SIMLESA research reaping results

A farming family from Ethiopia participating in the SIMLESA project. Photo credit: Judy Lynn
Thursday, 6 November 2014

Our Adoption Pathways Project is researching how farmers make decisions about adopting technologies from the Sustainable Intensification of Maize-Legume Systems for Food Security in Eastern and Southern Africa (SIMLESA) project.

A new 15-minute video provides insights into the SIMLESA multi-partner initiative being implemented in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. SIMLESA’s most notable activity is the breeding of improved maize varieties that meet the specific agro-ecologogical needs of targeted farming systems within the five countries. SIMLESA’s integrated approach is also leading to viable solutions that address key constraints to adoption within maize-legume systems. The initiative is expected to have significant impact over a 10-year timeframe – increasing yields while conserving natural resources and the environment. SIMLESA is supported by CIMMYT, ICRISAT, ASARECA, QAAFI-UQ, Murdoch University, ARC and the Australian Government via ACIAR.