Potential for quality protein maize for reducing proteinenergy undernutrition in maize dependent Sub-Saharan African countries: A review
Abstract
Most cereal crops, including maize ( Zea mays L .), are deficient in essential amino acids, such as lysine and tryptophan; hence they are poor in protein quality. A mutant maize with elevated levels of lysine and tryptophan was developed by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) and was called quality protein maize (QPM). Nonetheless, people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continue to use normal endosperm maize (non-QPM) instead of QPM. The objective of this article was to examine the existing information on institutional arrangements, infrastructure and social systems hampering adoption of QPM and to identify opportunities for promoting the campaign for its utilisation in SSA, through innovative research for development initiatives. It is clear that QPM has superior nutritional value, both to humans and to monogastric animals compared to non-QPM. Lack of sound policies and awareness among farmers about the existence and advantages of QPM are some of major drawbacks to QPM adoption and realisation of its benefits. Most farmers hardly believe information regarding nutritional composition of varieties, without convincing visual evidence such as grain yield from demonstration plots. Many African governments have mounted campaigns geared to promote adoption of QPM varieties. Varying levels of QPM adoption have been recorded in South Africa, Burkina Faso, Uganda and Ghana with high QPM production under areas ranging from 12 500 to 71 250 ha. In order to reduce…
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