Drought Tolerant Maize in Africa: A Novel Technology Fostering Regional Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

AbstractFood insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa is a perennial problem, which was exacerbated by the global economic crisis, spiking food prices in 2007/2008 and in 2010/2011. In 2010, an estimated 239 million people or 26% of the world’s malnourished people lived in Sub-Saharan Africa. The trend is particularly problematic in the Horn of Africa, where in 2011; thirteen million people lived in hunger. The widespread concern about food insecurity inspired international collaboration between CIMMYT and IITA to leverage innovation as a tool to develop hybrid maize, known as the Drought Tolerant Maize in Africa (DTMA). Maize is a staple food providing livelihoods to more than 300 million Africans. The initiative, which is carried out in thirteen countries in East, West and Southern Africa, aims at generating, by 2016, drought tolerant maize providing a one ton/hectare yield increase under adverse weather conditions, while increasing the average yield by 20–30%, with an outreach of 30–40 million people. It also promises to add an annual average of US$160–200 million additional grain. Therefore, the major objective of this chapter is to elaborate food insecurity crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa and the role of DTMA in stemming the tide. The chapter employs empirical data to assess drought tolerant maize in Africa and its potential effects on household food security and poverty reduction. It reveals a significant increase in output associated with DTMA and demonstrates a strong potential to combat regional food insecurity. The chapter therefore proffers recommendations aimed at transforming African agriculture through novel technologies and innovative practices, as well as the development of market mechanisms that spur higher productivity, environmental sustainability and poverty reduction.KeywordsAfricaMaizeDroughtFood security