Therefore, price increases will over the last two decades in Niger, which was estimated at Results reveal that millet is of high importance in the urban areas, and demand for millet generate a greater response among 157 kg/year in 1991 compared to 141 kg/year in 2011. Per diet of households in Niger, and particularly the poorest is expected to grow at 4.3% and 8.0% urban households, meaning a greater Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT capita sorghum consumption increased during the same households in rural areas. The latter devote about 40% annually in rural and urban areas, shift away for sorghum and millet. period, reaching its highest in 2010 at about 48 kg/year. of their food budget to millet but have lower per capita respectively. This corresponds to an Since the diet of poor households expenditure on millet than households in the upper expected national growth rate of 4.9% is heavy in sorghum and millet, an In Nigeria, per capita millet and sorghum consumption wealth quintiles. Sorghum is consumed by 59% and in the demand for sorghum and 5% in increase in the price of these cereal average, respectively, 32 and 40 kg/year over the last 18%, respectively, of rural and urban households in the demand for millet. crops could have significant impact on two decades (FAO, 2015). Unlike in Niger, this makes Niger. Compared with Niger, millet and sorghum are less their well-being. sorghum a more important food commodity than millet. important in the diet of Nigerian households; a quarter of Therefore, in both countries and for Consumption trends are also more stable for the two households in Nigeria consume millet and a third consume both crops, the growth rate of demand Given the limited amount of crops in Nigeria. Per capita millet consumption fluctuated sorghum. However, sorghum plays an important role in the is expected to be higher in urban additional land that can be put into only mildly between 1991 and 2010 (estimated at 30 kg/ diet of the poorest rural households in Nigeria as indicated areas than in rural areas. In Niger, cultivation, additional demand for year in both years). For sorghum, per capita consumption by its average share of 10% in the household food budget sorghum demand is expected to grow sorghum and millet will have to was 38 kg/year in 1991, reached its peak in 1996 at about for this group. faster than millet, while in Nigeria the be met mainly through increased 46 kg/year, and has been decreasing since then. In 2011, former is expected to grow slightly productivity. Therefore, research per capita consumption of sorghum was estimated to be The claim that urbanization has shifted consumer food slower than the latter. Although efforts aiming at developing improved 32 kg/year. The contribution of millet and sorghum to preferences was strongly supported in this study. In both national demand and household varieties that are high yielding and household diets over the past two decades is on average countries, urban households consume less sorghum and demand for the two crops continue perform well under climate changes, 260 and 320 kcal/capita/day. millet than rural households even at similar income levels. to increase, their share in household such as more frequent droughts Significant variation of millet and sorghum consumption is food budgets will decrease considering and floods, should help meet the While informative in providing an overview of food commodity also observed across regions. the increasing urbanization and lower additional demand. In addition, consumption, FAO statistics being based on country aggregate share of the two crops in the diet of varieties that perform well despite net supply provide no information on how consumption may Demand for sorghum and millet is more responsive to urban households. climatic stress should help limit vary by different categories of households such as urban/ income changes in Nigeria than Niger. In both countries, the price fluctuations, for example those rural and poor/non-poor households. Such information is unconditional expenditure elasticity for sorghum and millet In both countries, the uncompensated associated with production shocks, This collaborative research work was funded under the CGIAR-US University important to understand the importance of sorghum and is higher in urban areas than rural areas, meaning higher own-price elasticities for sorghum which should particularly benefit poor Linkage Program and implemented as part millet in household diets and how demand for these two crops demand growth rate in urban centers. Based on population and millet are larger in absolute households that rely more heavily on of the CGIAR Research Program on Dryland Cereals with the institutional support of its is expected to evolve with income growth and urbanization. growth rate, per capita income growth rate, and expenditure value in urban areas than rural sorghum and millet for nutrition. Director, Dr Sobhana (Shoba) Sivasankar 31

Seed certification and marketing policies in Mali: do farmers actually benefit?

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a rapidly developing region of over 800 million people, but its population is projected to reach 1.5 billion people with profound implications for agricultural production and food security.

Sustainable agricultural intensification is seen as a serious option in the SSA region for satisfying 2050 global food requirements. At the same time, many challenges still hinder crop intensification in the region.

Although agriculture constitutes approximately 40% of the gross domestic product in Mali, and seeds are the basic input of farming, the seed market still remains underdeveloped. In the last two decades many high- yielding and short-duration varieties (e.g., fada, lata, grinkan, fleur11 and icgv86124), both for food and cash crops have been released. However, despite the potential of these varieties, only small quantities of their certified Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT seed are available to farmers in local markets because the approach to seed management is disconnected from unregulated traditional and informal seed systems because But there are challenges with this In general, although the Seed Law was the context at the local level. farmer associations find the certification process quite arrangement too. For instance, the enacted to facilitate the access of high lengthy and they hardly afford the associated certification agreement between seed producers quality seed to farmers, the majority Seed management is organized around (i) research entities costs. On average, the certification of one ton of sorghum and private enterprises does not of the seed used still comes from the to create foundation seed, and (ii) farmers’ associations seeds, for instance, costs almost US$146 for both field allow for direct trade, so seed farmers traditional systems. The gaps between and some private seed companies multiplying and inspections and laboratory operations. These costs are too cannot sell their production to their the national seed framework and disseminating the new cultivars. Despite a growing seed expensive for most farmer cooperatives, and particularly peers. At the same time, the private the local context hinder the effective multiplication movement during the last decade, the gaps prohibitive for individual farmers. enterprises sell the certified seeds implementation of the Seed Law and still persist in the sector. at a relatively higher price than most prevent the farmers from having easy Given this challenge, although farmers still register as smallholder farmers can afford. access to clean seed. In Mali, seed production, distribution and use are guided seed producers, they often continue to sell their seed Furthermore, with private companies by the new agricultural development framework – Loi via informal networks without any quality control, buying all the seed, seed producers Through the science policy platforms d’Orientation Agricole – a policy enacted in 2006 to which affects crop yields and undermines the effort to do not develop the necessary skills established in three pilot districts of promote sustainable and competitive agriculture. promote improved varieties and to adapt to the changing and knowledge to properly market Mali, namely Bougouni, Koutiala, and Following this Seed Law, when offered for sale, seeds agricultural conditions. their seed (e.g., determining market Segou, under the Climate Change, must be certified with an official label indicating the kind preference, developing mechanisms Agriculture, and Food Security and variety, germination rate, date of testing etc. Any To help deal with these challenges, private enterprises of price formation, and strategies of (CCAFS) program, lobbying is on-going seed that is not properly labeled is not supposed to be have recently begun partnering with farmer associations; advertising, packaging and branding). to inform high-level policy actors on sold. This Seed Law aims to achieve increased agricultural the private enterprises pay for the seed production and the seed challenges. These actions productivity and improved seed dissemination, and to certification costs and buy the resulting seeds from the As a result, many formal seed aim at enhancing the awareness facilitate farmers’ access to high quality seed. farmers. The aim of this partnership is to decentralize producers begin to see themselves of high-level actors on supporting and increase the number of seed distribution points at simply as service providers to the interventions to improve the living Although a Seed Law is enacted with positive goals, the the community level, improve the quality of the seed private enterprises, and yet again the conditions of the most climate- majority of farmers continue to rely on their traditional and help professionalize small-scale seed production majority of farmers revert to using the vulnerable by facilitating easy access seed. More than 80% of the seed used still comes from the and distribution. traditional and informal seed systems. to good quality seed. 33 Opportunities and barriers in purchase N’Guedjouma Coulibaly and his family in M’péssoba, Mali stand of sorghum hybrid seeds in Mali: proudly in front of hybrid sorghum Fadda (right), and a local variety that a qualitative assessment stores for five years (left).

A market breakthrough for hybrid sorghum varieties could follow From the ongoing analysis, three comprehensive questioning of smallholder farmers to determine why some are salient concepts emerged. These ready adopters and others hold back. pertain to the amount of exposure and experimentation necessary In West and Central Africa, there • determine if and how this varies before the purchase of new varieties, is limited development of hybrid between different types of farmers specific traits farmers seek, and sorghum varieties and those that • determine if hybrids fill specific knowledge about hybrids. It required do exist often don’t reach or meet niches, and farmers grow a an average of four years of exposure the needs and preferences of range of different varieties with to new varieties, either through smallholder farmers. Over the past different traits demonstration trials, neighbors, decade in Mali, scientists at ICRISAT Semi-structured interviews were media, and/or a close relationship and the national Institute of Rural conducted with 43 buyers of hybrid with a cooperative member before Economy have developed hybrid sorghum seed in October 2015 and interviewees were willing to purchase sorghum varieties, based on West will be repeated in 2016. These hybrid seeds. Knowing that the African guinea-race landraces and buyers were identified with the seeds were produced locally and guinea-caudatum interracial breeding assistance of partner cooperatives by someone they knew in the area 2) there are many field activities reasons (including exposure and risk of exposure and individual lines. Along with improved and local that produce and market hybrid increased the chances of purchase. for other crops that must be factors) why others may not purchase experimentation with the sorghum varieties, these hybrids sorghum seed. To ensure they Even after purchase, farmers completed before sorghum is various types of sorghum seeds. varieties before adoption. are being produced for seed and had harvested the hybrid varieties said they would test the varieties planted. Grain storability was a marketed by local cooperatives. The and been motivated to purchase a between 2–5 years before they trait farmers associated with local In addition, women are neglected Hybrids fill an important niche Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT potential improved yields from the second time, the selected buyers had would more often incorporate them varieties and guinea-race hybrids. in this study because they are not on-farm, and varieties developed hybrids present an opportunity to purchased the seed for at least two permanently into their selection of The available hybrid varieties traditional purchasers of sorghum, from local germplasm fit best growers but there are also many years. These interviews took place in varieties. The primary reason for had many of these qualities, which is generally considered a crop with preferred attributes such as barriers to their uptake. seven localities in the Sikasso region. long-term experimentation was due increasing early farmer approval. grown by men. However, women are photo-period sensitivity and grain Only two women were interviewed, to variability in rainfall and varietal often given the leftover seed to grow hardness, although some found Several factors complicate the as women are not traditional buyers adaptation to different on-farm Regarding knowledge about hybrids, in small plots and they play a major the caudatum varieties ideal for adoption of these hybrid varieties, of sorghum seed. environments. Farmers maintained there was confusion amongst the role in all field activities, thus it is likely fodder. Farmer management of including the novelty of hybrid 2–4 types of varieties in order to buyers, despite numerous trainings they influence some decisions on diverse varieties for different seeds, specific trait preferences, In the interviews, seed buyers were manage this variability. However, and information sessions provided to the purchase of these varieties. One purposes indicates that diverse the complex challenges associated asked when they first bought the about 10% of those interviewed had seed sellers. Only eight farmers of the woman interviewed stated she grew variety types, such as improved, with adoption of new varieties, and seed, for how many years they already switched the majority of their 43 knew that a hybrid planted for a hybrid sorghum after seeing it in a hybrid, and combined trait the fact that purchasing sorghum had purchased it, the quantities, production into hybrid varieties. second year would segregate, while neighbor’s field and comparing it with qualities of different races, need seed is not even a common practice. and the names of all the other four knew it would segregate but still her local variety. Her husband liked it to continue to be maintained Scientists conducted semi-structured varieties they grew or had grown The overwhelming reason why people experimented with the F2. so much they selected it for the family and developed. Importantly, interviews with second year buyers in the past five years. Then for liked hybrids was yield and improved fields. To further understand these local availability of improved of sorghum hybrid seeds in order to each of these varieties the reasons fodder quality that provided “more Identification of farmers that have perspectives, future interviews will seeds through decentralized investigate these issues, and elucidate were established for growing or profit”. Other traits, important to not purchased hybrid seeds but include both male and female buyers, seed production increases farmer which attributes of the hybrids are abandoning these varieties, and the growers for all variety types, were have been exposed for a sufficient and the wives of buyers. confidence and willingness to appealing, or not, to buyers. traits liked and disliked. This was timely maturity, panicle form, grain time period is challenging but they purchase new varieties. done for hybrids and non-hybrids weight, grain hardness and grain are an obvious group of people that Sorghum hybrids are beginning In particular, they set out to: alike in order to determine if there storability. Farmers liked photo-period are not included in this analysis. to emerge as a viable option that • determine the traits/attributes were distinct or similar traits of sensitive varieties for two reasons: These interviews with buyers do meets farmer demand for higher that drive farmer demand for, or interest between the types of 1) when the rains come late and emphasize which varietal attributes yield and dual-purpose varieties, experimentation with new hybrid varieties. Thematic coding was used late planting is necessary, they are appealing and not appealing to but it is a long-term process that Project: Farmer-managed seed enterprises in Mali (FarmSEM) funded by USAID sorghum types to analyze the interviews. still reach maturity, and buyers, thus capturing the potential can take anywhere from 4–10 years (2014–2016) 35

Research-development partnerships for large-scale use of priority proven technologies of millet and sorghum in Mali

Closer liaison between farmers and scientists in strengthened research- development partnerships are taking sorghum and pearl millet based production systems in the Mopti and Sikasso regions of Mali to new beneficial levels. Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT The objective of this work is to expand and publicity and awareness b) seeds of improved varieties Among the millet varieties, Toroniou ($US184). Farmers are very happy to large-scale utilization of priority dissemination through organized of sorghum (both hybrid and is the most appreciated by the apply this technology as this allows proven technologies that improve village level visits involving a hundred open pollinated varieties), producers because of its earliness, them to harvest two commodities on nutrition, benefit women and children or more people per village, as well as and groundnut adapted to the its high yield and its large grains the same plot and additionally sell and enhance the sustainability of local and regional radio programs that Sudanian and northern Guinea compared to G16, described by vines of cowpea. smallholder agriculture. reach thousands. agro-ecologies; and producers as a late seeded variety. c) integrated Striga and soil-fertility Indeed, it has been realized that A multi-stakeholder consortium In Mopti region, the major technologies management practices (see next In relation to sorghum varieties, all farmers are very happy with all is being used innovatively to targeted for dissemination have been feature). producers from Koutiala appreciated the proposed technologies. While enhance the value chain from related to millet production: Pablo and Fadda varieties for their requests for seed of the new varieties production to marketing and end a) the use of seed treatment such Among the fertilizer application rates high yield, their tolerance to drought are high, growers are being linked use. At the farm level, the focus as Apron Star 42WS; proposed, the dose of 1/1 is the most and ease of cooking in contrast with directly with seeds producers located has been to improve production by b) seed of improved varieties of preferred by farmers as it doesn’t the Sewa variety, which is hard milling in their areas so that the delivery increasing access to the identified pearl millet, groundnut and require additional manpower for its and less appreciated in the diet. transport costs can be reduced. new technologies and enhancing cowpea adapted to the Sahelian application. On top of that, the yield awareness and ‘know-how’ for use of environmental conditions; has been increased by around 39% Korobalen is the most popular cowpea A public private partnership (PPP) is existing technologies for enhancing c) integrated Striga and soil-fertility compared to the farmers’ practices. variety because of its high yield being created with two institutions; Project: Africa RISING’s large-scale diffusion of technologies for sorghum and millet sorghum and millet production. management practices; and and adaptation to the Mopti region one providing seed treatment systems (ARDT_SMS) d) biological control of the millet Seed treatment with Apron Star compared to the Wilibaly variety that chemical (Apron Star) and another Partners: Aga Khan Foundation One approach enables farmers to head-miner. of millet seed significantly reduced producers found to be low yielding. specialized in micro-financing (AKF); Association des Organisations see the new technologies at the field the incidence and severity of systems. The mechanism stemming Professionnelles Paysannes (AOPP); Compagnie malienne pour le level under their own conditions. The major technologies targeted for diseases in all Training of Trainers Growers have realised that the from the PPP collaboration will allow développement du textile (CMDT); Catholic These are marketing plots, either dissemination in Sikasso region have (ToT) plots compared to the money invested in Integrated Striga farmers to get a loan for purchasing Relief Services (CRS); European Cooperative for Rural Development (EUCORD); Institute as demonstration plots or as part been focused on sorghum: untreated crops. Grain yield was management has generated higher this particular input and a large for Rural Economy (IER); Mali Agricultural Market Trust (Malimark); Malifolcenter; of farmer field school activities, a) seed treatment using Apron Star 20% higher in the treated plots than benefit ($US400) for every ToT site number of farmers will be able to Office de radiodiffusion et télévision du which involve training of trainers, 42WS; the untreated (control). compared to the farmers’ practices apply the chemical to their seeds. Mali (ORTM). . 37

Integrated management of soil fertility and the Striga parasitic weed gives a 60% boost to sorghum and pearl millet yields

Follow-up analysis of farmer participation in the Large Regarding the pearl millet, the market. Therefore, the application Project: Large-Scale Diffusion for Sorghum and Millet Systems (ARDT_SMS) Scale-Diffusion of Technologies for Sorghum and Millet average yields under integrated Striga of integrated Striga management Partners: Aga Khan Foundation Systems project (ARDT_SMS) highlights the tremendous management in Sikasso and Mopti improves the market participation (AKF), Association des Organisations benefits flowing to farmers. regions were respectively 1330 kg/ of smallholder farmers and enables Professionnelles Paysannes (AOPP), Compagnie Malienne des Textiles (CMDT), ha and 1134 kg/ha in 2014 and farm income increases. Catholic Relief Services (CRS), European 2015 compared to those of farmer’s Cooperative for Rural Development (EUCORD), Institut d’Economie Rurale Low fertility and the parasitic Striga weed cause serious were pearl millet producers in Mopti region. Collected practice estimated at 801 kg/ha and To achieve positive change in pearl (IER), Malimark, Malifolcenter, and Office limitations to sorghum and pearl millet productivity but information covered the 2014 and 2015 agricultural 752 kg/ha. The overall boost for yields millet and sorghum production de radiodiffusion et télévision du Mali (ORTM). technologies to tackle both in the Mopti and Sikasso seasons. Data were gathered on household socio- of both crops is 60% higher than systems, there is a need to increase regions of Mali are available through strengthened demographic and economic profiles such as land stocks, those under farmer’s practice. the number of farmers training in research-development partnerships for large scale area under modern technologies, agricultural equipment, Integrated Striga and Soil Fertility utilization of priority proven technologies. Major agricultural production, and other characteristics. The Furthermore, the results show Management, to develop the efficient advances have been made in grower knowledge methodology used in this analysis was to evaluate the that farmers applying control extension mechanisms to reach large of Integrated Striga and Soil Fertility Management impact of Integrated Striga and Soil Management on the options to improve soil fertility numbers of farmers, and to make technology through the cluster-based farmer field school yields, household consumption, and production allocated and to fight against Striga generate the agricultural inputs available. The approach used by the project. to market compared to farmer’s practice. a marketable surplus estimated project undertakes support actions at about 40% of their production to establish a connection between The follow-up impact analysis at the project intervention Clear benefits are evident. The results show that sorghum of pearl millet or sorghum, and the farmers and seed companies, and Integrated management of soil sites uses household survey data gathered in Sikasso in production yields under integrated Striga management in that 60% is consumed. About 85% set up a public private partnership fertility and the Striga parasitic weed December 2015, and in Mopti in January 2016. A total the Sikasso region were 1225 kg/ha and 1469 kg/ha during of the production of pearl millet combining a credit mechanism with (left and center) gives a 60% boost Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT of 216 household beneficiaries of the project were the agricultural seasons 2014 and 2015, respectively, or sorghum derived from the improved supply of inputs, including to sorghum and pearl millet yields. A farmer (right) in Mali showing interviewed, of which 108 were sorghum producers compared to those from farmer’s practice, which were farmer’s practice is consumed, with Apron Star for seed treatment and harvest of sorghum and 36 pearl millet producers in Sikasso region, and 72 respectively 759 kg/ha and 876 kg/ha over the same years. only 15% allocated to the cereal chemical fertilizers. 39 Making improved groundnut seed available to boost productivity in West Africa

A multi-stakeholder partnership is reinforcing the building blocks for production of Basic and Certified groundnut seed in West Africa.

At the same time as enhancing seed sector actors has been assembled Breeder seeds and foundation seeds Partners: production and seed marketing to to ensure implementation. In order that are the progeny of the breeder a grand scale, the partnership’s to enable farmers meet their seed seed have been produced by ICRISAT, project objective aims to build requirements, community seed the Institut d’Economie Rurale (IER) farmers’ knowledge of improved production was promoted as a model in Mali, the Crop Research Institute Ghana groundnut production technologies, for seed production. (CRI) and the Savannah Agricultural Savanna Agricultural Research (SARI) including improved groundnut Research Institute (SARI) in Ghana, Crops Research Institute (CRI) varieties and complementary crop In collaboration with seed inspectors and the Institute of Agricultural Catholic Relief Services (CRS) management practices. and regulators, the project provides Research (IAR), the Federal University Peanut and Mycotoxin Innovation Lab-Ghana training and technical backstopping of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM) and (PMIL-Ghana) Groundnut is a very important to individuals and/or community the Bayero University of Kano (BUK) Ministry of Food and Agriculture grain legume crop for the region’s organizations to produce and market in Nigeria. (MOFA Northern Region) smallholder farmers, and a major certified and quality-declared seed Ministry of Food and Agriculture cash crop for many households as a to their communities in particular During the 2015 growing season, (MOFA Upper West Region) nutritious food rich in protein, oil and and others at large. At the farm level, different classes of seed of improved Management AID, micronutrients such as iron and zinc the focus is to improve production varieties were produced in the Centre for Sustainable Local Development Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT that contribute to the improved health by increasing access to improved three countries. In Ghana, 2 tons of (CSLD), Heritage Seeds. of the rural population. It contributes groundnut varieties and enhancing breeder seed, 3 tons of foundation to soil fertility with biological nitrogen ‘know-how’ for groundnut production. seed and 33 tons of certified seed fixation, and its haulm is a good were produced. Nine tons, 24 tons Nigeria source of animal feed. Strengthening local seed systems is and 109 tons of breeder, foundation Mali Institute for Agricultural research (IAR0, Centre for achieved largely through assisting and certified seed, respectively, were Institut d’Economie Rurale (IER) Dryland Agriculture/Bayero University, Kano (CDA/BUK) Despite this importance, crop community-based organizations to produced in Mali. In Nigeria, 12 tons Groupe de Recherche d’Action et d’Assistance National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) productivity remains low at an produce seed by alleviating existing of breeder seed, 26 tons of foundation pour le Développement (GRAADECOM) Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) unshelled yield of around 1 ton ha-1 bottlenecks to accessing early seed and 382 tons of certified seed European Cooperative for Rural Development Green Sahel Agricultural and Rural Development (EUCORD) compared with a global average of 1.5 generation seed, and increasing were produced and injected into the Initiative (GSARDI) Centre d’Appui à l’Autopromotion pour le tons ha-1 and over 3 tons ha-1 in the USA awareness and demand for improved country’s seed systems. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Développement (CAAD) and China. The low levels of groundnut varieties; this is paramount in Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) Catholic Relief Services (CRS) productivity, stemming in part from conjunction with the adoption of Seed of improved varieties can be Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) unavailability of seed and inadequate good agricultural practices to reach seen as a basic tool for a secure food Authority (KNARDA) crop management, means regional yield potentials. supply and offer high returns per Associations des organisations professionnelles Jigawa Agricultural and Rural Development paysannes (AOPP) consumer demand is not being met. unit area as the genetic potential Authority (JJARDA) World Vision, of the crop can be fully exploited. Sokoto Agricultural and Rural Development ADAF Galle Authority (SARDA) The project Increasing Groundnut The level of breeder and foundation Katsina Agricultural and Rural Development Productivity of Smallholder Farmers seed production is still very low Association Malienne pour la Sécurité et la Souveraineté Alimentaires (AMASSA) Authority (KTARD) in Ghana, Mali and Nigeria adopts to meet the demand for the basic Association Malienne d’Eveil au Développement a combination of approaches to seed so the project is developing Durable (AMEDD) achieve its objectives. A multi- strategies to increase the production Sahel 21 stakeholder partnership of research of breeder and foundation seeds as Plan Mali institutions, national services, non- they are critical inputs for enhancing Bornefonden government organizations (NGOs), the seed system, agricultural Project: Increasing Groundnut Productivity Faso Kaba of Smallholder Farmers in Ghana, Mali and farmers’ organizations, and private production and productivity. Nigeria (2015–2018) 41

Farmers in Mali adopt soil and water conservation measures Figure 7. Main barriers to adoption of to offset climate change water and soil conservation practices

Soil and water conservation measures are critical to than half of the farmers. However the rate of adoption 35 offsetting the impact of climate change on agriculture in of the individual measures is generally low. Zai (planting 30 sub-Saharan countries. holes) was the most common SWC measure used by the households (43%). The likelihood of adoption of any of the 25 % of farmers other SWC measures is less than 25% (Table 4). The low 20 The effectiveness of such measures in differing farming uptake of SWC measures may hamper farmer households 15 systems has been examined under a USAID Global Climate from achieving sustainable resilience to climate change. Change (GCC) project, in the Mopti region of Mali, that 10 Significant variations in adoption of most of the SWC aims to address farmers and community perceptions 5 of causes and effects of climate change and barriers to measures were found in the farming systems; with the exception of vegetative filter barriers, contour bunding 0 adoption of the resilient practices paying special attention Workforce Land Official Plant Soil Hydraulic Financial to gender and farming systems in the region. and wells. The results also showed more adopters of the tenure regulations characteristics characteristics characteristics means SWC measures in the mixed farming system compared Barrier Climate change remains a major development challenge to the rice and cereals systems. For example, about 69% in developing countries, particularly in the sub-Saharan of farmers residing in the mixed farming system used especially youth, migrate to urban areas and gold mines All households economies, including Mali, where the majority of zai compared to only 34% and 32% of those residing where the returns are more certain than in farming, thus Male-headed households the population resides in the rural areas and derives in the cereals and rice farming systems, respectively. reducing labor supply to the agricultural sector. Female-headed households livelihoods directly from the agricultural sector. Sustained About 35% of farmers in the mixed system used artificial livelihood improvements in many of the rural communities ponds relative to only 16% of the users in the cereals Other constraints noted by farmers include limited land will require implementation of inclusive interventions that system. There are no gender differences in adoption of rights since most of the land in the region is communally Table 4. Soil and water Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT promote adaptation of the agricultural sector. Formulation the soil and water conservation measures in the region. owned, and agro-ecological factors including soil and water conservation practices in of robust policy interventions and programs thus requires However, the proportion of female adopters of SWC attributes. These barriers were more markedly noted by Mopti region by farming system a better understanding of how male and female farmers measures is slightly higher than male adopters, except farmers in the mixed farming system. adapt to the changing climatic condition, evaluation of for zai (Table 5). implemented intervention practices, and their perceived SWC measure All Rice Cereal Mixed (1=used, 0=No) households system system system F-value P-value effects of climate change and the barriers to climate Analyzed results further indicated farmers noting diverse adaptation strategies. constraints to SWC with the most popular including lack Zai 0.42 0.24a 0.34a 0.69b 19.88 0.0000 (0.49) (0.43) (0.48) (0.47) of finances (cited by 29.5%) and limited labor (28%) Three farming systems – those for rice, cereals and mixed (Table 6). Comparable proportions of male- and female- Artificial ponds 0.23 0.22ab 0.16a 0.35b 5.64 0.0040 farming – were considered for the study according to the headed households cited financial and labor constraints (0.42) (0.42) (0.37) (0.48) main crops grown by the farmers. Data were collected as the main barriers to using SWC practices (Figure Vegetative barriers 0.23 0.22a 0.20 a 0.30a 1.51 0.2231 from 297 farmer households, 16 NGOs and 11 focus 7). Adoption of capital and labor intensive adaptation (0.42) (0.42) (0.40) (0.46) group discussions (FGDs) from 11 villages. The sample of technologies like that of SWC practices remain low in Contour bunding 0.23 0.22a 0.19a 0.30a 1.73 0.1786 individual households comprised 13% female- and 87% both male- and female-headed households in the studied (0.42) (0.42) (0.40) (0.46) male-headed households, a proportional representation of villages. The results generally show comparable adaptation the actual heads of households in the region. behavior between the households headed by males and Wells 0.23 0.22a 0.19a 0.30a 1.99 0.1393 (0.42) (0.42) (0.39) (0.46) those headed by females – except for a few adaptation SWC measures are the most critical entry points for methods dominated by male farmers. Stone bund 0.21 0.24a 0.14 a 0.33b 5.93 0.0030 improving land resource resilience and productivity. SWC (0.41) (0.43) (0.34) (0.47) measures maintain long-term productivity and ecosystem SWC are labor intensive and many of them may also Dams and dykes 0.20 0.24a 0.13 a 0.30b 5.28 0.0056 functions (land, water and biodiversity) and increase require substantial amounts of capital investment. Many (0.40) (0.43) (0.34) (0.46) productivity (quality, quantity and diversity) of goods and farmer households are resource poor and may not Dug gullies 0.20 0.22a 0.14a 0.29b 4.06 0.0183 services (including safe and healthy food). afford to purchase these technologies. In addition, the (0.40) (0.42) (0.34) (0.46) opportunity cost of time investment in some of the labor- In the studied villages at least one soil and water intensive SWC measures appears to be quite high for both Note: Standard deviations in parentheses; Common superscripts in rows indicate conservation technology was implemented by more youth and adults. As a result many people in the region, equal mean values Table 5. Soil and water conservation measures, by gender CLIMATE CHANGE AGRICULTURE Male headed Female headed SWC measure (n=244) (n=37) T-statistic P-value AND FOOD SECURITY 0.43 0.35 Zai (0.50) (0.48) -0.95 0.34

0.23 0.24 Artificial ponds (0.42) (0.43) 0.24 0.81

0.23 0.27 Vegetative barriers (0.42) (0.45) 0.54 0.54

0.23 0.24 Ridges (0.42) (0.43) 0.18 0.18

0.23 0.24 Wells (0.42) (0.43) 1.08 0.28

0.22 0.30 Irrigated fields (0.41) (0.46) -1.46 0.15

0.21 0.24 Stony bund (0.41) (0.43) 0.47 0.63

0.20 0.24 Dams and dykes (0.40) (0.43) 0.65 0.51

Use of improved land 0.22 0.14 preparation techniques (0.41) (0.35) -1.14 0.25

0.19 0.24 Dug gullies (0.40) (0.43) 0.72 0.47

Note: Standard deviations in parentheses

Table 6. Barriers to adoption of SWC measures, by farming system

All households Rice system Dry System Mixed system Barrier n % n % n % n %

Lack of financial capital 83 29.5 11 26.8 50 35.7 50 60.2

Labor constraints 79 28.1 11 26.8 38 27.1 38 45.8

Hydraulic characteristics 35 12.5 3 7.3 25 17.9 25 30.1

Plant characteristics 30 10.7 4 9.8 21 15.0 21 25.3

Land tenure 14 5.0 1 2.4 10 7.1 10 12.0

Soil characteristics 11 3.9 - - 9 6.4 9 10.8

Official regulations 3 1.1 1 2.4 2 1.4 2 2.4 45

Figure 8. Components of a Climate- Developing Climate-Smart village Smart Village models through integrated participatory action research Climate-smart Climate information Climate-smart villages are evolving in five West African technologies services countries from Senegal to Niger thanks to integrated participatory action research aimed at protecting food security. Climate-smart Climate change creates new challenges for food security village in the region. To overcome these threats, the CGIAR research program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) developed among other tools and approaches, the Climate Smart Village (CSV) Village development Local knowledge as a model for local action research to achieve food plans and institutions security, enhance livelihood, and improve environmental management, i.e., Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). A range of achievements have already been successful, Capacity building Led by the CCAFS-WA regional program based at ICRISAT including: • Technical staff in all countries and implemented in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger and capacitated in participatory Left (contour bund) and right (zai Senegal, the project’s main objective is to develop Climate- Development and dissemination of climate-smart monitoring and evaluation tools; Partnership technology) use in climate-smart Smart village models in West Africa in order to boost technologies • A strong partnership involving village site of Yatenga in Burkina Faso farmers’ ability to adapt to climate change, manage risks In all the countries, several promising CSA technologies • More than 500 farmers have all relevant actors working and build resilience. Specific objectives are: (i) to coordinate and practices including soil and water conservation (SWC) been capacitated in integrated on climate-change issues at Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT integration of flagship projects (FPs) and other research work techniques such as zai (planting holes), bunding, tie ridging water management options, site in each country has been at CSV sites; (ii) to provide evidence of climate-smartness and no-tillage; agroforestry practices, farmer-managed anti-bushfire squads, compost established for the development of promising CSA options emerging from the CSVs; (iii) to natural regeneration, shorter cycle varieties of crops, preparation and use, land of CSVs; simulate how the current CSV models translate into upper drought-tolerant crop varieties; have been tested and reclamation and soil fertility levels in a bid to guide climate change adaptation planning; validated in the CSVs. As CSA options are context specific, management practices; • CCAFS Flagship Projects led and (iv) to prioritize investment in CSA at national level. some could be scaled up to the same agro-ecological by ICRISAT, ICRAF and IWMI zone in each country. In addition, the CSV model could be • Gender Climate-Smart Groups are working currently on Based on the CSV model (Figure 8) designed by adapted at a medium scale, such as commune or district created and members capacitated site to consolidate the main communities at site level, CCAFS in partnership with in the countries. in soybean production and post- achievements for the scaling-up NARES, NGOs, local authorities etc. have tested and harvest loss reduction in Ghana; purpose of the CSV model; validated several agricultural interventions with the intention of integrating climate-smart agriculture into • New participatory and interactive • The promising results obtained village development plans, using local knowledge and dynamic groups created at from the CSA activities in WA expertise and supported by local institutions. community level to address convinced many institutions climate-change challenges including World Bank and FAO to in Senegal; integrate the CSV approach within funded projects in Niger. • Functional innovations platform for the management of climate risks established in Senegal; Partners: The project works closely with the Flagship Projects teams in the WA region, NARS, gender projects teams, • Awareness by individual farmers CIFOR, Government institutions in charge of coordinating national framing of and communities of natural strategies and policies for climate change- related questions in each country (AEDD- resource (land and forest) Mali, CNEDD-Niger, CONEDD-Burkina management and climate- Faso), and national science policy dialogue Platforms for Climate Change, Agriculture change challenges. and Food Security. Visits and activities 49

Large-scale diffusion in Mali of technologies for ICRISAT Director General visits Mali, Niger CORAF/WECARD and ICRISAT renew their partnership Training on coordinated field and UAV campaigns sorghum and millet systems (ARDT_SMS) and Nigeria agreement organized in Bamako, Mali

The first of a series of agricultural input fairs was held During his visit to West Africa in March 2015, Dr David After more than six years, the West and Central African From 20–30 April, the ISABELA1 team, which leads STARS2 on 11 June 2015 at Bougouni (Sikasso region of Mali) Bergvinson reiterated ICRISAT’s commitment to support Council for Agricultural Research and Development operations in West Africa, organized a training workshop at by the large-scale diffusion of technologies for sorghum smallholder farmers through demand-driven research (CORAF/WECARD) and ICRISAT took stock of their the ICRISAT–Bamako campus to train Mali and Nigeria team and millet systems (ARDT_SMS) project in its mission to for agricultural development to improve their livelihoods partnership agreement and decided to renew certain members on coordinated field and UAV3 measurement provide quality inputs to boost agricultural production and through a close partnership with Mali’s Institut d’Economie points of its contents to reflect the evolution of the campaigns and data processing. Main objectives were improve food security. The objective of the fairs was to Rurale, NGOs and the private sector. scientific environment in Africa and elsewhere. The to train i) field operators in recording agronomic and link quality input suppliers and distributors to farmers in a updated agreement was signed on 27 February 2015 field-level information, ii) scientific officers and research quality and timely manner for the cropping season. “As ICRISAT delivers science findings to farmers, nutrition in Saly Portudal in Senegal by Dr Harold Roy-Macauley, technicians in UAV operations (flight planning, flight of farming households, especially of women and children Executive Director of CORAF/WECARD and Dr David execution, equipment maintenance etc.), and iii) back-office “The fairs promote the establishment of exchange and remains a key driver,” said Dr Bergvinson. He also stressed Bergvinson, Director General, ICRISAT. operators in the securement and post-processing of field partnership platforms between producers, agro dealers the importance of strategies like Inclusive Market-Oriented and remote sensing data using CAN-EYE and cloud point and inputs suppliers,” said Mrs Aminata Coulibaly Development that could enable better inclusion of youth processing software. All operations followed standardized Tangara, National Director of the Mali Agricultural Market and women in the agricultural sector. protocols, building on data evidence from measurement Development Trust (MALIMARK), both partner and campaigns deployed in Sukumba in 2014. organizer of the fairs in the Sikasso region as part of the Dr Bergvinson visited ICRISAT locations in Niger and communication creation strategies of the Africa RISING Nigeria were he met with officials and key players in 1Imagery for Smallholders: Activating Business Entry points ARDT_SMS. After the launch in Bougouni, agricultural their agricultural sectors, including farmers, government and Leveraging Agriculture inputs fairs were organized by MALIMARK in five other officials, donors, private sector members and NGOs. 2Spurring a Transformation for Agriculture through Remote Sikasso locations, namely Koutiala, Kléla, Sikasso, Niéna Sensing and Zantiébougou as part of the ARDT_SMS project. 3Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT 51

Innovations platforms and technology parks to boost Bauchi State Government of Nigeria recognizes ICRISAT Media professionals are trained to support the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Project (WAAPP) technology uptake in Mali extension agent on dry season groundnut cultivation implementation of upscaling groundnut technologies in Nigeria and World Bank officials visit ICRISAT–Kano Mali, Nigeria and Ghana Nigeria New platforms activities were launched in Koutiala and The Bauchi State Governor, His Excellency Mr Muhammed Bougouni for the Africa RISING research program and Abdullahi Abubakar, in a ceremony to flag off the 2015 The training courses were conducted from 1–3 October Representatives of the West Africa Agricultural beyond in southern Mali as part of the Africa Research planting season in Bauchi, presented a motor cycle and in Mali, from 12–14 October in Nigeria and from 19–21 Productivity Project (WAAPP)–Nigeria Project led by in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation certificate to Mr Mohammed Sadisu AbdulSalam. The October 2015 in Ghana to enable media professionals to its Agricultural National Project Coordinator, Mr James (Africa RISING) research-for-development project in presentation was based on recognition of the work of support the implementation of the upscaling of groundnut Apochi, and a World Bank Supervision Mission, led by Dr Mali. The project is supported by the United States Mr AbdulSalam for ICRISAT in Ningi Local Government technologies. In Mali, the training session was attended Abdoulaye Toure and Mr Obadiah Tohomdet, along with Agency for International Development as part of the U.S. Area (LGA) in particular and Bauchi State in general. Mr by 19 media professionals, including community radios, 14 other delegates, visited ICRISAT–Nigeria on 4 November government’s Feed the Future initiative. AbdulSalam is an Extension Agent of Ningi LGA, Bauchi print media, TV and drama producers. In Nigeria, it 2015. The team visit to the station in Kano was in respect State seconded to ICRISAT since 2012. brought together a total of 35 participants, comprising of the two WAAPP–Nigeria-funded projects in ICRISAT– agronomists, extension agents and media professionals, Nigeria: 1) Enhancing the Adoption of Improved Sorghum all from the five states where the project is being Varieties for increased Agricultural System Productivity implemented. Fifteen media professionals attended the and Food Security in Nigeria, and 2) Popularization of course in Ghana. Improved Groundnut Varieties through Seed Production for Increased Agricultural Productivities and Food Security in Northern Nigeria.

Project participants look at the well created to get water for irrigation of the technologies that will be showcased in the technology park in M’Pessoba village, Koutiala district. generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT 53

ICRISAT–Nigeria planning meeting to target capacity Seeing is believing at the Mali Open-House Day STARS project Nigeria partners organized Farmer Capacity building partners in rain gauge monitoring and building of youth and women Field day integrated soil fertility management A joint Open House Day was organized on 17 November A planning meeting to develop training of youth and 2015 at the Samanko Experimental Station in Mali to The Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Zonal Advance As part of the implementation of activities planned in women in agribusiness was held at the ICRISAT Kano office display new varieties of cereals, legumes, vegetables, fruit Space Technology Application Lab (ZASTAL) and ICRISAT- the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) program for fighting on 28–29 October 2015 for the Agricultural Transformation and fodder trees along with other production technologies Nigeria under the Spurring a Transformation for Agriculture malnutrition and food insecurity (PASAM-TAI) in Niger Agenda Support Program phase 1 (ATASP 1). The objective for improving nutrition, incomes and sustainability. through Remote Sensing (STARS project) organized a funded by USAID, ICRISAT-Niamey organized a capacity of the two-day planning meeting was to identify activities ICRISAT, together with all its partners at Samanko, Mali, farmers’ field day on 19 November 2015, which attracted building program for the program partners. Three and elaborate detailed plans on training youth and women comprising AVRDC (The World Vegetable Center), ICRAF over 168 participants, including 38 women farmers, as well workshops in direct reading rain gauge monitoring in small-scale agricultural mechanization, processing, value (World Agroforestry Centre), ILRI (International Livestock as ZASTAL scientists led by the Officer-in-Charge, Dr Ibrahim and two refreshment training sessions to update the addition and entrepreneurship. Research Institute) and AGRA (Alliance for a Green Tudunwada, and CDA partners led by Dr Sani Momale. program staff in integrated soil fertility management Revolution in Africa), organized the event attended by 150 Further participants included representatives of Kano (ISFM) and farm field schools approaches from 26 April visitors representing more than 50 different organizations, State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority and to 12 May 2015 at Mayahi and Matameye (Niger). including farmer organizations, seed-producers’ the College of Agriculture, Danbatta, along with traditional cooperatives, seed companies, national extension services leaders from Kofa and adjacent communities. The occasion and national research partners, local and international was graced with the presence of Dr Anthony Whitbread, development NGOs, bilateral donor and development Director of the CGIAR research program on Resilient organizations, and UN organizations present in Mali. Dryland Systems, who was on an official visit to Nigeria.

Representatives from the Malian Ministry of Agriculture and local government institutions, as well as various diplomatic and European Union representatives in Mali, joined in the visits. Among the prominent guests was Mr Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT Ajay Kumar Sharma, Indian Ambassador to the Republic Demonstration of the working of a locally fabricated modern combined planter of Mali, who toured the demonstration plots and exhibit stands and expressed his appreciation of the great work being conducted for the smallholder farmers of Mali and West Africa. ICRISAT to support the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the Federal Government of Nigeria

ICRISAT scientists in Nigeria have been key partners in the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the Federal Government of Nigeria since 2012 with their work on Sorghum and Groundnut value chains leading to high impact. These efforts are set to continue with the launch of a US$174m African Development Bank-funded project Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support program Phase 1 (ATASP-1) in Abuja on 6 March 2015. 55

Who we are

Bamako, Mali Niamey, Niger

Ramadjita Tabo Mathieu Ouedraogo Malick Ba Sapna Jarial Director, West and Central Africa Scientist – participatory action research (CCAFS) Senior Scientist – entomology Scientist, crop livestock Chad Burkina Faso Country Representative (Niger) India Burkina Faso

Eva W Rattunde Samuel Tetteh Partey Hamidou Falalou Prakash Gangashetty Principal Scientist, sorghum breeding and Scientist – climate change, agriculture and food Scientist, Crop Physiology - Responsible Post Doctoral Fellow – pearl millet breeding genetic resources – dryland cereals security (CCAFS) Regional Genebank and Biotech Lab India Germany Ghana Niger

HFW Rattunde Monica Petri Fatondji Dougbedji Buckner Akouete Koffi Principal Scientist, sorghum breeding and Program Manager/Agronomist Senior Scientist – agronomy Consultant – seed systems genetic resources – dryland cereals Italy Benin Niger USA

Pierre CS Traore Sarathjith Madathiparambil Tom Hash Hassane Amadou Senior Manager – GIS – resilient dryland Post-doctoral Fellow Principal Scientist – pearl millet improvement Regional Finance Manager systems India program Niger France USA

Robert B Zougmore Myriam Adam Dr Boubie Vincent Bado Gaston Sangaré Regional Program Leader – CCAFS Scientist – CIRAD/ICRISAT Principal Scientist – dryland systems and Regional Farm Manager Burkina Faso France livelihood diversification Mali Burkina Faso Future-proof science for upcoming generations upcoming science for | Future-proof 2015 Highlights Africa | and Central West ICRISAT George E Okwach John Rusagara Nzungize Patrice Savadogo Manager, HOPE project for sorghum and millet Project Manager and Technology Uptake ICRAF/ICRISAT Agroforestry Systems Scientist – dryland cereals Specialist Burkina Faso Kenya Rwanda

D Hailemichael Shewayrga Hippolyte Affognon Scientist – groundnut breeding Senior Project Manager and Technology Uptake Ethiopia Specialist – Increasing Groundnut Productivity Kano, Nigeria of Smallholder Farmers in Ghana, Mali and Nigeria (USAID funded project) Benin Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu Ayoni Ogunbayo Hakeem Ajinde Ajeigbe Michael Bobboh Vabi Scientist – land and water management (WCA) Country Project Manager – Mali, Increasing Principal Scientist – agronomy Country Project Manager (Nigeria) –Increasing Ethiopia Groundnut Productivity of Smallholder Farmers Country Representative (Nigeria) Groundnut Productivity of Smallholder Farmers in Ghana, Mali and Nigeria (USAID funded Nigeria in Ghana, Mali and Nigeria (USAID funded project) Nigeria project) Cameroon Felix Badolo Krista Isaacs Babu Nagabhushan Motagi Shuaibu Abubakar Ummah Scientist – agricultural economics Post-doctoral Fellow - Gender and participatory Senior Scientist – groundnut breeding Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist Burkina Faso plant breeding - Dryland Cereals India Nigeria USA

Baloua Nebie Amadou Bila Belemgoabga Ijantiku Ignatius Angarawai Scientist – sorghum breeding Regional Administrator Scientist – sorghum breeding (WCA) Burkina Faso Burkina Faso Nigeria

Alphonse Gbemayi Singbo Agathe Diama Scientist – market economics (WCA) Regional Information Officer Benin Mali Ghana

Gnangnimon G Edmond Totin Amadou Sidibe Paul Tanzubil Scientist – policy and institutions Agro-Socio-Economy - Special project scientist- Country Project Manager (Ghana) Benin Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions Increasing Groundnut Productivity of Mali Smallholder Farmers in Ghana, Mali and Nigeria (USAID funded project) Ghana Photos credits: Cover: Emmanuel Daou, Malidjaw Page 24-25: Malick Ba, ICRISAT Page: 48: Agathe Diama, ICRISAT Page 3: Emmanuel Daou, Malidjaw Page 26-27: ICRISAT Page 49: ICRISAT Page 4: ICRISAT Page 29: (1) ICRISAT, (2) EUCORD Page 50 (1-2-3): Agathe Diama, ICRISAT Page 6-7: Agathe Diama, ICRISAT Page 30: Agathe Diama, ICRISAT Page 50 (4-5): ICRISAT, Nigeria Page 8-9: Baloua Nebie, ICRISAT Page 31: Emmanuel Daou, Malidjaw Page 51 (1-2-3): Agathe Diama, ICRISAT Page 10: Ignatius Ijantiku Angarawai, Page 33: Krista Isaacs, ICRISAT Page 51 (1): ICRISAT, Nigeria ICRISAT Page 34: Zoumana Diakite, ICRISAT Page 52 (1-2): ICRISAT, Nigeria Page 13: Sarathjith M C, ICRISAT Page 35: Agathe Diama, ICRISAT Page 52 (1-2): Agathe Diama, ICRISAT Page 14-15: Benjamin Kurya and Shiyanbola Page 36: ICRISAT Page 53: ICRISAT Abdulsalam, ICRISAT Page 37: Emmanuel Daou, Malidjaw Page 56: ICRISAT Page 16: Falalou Hamidou, ICRISAT Page 43: Agathe Diama, ICRISAT Page 18-19: Agathe Diama, ICRISAT Page 44-45: Mathieu Ouedraogo, ICRISAT Page 21: Fatondji Dougbedji, ICRISAT Page 46-47: Zoumana Diakite, ICRISAT We believe all people have a right to nutritious food and a better livelihood.

ICRISAT works in agricultural ICRISAT-India ICRISAT-Niger ICRISAT-Ethiopia research for development across (Headquarters) Niamey, Niger Addis Ababa, Ethiopia the drylands of Africa and Asia, Patancheru, Telangana, India [email protected] [email protected] making farming profitable [email protected] ICRISAT-Malawi for smallholder farmers while ICRISAT-Nigeria Lilongwe, Malawi reducing malnutrition and ICRISAT-India Liaison Office Kano, Nigeria [email protected] environmental degradation. New Delhi, India [email protected] ICRISAT-Mozambique Maputo, Mozambique We work across the entire value ICRISAT-Mali ICRISAT-Kenya [email protected] chain from developing new (Regional hub WCA) (Regional hub ESA) ICRISAT-Zimbabwe varieties to agri-business and Bamako, Mali Nairobi, Kenya Bulawayo, Zimbabwe linking farmers to markets. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ICRISAT appreciates the support of CGIAR investors to help overcome poverty, malnutrition and environmental degradation in the harshest dryland regions of the world. See http://www.icrisat.org/icrisat-donors.htm for full list of donors.

About ICRISAT: www.icrisat.org ICRISAT’s scientific information: EXPLOREit.icrisat.org

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