- 7 Sections
- 25 Lessons
- Lifetime
- Module 1: Maize Description, Varieties, and Seed SelectionObjectives: at the end of this section, the participants should be able to:
• Have knowledge of maize, its different varieties, uses and economic importance.
• Know TAAT technologies for maize commodity. (Pro-Vitamin A maize)
• Differentiate between the types of maize seed. Know the high yielding varieties in the market and their sources. Specifically identify Pro-Vitamin A maize variety.
• Knows the nutritional components of PVA maize.
• Identify high quality seed of PVA for planting.5 - Module 2: Land Preparation and Planting Techniques5
- Module 3: Farm Management and Harvesting Techniques6
- Module 4: Post-Harvest Handling, Storage, and Packaging5
- Module 5: Maize Processing and Value Addition5
- Module 6: Agribusiness and Enterprise Creation in the Maize Value Chain5
- Final Assessment and Certification2
Curriculum
Introduction to Maize and Its Economic Importance
Overview of Maize
Maize (Zea mays), commonly known as corn, is one of the most essential cereal crops worldwide due to its versatility, adaptability, and productivity. Originally domesticated in Mexico, maize spread globally and adapted to diverse climates, from tropical to temperate regions. Today, maize supports over 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa as a staple food crop, providing calories, essential nutrients, and a basis for various economic activities.
Maize is cultivated in over 164 million hectares globally, with production reaching over 1 billion tons annually. Key production regions include the Americas, Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa, where maize is fundamental to both food security and economic stability.
Major uses of Maize
Maize has numerous applications both domestic and industrial. These include:
Cooking Oil, Corn Starch, Dextrose, Dextrins, Corn Syrup, animal feed production etc
Economic Impact of Maize in Africa
As a primary staple food in sub-Saharan Africa, maize plays a significant role in food security, poverty reduction, and income generation. It accounts for 30-50% of food expenditure in low-income African households and supplies over 30% of caloric intake. Its role in smallholder livelihoods is crucial, providing food, feed for livestock, and cash from market sales. Maize-based products, including cooking oil, starch, and animal feed, further expand its economic value. African countries increasingly focus on enhancing maize production to ensure food security and economic growth.