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Maize value chain/East Africa - Efforts underway to develop maize varieties tolerant to drought and pests

10 March 2015

Climate change is a challenge to cereal farmers in East Africa.

Climate change is a challenge to cereal farmers in East Africa. There is an increasing drought incidences in Africa which mainly affects maize production which is a major staple crop. The Water Efficient Maize for Africa (Wema) was formed in 2008 from a public-private partnership which aim at developing scientific maize seeds which tolerate drought in four African countries (Uganda, Mozambique, Kenya and Tanzania). The maize breed will be distributed to small holder farmers in May 2015. Moreover, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and other research institutes have engaged in the research in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa. Two maize varieties (We2101 and We2130) with a maturity times of 140 and 146 days have already been released in 2014. Other sample varieties are We2104, We2106, We2114 and We2115 which are tolerant to virus (Northern Corn leaf blight, grey leaf spot and maize streak virus). In order to maintain the quality and quick outreach of maize seeds during the distribution process to small holder farmers, the companies which multiply and supply the seeds need to have an agreement with the AATF.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/Farming/Efforts-underway-to-develop-maize-varieties-tolerant-to-drought/-/689860/2603664/-/100ee5q/-/index.html

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