How to farm crops for each season

Maize is a major staple food in sub Saharan Africa. Over the years, production has been abysmally low and this poses a food problem. Maize yield in Africa is only 3.1 tons per hectare as compared to 8.4 tons per hectare in industrialized countries and 3.3 t/ha in developing countries in other parts of the world. This resulting low yield is mainly caused by drought, pests, diseases and low fertility.

As at 2017, statistics had it that Nigeria produced 7.2 million metric tons of maize which was insufficient in meeting the demand due to maize being a seasonal crop produced only in the rainy season.This situation is so because maize farming is done mostly at subsistence level in Africa and the capital investment in the maize production is quite low.

Maize is only grown during the wet season because the crop requires a sufficient amount of moisture for proper growth. Due to this situation maize is only readily available during the wet season and relatively becomes scarce during the dry season.

The country depends on importation from developed countries so as to ensure sustainability. But the importation had a disadvantage as it reduced the nation’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and affected the productivity of our livestock industry because most imported maize are chemical bound.

Solution:

Apply all year round the use of an irrigation system that will constantly provide the crops with the required moisture for proper growth. This will ensure that the dry season won’t hinder the growth

Use of hybrid seeds that are more adaptable to harsh conditions and relatively less susceptible to pests and diseases.

Train other farmers on improved and sustainable maize cropping practices and establish partner farms with them

Reduce purchasing costs for indigenous consumers or companies who use maize as a raw material.

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