NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization’s Agricultural Mechanization Research Institute (KALRO-AMRI) has hosted a delegation from the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) to assess the impact of collaborative agricultural research projects aimed at improving maize production in Kenya.
The visit focused on evaluating the progress of the Double Haploid maize breeding programme, a joint initiative supported by GIZ, CIMMYT and KALRO that has produced improved maize varieties, including the Mjeshi maize variety.
Mjeshi maize has been developed to withstand Fall Armyworm (FAW) attacks, one of the most destructive pests affecting maize production, while also featuring a prolific double-cob trait that increases yield potential and other agronomic characteristics designed to strengthen food security and improve farmers’ resilience.
The delegation was received by KALRO-AMRI Institute Director Rachael Kisilu, who underscored the importance of continued collaboration in advancing agricultural research, innovation and technology transfer.
“Continued partnerships are critical in advancing agricultural research and innovation that improves farmers’ livelihoods and strengthens food security,” Kisilu said.
The visiting team included Dr Lilian Gichuru, Director of Seed Systems at CIMMYT, and Walter Chivatsi, a maize breeder at the organisation.
The two officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships that promote the development, testing and dissemination of climate-resilient, high-yielding maize varieties capable of addressing emerging agricultural challenges.
The collaborative programme seeks to equip Kenyan farmers with improved seed varieties that can withstand pests and changing climatic conditions while increasing productivity and supporting national food security goals.
