Maize Production Case Study

Maize is a staple food for the inhabitants of Moiben sub County and other parts of Kenya. However, its production is facing some challenges that have led to decline in yield. Improving maize production is considered an important strategy of solving the problems of food insecurity in the countries where rapid population increase is a major challenge especially in Sub-Sahara Africa, this therefore, can be achieved by improving management practices of maize production and which is a main source of employment and income for the rural population. Maize accounts for 30−50% of low-income household expenditures in Eastern and Southern Africa and when the price of this commodity is increased, the poor suffers most. In addition, the grains are rich in vitamins A, C and E, carbohydrates, essential minerals, and contain 9% protein; they are also rich in dietary fiber and calories, which are a good source of energy. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of maize planting management practices on maize production among farmers in Moiben sub-county with an objective of establishing the role of planning of planting of maize on food security in Moiben sub-county. The total population of Moiben sub-county is 138,409 people with 17,299
Most maize production in Africa is rain fed; hence famers need to time and plan well the planting time so as to ensure optimal maize production and hence food security. The harvest per acre vary from 2.5 to 7 tons depending on soil and its cultivation while worldwide consumption is more than 116 million tons, with Africa consuming 30% (Oladejo et, al 2012). Maize management has vital effects on food security just as high yield levels are related to high resource-use efficiencies due to optimization of growing conditions and maximum maize management practices (Lobell et al