Maize is an important lifeline in southern Africa (SA) where over 150 million people consume close to 13 million metric tons annually (FAOSTAT, 2014). Maize production in Africa extends from SA through eastern Africa (EA) and across the savanna of western Africa. In SA, the maize area is estimated around 5.2 million hectares. Modern maize varieties are estimated to represent more than three-quarters of maize area in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Lesotho and South Africa. With total production of 17 million tons per annum, SA is a net surplus producer in most years (SADC, 2011). The surplus is, however, accounted for by only three countries, Malawi, South Africa and Zambia, out of the eleven countries in the region, with the majority countries (Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Lesotho, Swaziland and Democratic Republic of Congo and Botswana) perpetually registering deficits. South Africa alone accounts for 55% of the production depending on rainfall distribution (BMI USDA, 2012). Despite the skewed regional production, SA has the highest average per capita consumption of maize ranging from 52 to 328 g/person/day (FAO, 2012). In some countries such as Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe the average consumption exceeds 100 kg/capita/ year, representing more than 50% of total calorie intake (FAOSTAT, 2010).

Maize CRP FP4 - Alignment with and strengthening maize seed systems for effective product delivery

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