Summary
This empirical study of over 14,000 smallholder maize fields across Sub-Saharan Africa identifies specific agronomic practices—centred on cultivar selection, nutrient management, pest control, and crop management—capable of doubling yields without requiring cropland expansion. The findings suggest that targeted research and development investments in these proven practices could satisfy the region's projected 2.3-fold increase in maize demand whilst minimising further agricultural land conversion, addressing a critical tension between food security and land use in the region.
UK applicability
The findings have limited direct applicability to UK maize production, which operates under different agronomic, climatic, and socio-economic conditions. However, the methodological approach of identifying high-impact agronomic practices through large-scale smallholder field studies could inform yield-improvement strategies in other regions with similar farming contexts.
Key measures
On-farm maize yield; cultivar selection effects; nutrient management effects; pest management effects; crop management effects; potential additional maize production (million tonnes); cropland area expansion avoidance
Outcomes reported
The study identified agronomic practices that can double on-farm maize yields and quantified the potential additional production (82 million tonnes) achievable within current cropped area across 14,773 smallholder fields.
Topic tags
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