Crop Name: Maize I_2022

Description: Maize, Zea mays L. (Corn), is the most abundantly produced cereals in the world. It is grown on every continent except Antarctica. About 50 species exist and consist of different colors, textures, and grain shapes and sizes. White, yellow, and red are the most common cultivated maize types. The white and yellow varieties are preferred by most people depending on the region. Maize, which was domesticated in central Mexico around 1500 BC, was introduced into Africa around 1500 AD, and spread to every corner of the continent within a relatively short period and is now Africa’s most important cereal crop. Importance Maize is the most important cereal crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and an important staple food for more than 1.2 billion people in SSA and Latin America. More than 300 million Africans depend on maize as the main staple food crop. All parts of the crop can be used for food and non-food products. Maize accounts for 30−50% of low-income household expenditures in Africa. Over 30% of the caloric intake of people in sub‐Saharan Africa comes from maize. For these reasons, several African countries that depend on maize as a staple food crop, have adopted agricultural policies to maintain a steady supply of the commodity through increased production and productivity of the crop. Maize is also consumed as a vegetable and it is rich in dietary fiber and other nutrients. Production Maize production in Africa was around 75 million tons in 2018, representing 7.5% of world maize production. Maize occupies approximately 24% of farmland in Africa and the average yield stagnates at around 2 tons/hectare/year. The largest African producer is Nigeria with over 33 million tons, followed by South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Africa imports 28% of its required maize grain from countries outside the continent as most of the maize production in Africa is done under rain-fed conditions. Irregular rainfall can trigger shortages and famines during occasional droughts. Area and consumption According to FAO (2017) the total maize harvest in Africa was estimated at 40 million hectares, with Nigeria being the top producer (16%) followed by Tanzania. Worldwide maize consumption is estimated to be more than 116 million tons with 30% and 21% of the consumption occurring globally and in SSA, respectively. Around 14 countries in SSA consume 85–95% of white maize as their staple food. White maize fetches premium prices in Southern Africa, where it represents the main staple food, whereas yellow maize is preferred as animal feed in most parts of South America and the Caribbean. Maize is processed and prepared in various forms depending on the country. Ground maize is prepared into porridge in Eastern, Southern, and West Africa. In all parts of Africa, green (fresh) maize is boiled or roasted on its cob to fill the gap when the supply of grain is low.

Cost per Acre: GHȼ2110.34

Cost per Unit: GHȼ263.79

Operational Charge: 10.00%

Estimated Revenue per Unit: 5.57% - 21.08%

Duration: 15th Apr 2022 - 30th Oct 2022

1. It's very important to note that the end date only serves as an estimation of the commodity's maturity. The harvesting and trading of the commodity typically takes a minimum of three months. Therefore, payment will be made following the successful sale of the farm's produce. For further details, make sure to read the terms and conditions.

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