Dryland farmers have adopted ICRISAT-NARS varieties of sorghum, millet, groundnut, chickpea and pigeonpea on a million hectares across Africa.

Higher-yielding, earlier-maturing millets (shown here) and sorghum are a big hit across Africa, where they are the staple cereals of the poor. Groundnut (peanut), chickpea and pigeonpea have also been improved for yield,disease resistance and food quality.

Growing higher value fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops – rewarding better
land care.

High-value crops like date palm can help farmers escape poverty, the root of many ills. Bio-diverse farming systems are more economically efficient and environmentally stable.

Smallholder-appropriate soil, water and gene management strategies to reduce drought risk.

Earthen bunds, stabilized by special grasses, gather rainfall that would otherwise be lost as runoff. With this extra water and soil fertility provided by mulch, the high-value Sahelian apple tree can survive the harsh dry season of the Sahel and deliver a good profit.

Geographic information systems, models, rural telecenters and biotechnology.

A strategic emphasis on biotechnology.

Participatory plant breeding, farmers' field schools, and supporting farmer associations.

In ICRISAT's participatory approach, farmers choose the crop and farming system options they want to test, and researchers carefully gather their feedback.

Innovative partnerships link smallholder farmers to lucrative urban and export markets.

Farmers counting their cash after selling groundnuts for export to the UK. ICRISAT's expertise in aflatoxin management helped them meet quality standards.

More affordable, efficient and environmentally-safe ways to use fertilizer, raising and stabilizing yields.

Small amounts of fertilizer and organic matter make a huge difference in poor dryland soils, as seen in the treated plot in the background

Strengthening local seed systems, rehabilitating NARS, and helping aid agencies become more efficient and effective.

Farmers use aid vouchers to buy small packs of seeds best suited to their needs and conditions, helping them recover from natural disasters and conflicts.

Joint programs and projects, network coordination and support, and learn-by-doing opportunities.

Researchers, development agents and farmers from many different organizations work and learn together.

Africa-Asia exchanges of expertise, germplasm, advanced science techniques, soil-water management experiences, and training.

Kenyan women test grain quality of new sorghum