When farmers thank the rains for water, the thought behind it is usually for the bountiful harvest that accompanies arable land with sufficient water, and maize farmers are not left out. This short piece highlights the lifespan of the grain star- Maize, its benefits, some interesting facts, and how you can tap from its wealth.

Maize, Zea mays L, the golden kernels that dominate the cereal world. The most utilized multifunctional grain crop globally, serving both human and animal consumption purposes, is being cultivated for grain and forage. Globally, approximately 65% of the demand for maize is in the livestock feed production sector, with developing countries accounting for about 56% of this demand, with the United States, China, and Brazil as the top three maize-producing countries on the continents.

Nigeria is Africa's second-largest producer of maize, trailing South Africa, with an annual output of around 11 million metric tons (MMT). The top ten maize-producing states in Nigeria – Borno, Niger, Plateau, Katsina, Gombe, Bauchi, Kogi, Kaduna, Oyo, and Taraba – account for nearly two-thirds (64%) of the country's total maize production.

It is a major staple food grain not only in Africa but in many parts of the world like Latin America and Asia and is also used as a major feed in developed countries. The maize grain has numerous products ranging from edible grains to syrups and oils. Some of its products are used for corn ethanol and animal feed. Notably, there has been a significant upward trend in maize grain prices, with the domestic Nigeria market hitting a historic high of N600,000 per metric ton during 2022/2023. This price surge has led farmers to transition from crops such as sugarcane and millet to maize.

Economic Benefits

The increasing need for maize from both the human consumption and industrial segments has resulted in a notable upswing in commodity prices. Prices have significantly surged by over 60% in the 2022/2023 season. This surge has, in turn, negatively affected the growth of the poultry sector and indirectly contributed to the inflation of food prices, including eggs.

It's a basic food for many people and a key ingredient in animal feed. Industries use maize to make various products like corn oil and starch, supporting jobs and manufacturing. Maize also plays a role in biofuel production, contributing to renewable energy efforts. Its global trade helps countries exchange resources and boosts foreign exchange.

Issues such as low access to finance, low access to inputs, and excess rainfall affected the production volume of maize during this 2023 season. Although it noticed a slight increase of 6.9% to approximately 11.6 million metric tons in 2023 compared to 2022 production, it is forecasted here not to match the consumption needs.

To read more about this commodity, access our Crop Production Report here.