Source: Zerno On-Line (Russia)
Achieving the target of Africa corn yield double 2050 requires urgent action. Maize yields in sub-Saharan Africa will increase through the development and adoption of breakthrough hybrids.
Maize provides food for over 700 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, covering over 40 million hectares. However, demand is growing rapidly. By 2050, maize yields will need to double to meet demand. Without this increase, the region could face an import deficit of 76 million tonnes. Additionally, it would require the introduction of an additional 28 million hectares of land into production, writes Maria Michieka in an article on the CIMMYT portal.
Africa corn yield double 2050: Project launched in Nairobi
The inception and planning meeting for the “Resilient Maize Hybrids for Sub-Saharan Africa” project was held on February 16 and 17, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya. It brought together national agricultural research systems, seed companies, development partners, and technical experts from East, Southern, and West Africa. Their goal was to develop a common path from genetic advancement to improved farmer performance.
Partners from 13 countries participated in the meeting. These included representatives from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, the Gates Foundation, Corteva Agriscience, Qualibasic, IITA, CGIAR centers, and seed sector leaders.
Opening the meeting, CIMMYT Global Maize Program Director Dr. Ashish Saxena outlined the initiative’s broader goal: “Maize is more than just a crop. It is food security, it is income, it is dignity. Incremental improvements are no longer enough. We need transformative solutions, and we must ensure African farmers have access to the technologies shaping global agriculture.”
Dr. Gary Atlin of the Gates Foundation emphasized the need for long-term investment in maize improvement efforts. He also noted the responsibility to translate these investments into measurable results. “Over the past two decades, we have invested approximately $200 million in maize breeding in the region,” he said. “The results are there, and the impact is tangible. Now we must ensure that these investments are further realized.”
Breakthrough hybrids target 25% yield increase
Building on advances in gene editing of DTMA, STMA, AGGMW, TELA, and MLN, the project aims to achieve at least a 25 percent increase in maize yields over the next 10 years.
Dr. Peter Ketiem, Director General of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, emphasized the importance of implementing scientific advances.
“Our challenge today is not just innovation,” he said. “It’s about taking technologies beyond research stations and making them available to farmers on a large scale.”
Discussions focused on strengthening the entire value chain, from breeding to seed production and farmers’ access to seeds. Participants discussed the project’s goal of developing fast-growing, stress-tolerant hybrids. These hybrids combine drought tolerance, heat tolerance, and resistance to major pests and diseases. Farmers need these hybrids for cultivation in an increasingly variable climate.
West and South Africa lead progress efforts
Josef Beyene, project manager for the Resistant Corn Hybrids project, emphasized that this work builds on decades of scientific research. Simultaneously, it focuses on implementing these findings.
“We’re not starting from scratch,” said Beyene. “We already have an elite gene pool, robust breeding programs, and proven stress-tolerant lines. Our task now is to assemble these building blocks into breakthrough products and ensure their effective distribution through seed systems to farmers’ fields.”
The greatest progress is expected in West Africa, where open-pollinated varieties are widely grown. Farmers there face severe pressure from armyworm and Striga weed. In South Africa, the focus is on developing early-maturing hybrids that better tolerate drought and heat.
The expert noted that over the past five years, CGIAR-certified stress-tolerant maize seeds have covered 7.5 million hectares annually in sub-Saharan Africa. These seeds were distributed through more than 100 seed companies in 13 target countries and 7 expanded countries. This has benefited approximately 50 million people annually. Consequently, it generated $2.7 billion in economic benefits, demonstrating both the scale of the impact and the high return on investment.
Seed systems and market dynamics take center stage
Seed production systems also featured prominently in the discussion. This Production Technology for Africa (SPTA) was highlighted as a way to improve efficiency. It also increases the reliability of hybrid seed production for seed companies while maintaining high yields in farmers’ fields.
Corteva Agriscience shared information about the technology and requirements for its rational use. Meanwhile, Qualibasic emphasized that quality assurance systems ensure consistency and regulatory compliance requirements.
“By strengthening seed production systems, we improve the reliability of seed companies and the availability of quality seed to farmers. Innovation must work in practice, not just in theory,” noted Sarah Collinson of Corteva.
The meeting also discussed market dynamics, including demand for yellow and orange corn. Participants emphasized that successful breeding depends on clear demand signals from processors and feed companies. Effective communication and regulatory clarity are also essential.
Gender and social inclusion were a constant focus throughout the discussions. The teams emphasized the need to meaningfully include women and young farmers in seed testing, training, and access strategies. This ensures equitable adoption and effectiveness.
The second day of the meeting focused on operational planning. During breakout sessions, participants clarified product development plans, regulatory engagement pathways, partner roles, and the steps required to bring proven hybrids to market. They also outlined how to begin commercial production and distribution.