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Project Overview

So, what’s the problem

Maize is an important food crop in majority of households in East and Central Africa, where it accounts for 40-50% of the calories and proteins consumed. The outbreak and rapid spread of Maize lethal necrosis disease has emerged as a great challenge to maize production, threatening food security for the majority of households in the Eastern and Central Africa region.

What is this project doing?

The project aimed to ensure MLND was sustainably managed in eastern and central Africa; increasing productivity and efficiency of the maize value chain. To reduce instances and severity of the disease and its spread the team sought to increase and achieve equitable access and use of technologies, innovations, management practices and knowledge of disease management. This contributed to increased maize productivity in the region and hence improved food security and income. 

The key objectives were to:

• Develop and disseminate Maize lethal necrosis  resistant/ tolerant maize varieties that were adaptable to eastern Africa
• Validate and disseminate proven MLND technologies, innovations and management practices in an integrated way to prevent the spread
• Enhance the knowledge base on MLND viruses and the epidemiology of the disease in eastern Africa
• Facilitate policy and economic analyses and advocacy to guide viable, equitable and gender responsive management interventions
• Strengthen regional capacity for innovation to prevent and control Maize lethal necrosis 
• Enhance communication, information and knowledge on MLND with key CABI activities to:

– Identify existing  knowledge on MLND and the information needs and opportunities

– Improve dissemination of Maize lethal necrosis information

– Create awareness of Maize lethal necrosis among stakeholders