Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa (DTMA) project: Country report-Community survey

The purpose of this community survey was to gain an insight into drought and drought tolerant maize in Malawi. A number of maize varieties were grown in the case study districts of Balaka and Mangochi. These were hybrid, composites, open pollinated varieties (OPVs) and local varieties. In Mangochi, all varieties were grown for local consumption while in Balaka only the local variety was grown for home consumption and the rest were grown for sale. In maize production, the main risks were drought; plant diseases and pests; dangerous weeds; and poor management and declining soil fertility. Sorghum was less risky and less profitable than maize in Mangochi while barley was more profitable than maize in Balaka. Farmers were dis-adopting composites, hybrids and OPVs because of poor performance during drought or dry spell periods (OPVs), low yield (composites) and poor storability (hybrids). Some farmers abandoned the local variety because it gives low yields and takes longer to mature. Drought, erratic rainfall, dangerous weeds, floods (particularly in Mangochi), market risks and destruction of crops by wild animals were considered main shocks or risks that directly affect maize production. Credit was a serious constraint to agricultural production and most households face food shortage from August to February. The coping strategies used during periods of food shortage included selling firewood, river sand, livestock and other assets, participating in off-farm work programs, and reducing frequency of eating meals. A number of environmental conditions have changed in the communities due to poor cultivation practices, mismanagement of forests and heavy rainfall. The notable changes are deforestation, soil erosion, declining soil fertility and increased floods.

Socioeconomics Program|Global Maize Program

Text in English

INT2923|INT1320|I1705103

CIMMYT Staff Publications Collection