This brochure gives a step-by-step account of how to choose an open-pollinated maize variety for southern Africa.

The purpose of this study is to characterize the maize producing households and to assess the adoption of improved maize varieties. This study was also designed to collect baseline data on farm households to construct indicators that could be used to subsequently measure the impact of the adoption of improved maize varieties. Due to cost and time, the baseline study was conducted in only two selected districts in the country.

The survey collected baseline data on farm households to construct indicators for measuring changes in the adoption of improved maize varieties and for assessing impact on adopting households. The main objective of the study was to understand the potential use of the drought tolerant maize (DTM) technology by farmers, provide information for policy makers, and serve as a baseline for measuring impacts of the project.

The information in this publication is based on results of the maize trials carried out in 2009. For further details, contact D. Makumbi.

This publication is based on results of the maize trials carried out in southern Africa, in 2008. For further details, contact C. Magorokosho, B. Vivek and J. MacRobert.