ABIDJAN (Reuters) – Distributing new varieties of drought tolerant corn to African farmers could save more than $1.5 billion, boost yields by up to 25 percent and lift some of the world’s poorest out of poverty, a study found.
The study focused on 13 African countries.
It described corn as “the most important cereal crop in Africa,” a lifeline to 300 million people.
The Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa plan aims to hasten the adoption of corn varieties that withstand dry weather.
It also aims to add an annual average of $160 to $200 million worth of additional grain to Africa’s harvest, it said.
