The growth of smallholder maize production in Zimbabwe (1979-1985): implications for food security

A position paper on the importance of cereal production to national nutrition and food security in rural Zimbabwe.In 1980, over 40% of the population of Sub-Saharan Africa suffered from calorie deficiencies, as indicated by consumption levels below 90% of FAO/WHO requirements. Consumption levels below 80% of FAO/WHO requirements threatened one-quarter of all Africans with stunted growth and serious health problems^ (World Bank, 1986:17). Yet per capita food production further declined in two-thirds of the Sub-Saharan countries over the next five years (FAO, 1985a). African cereal grain imports increased to record levels (FAO, 1985b). By 1987, three-quarters of the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa required concessionary food aid. In the SADCC region, every country except Zimbabwe required net food imports (USDA, 1987)The research supporting the preparation the proceedings papers was financed by the U.S. Agency for International Development, Bureau of Science and Technology; Bureau for Africa; and the Southern Africa Regional Programme; under a Food Security in Africa cooperative agreement