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Background

Maize is one of Uganda's primary staple foods and has evolved from a subsistence crop to a successful commercial one. Maize is currently sold for food in schools, famine relief by the World Food Program and export to Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi.

Maize production has improved with the adoption of simple technologies by farmers. These technologies include, improved seeds like Hybrid and Longe varieties, timely planting, proper spacing and timely harvesting.  In addition, use of fertilizers for soil fertility improvement has been encouraged as well as minimum or zero-tillage farming. Annual maize production is estimated at  600,000 tons. 

APEP Interventions

Through collaboration with the private sector, APEP uses the demonstration site approach to expose farmers to improved maize production technologies. Sites promote sound agronomic practices, improved maize seed varieties, fertilizer and herbicide application and post-harvest handling techniques. By September of 2004, 291 demonstration sites were established exposing 4,227 farmers these techniques.