Maize is one of the main staple foods in Malawi. About 1.2 million hectares are annually grown to maize thereby accounting for 70% of the total land under cultivation by smallholder farmer. Maize nutritionally provides about 80% of the much-needed carbohydrates in Malawi. And since the country’s population is still rising so is the demand for maize which must increase at a much higher rate than the population itself.

By the end of this lesson, the farmer should be able to understand:

• Good management practices for maize production
• How to better manage maize pests and diseases
• Knowledge on improving maize productivity
• Knowledge on post-harvest handling of maize

• Grows best below 1,800m above sea level. Areas higher than this will expose maize to a lot of pest problems.

• Depending on the variety maize grows best in areas with annual total of 600-1000mm and on duration most maize varieties matures between 100-150days areas with shorter rain season requires supplementary irrigation
• Ideal soils are those which are deep (at least 100cm) well drained and aerated soils of pH 6-8. Maize yields are high on rich soils since it is a heavy nutrient feeder.

Improved varieties are currently recommended at a seed rate of 25kg/ha. Improved varieties include:

• Malawi Hybrid (e.g. MH 16, 17, 18 , 91 etc)
• Dkc 8033 mapasa,Dkc9089 fumba Nkangala and sangalabwi        
• Dekalb. ( DK 8031, DK 8071, etc)
• Chitedze Composite A (CCA)
• Kanyani, njovu, mkango