Summary
This observational study of 435 households and 542 plots in Zimbabwe during a severe drought examined whether adoption of stress-tolerant maize varieties improved yields and food security among smallholders. Whilst STM adoption was associated with positive mean yield effects and moderate reductions in food insecurity, benefits were concentrated in intermediate drought conditions rather than extreme drought, and strongest where plots were small, close to the homestead, and managed intensively. The findings suggest STM can stabilise production and improve food security, but realised benefits depend critically on farm context and agronomic management rather than variety alone.
Regional applicability
Zimbabwe's agroecological and climatic context differs materially from the United Kingdom, limiting direct policy transfer. However, the study's insights on heterogeneous effects of climate-adaptive varieties across farm sizes and management intensities may inform adaptive research and extension approaches in drought-prone regions globally, including consideration of gender roles in adoption and dietary outcomes.
Key measures
Maize yield (t/ha), household food insecurity (FSI or HFIAS), dietary diversity, farm size, proximity to homestead, women's decision-making role in maize production
Outcomes reported
The study measured associations between stress-tolerant maize (STM) adoption and maize yields and household food security during the 2023/24 El Niño-induced drought. Analysis examined heterogeneous effects across farm contexts and household decision-making structures.
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