Harder times ahead as maize acreage forecast to fall 40pc

The forecast looks set to hurt farmers’ earnings, put pressure on inflation on the rising cost of the staple following scarcity besides leaving millions in need of food aid.

“In the coming years production of maize is going to drop by 40 per cent as a result of hot temperatures that will not be conducive for the crop,” said Dr Rono, without giving timelines.

Temperature rise has been occasioned by human activities such as destruction of forest and invasion of wet lands, leading to global warming.

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According to the scientist, hot temperatures will interfere with the formation of pollen resulting to a failed crop.

“High temperatures will sterilise the pollen and this will affect the development of the maize crop,” said the scientist without giving a specific year when temperatures are expected to rise.

Local scientists in collaboration with their international counterparts are developing a gene bank for indigenous crops such as millet and sorghum to come up with high yielding varieties for food sustainability in the country.

According to researchers, these crops can withstand high temperatures and can perform well even with the effects of climate change. 

Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organisation established a Genetic Resource Centre in 2013 and has currently stocked about 2,000 plant genes for future use.