Maize Value Chain in the SADC Region

The report analyzes the maize value chain in the SADC region, emphasizing the need for coherent regional policies and improved governance structures between actors. It identifies critical gaps in infrastructure and finance, recommending the establishment of warehouse networks and receipt systems in Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique, alongside the promotion of yellow maize for animal feed and the adoption of GM certified seeds.

• Developing the regional maize value chain requires more consistent and coherent policy approaches across the region, as private trade and investment progress more slowly in environments where government policy is unpredictable.
• The maize value chain consists of a sequence starting with input supply, followed by production, harvesting, post-harvest handling, storage, marketing, processing, and consumption.
• Governance structures and the horizontal or vertical relationships between value chain actors are essential for creating efficient marketing and production channels; these actors vary significantly between South Africa and other SADC countries.
• To drive formalization, the report recommends establishing warehouse networks and receipt systems in Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to increase farmer liquidity and demand for storage.
• Strategic priorities for the region include promoting yellow maize as a commercial cash crop for animal feed and encouraging the use of conventional and genetically modified (GM) certified maize seed.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (2016). Maize Value Chain in the SADC Region. https://saiia.org.za/saiia-toolkit/maize-value-chain-in-the-sadc-region/

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. Maize Value Chain in the SADC Region. 2016. https://saiia.org.za/saiia-toolkit/maize-value-chain-in-the-sadc-region/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=Maize Value Chain in the SADC Region |date=2 June 2016 |url=https://saiia.org.za/saiia-toolkit/maize-value-chain-in-the-sadc-region/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairs2016maize, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{Maize Value Chain in the SADC Region}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2016}, month = jun, url = {https://saiia.org.za/saiia-toolkit/maize-value-chain-in-the-sadc-region/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }