Wheat breeders from Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe met in Addis Ababa from August 10–14, 2026, to strengthen regional collaboration and explore digital and data-driven tools for developing climate- and disease-resilient wheat varieties.
The five-day meeting was organized by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) as part of the second Global Wheat Program Community of Practice (CoP). Scientists used the gathering to exchange experiences, strengthen technical skills and explore modern approaches to make national wheat breeding programmes more efficient and responsive to farmers’ needs.
A key focus was the use of genomic, digital and data-driven technologies in breeding. Participants received practical exposure to the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS), as well as tools such as Bioflow and Field Book, which support activities ranging from parent selection and crossing to trial management, digital data collection, analysis and data-based selection.
The discussions come as African wheat production faces increasing pressure from drought, erratic rainfall, climate change and emerging diseases. Researchers emphasized that stronger regional cooperation is needed to share knowledge, technologies and expertise across national breeding programmes.
Dr. Shitaye Home, a plant breeder and senior researcher at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), said collaboration is essential to address challenges that extend beyond national borders. She also highlighted the need for continued coaching and technical support as researchers adopt digital breeding tools.
Zimbabwean wheat breeder Masawi Jairos said the practical training on EBS was particularly valuable as breeders continue to familiarize themselves with the technology. He identified disease resistance and climate adaptation as key areas where regional cooperation can accelerate progress.
The meeting also emphasized that technological advances must be supported by institutional capacity building. Prof. Niguse Dechasa, Director General of EIAR, highlighted CIMMYT’s long-standing partnership with Ethiopia in areas including germplasm exchange, wheat breeding, pathology research and scientific capacity development.
CIMMYT Global Wheat Program Director Dr. Flavio Breseghello also discussed emerging trends in wheat research, including advances in hybrid wheat and modern breeding approaches aimed at accelerating genetic gains.
The collaboration continued beyond the meeting, with CIMMYT representatives engaging Ethiopian agricultural and research institutions and visiting wheat research activities at the Kulumsa and Bishoftu Agricultural Research Centers.
CIMMYT said the long-term impact of the initiative will depend on how effectively the digital tools, knowledge and regional networks developed through the Community of Practice are integrated into national breeding programmes.
The initiative highlights how modern breeding technologies and regional scientific collaboration could help African researchers develop wheat varieties better suited to drought, changing rainfall patterns, disease pressures and farmers’ evolving needs.