Briefs in PDF

WEMA (Water efficient maize for Africa) brief
Project goal
The WEMA partnership was formed in response to a growing call by African farmers, leaders, and scientists to address the effects of drought and insect-pest pressure in a cost effective way for smallholder farmers in Africa.

WEMA FAQ
What is WEMA?
The Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) project is a public-private partnership coordinated by the African Agricultural (AATF) to develop drought-tolerant and insect-protected maize varieties. The purpose of these improved varieties is to produce more reliable harvests under moderate drought conditions and protect maize from insects. These varieties will offer benefits to smallholder farmers – most of whom are women – so they can feed their families and increase their incomes. Download pdf

WEMA Confined Field Trials FAQ
Why are the trials important?/What is the purpose?
The CFTs are done to test new plants under real field conditions and to assess the performance of the transgenic trait in a local environment and in local germplasm. Data from the trials will enable selection of the best lines that perform better under drought stress. This will help in eventual seed production for regulatory approval and for deployment to farmers. The CFTs are being conducted by the national agricultural institutes in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. The institutes are working with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and Monsanto who are partners in the WEMA project. Download pdf

DroughtTEGO™ WE1101
DroughtTEGO™ is the trade-name for high yielding, drought tolerant white maize hybrids developed by the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) Project. The first DroughtTEGO™ hybrid WE1101 was available to farmers in Kenya in June 2013. Download pdf