Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most important staple food crop in Kenya. It is grown over a wide range of agroecological zones ranging from sea level to over 2,100 masl. The average rainfall varies from 250 mm to more than 2,000 mm per year. The total land area under maize production is about 1.6 million hectares, of which 70-90% is from small-scale farms. Annual production is estimated at 3.3 million tons. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the area under maize (1972-1992) remained stagnant while production increased by 1.6% due to improved yield. In contrast, consumption increased at a rate of 2.1% per year.
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