Golden maize: High provitamin A maize varieties

Nutrition-boosting, income-enhancing maize.

These maize varieties have distinctive orange kernels, a result of high beta-carotene content. They are developed through advanced breeding techniques, combining naturally provitamin A enriched lines from Central and South America with elite land races and hybrid lines with improved agronomic traits.

This technology is TAAT1 validated.

7•7

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 7/9; level of use 7/9

Adults 18 and over: Positive high

It provides improved nutrition, helping to address vitamin A deficiencies

The poor: Positive high

It offers affordable access to essential nutrients, reducing healthcare costs associated with malnutrition.

Under 18: Positive high

It helps combat malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency, which is especially crucial for children's growth, immune system development, and overall health.

Women: Positive high

Women, particularly pregnant and nursing mothers, benefit from better nutrition, reducing risks to maternal and child health.

Climate adaptability: Moderately adaptable

These varieties are bred to be more resilient to various environmental conditions, making them adaptable to climate variability.

Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement

These varieties help farmers adapt to climate change by providing a resilient, nutrient-enriched crop.

Soil quality: Does not affect soil health and fertility

The cultivation of these varieties could promote better land use management when coupled with sustainable farming practices.

Water use: Same amount of water used

These varieties are expected to have similar water requirements as conventional maize

Problem

Widespread Vitamin A Deficiency: A significant portion of the population, particularly children and adults, suffer from inadequate vitamin A levels. This leads to preventable cases of blindness and compromises immune system function, increasing susceptibility to diseases like measles, diarrhea, and respiratory infections.
Malnutrition and Weak Immunity: Common maize varieties lack essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to widespread malnutrition and weakened immunity. This puts 50% of children aged 0.5 to 5 years at risk of vitamin A deficiency, leading to serious health complications and reduced quality of life.

Solution

Addressing Vitamin A Deficiency:

Provitamin A enriched maize varieties provide a stable source of essential nutrients, combating deficiencies.
Preservation of beta-carotene ensures a consistent supply of vitamin A.
Genomic modification maintains nutrient content without compromising yield.

Combatting Malnutrition and Weak Immunity:

Cost-effective approach for regions heavily reliant on maize.
Tailored to meet nutritional needs, providing a significant portion of daily vitamin A requirement.
Accessible and adaptable for diverse farming systems.

Key points to design your project

This technology serves as a transformative solution, significantly enhancing gender inclusion. It brings advantages to farmers, demonstrating resilience to climate challenges such as droughts and low rainfall, and showing resistance to pests and diseases. Moreover, it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing issues of hunger and promoting the well-being of users, particularly women and children.

To integrate this technology into your project, and create a list of project activities and prerequisites and plan these activities:

- Considering the technology cost of 0.8 to 1.2 USD per kg and a requirement of 25 kg per ha, estimate the quantity of seeds needed for your project.

- As the technology is available from Nigeria and Zimbabwe, include the delivery cost to the project site and account for import clearance and duties if relevant.

A team of trainers could provide training and support during project installation. Include the cost for training and post-training support for using the technology.

Communication support for the technology should be developed (flyers, videos, radio broadcasts, etc.)

For better optimization of the improved maize variety, it is recommended to associate this technology with legumes through intercropping or rotation, and to combine manure application and mulching to enhance nutrient and water availability for the crop.

To implement the technology in your country, you could collaborate with agricultural development institutes and seed multiplication companies.

IP

Open source / open access

Scaling Readiness describes how complete a technology’s development is and its ability to be scaled. It produces a score that measures a technology’s readiness along two axes: the level of maturity of the idea itself, and the level to which the technology has been used so far.

Each axis goes from 0 to 9 where 9 is the “ready-to-scale” status. For each technology profile in the e-catalogs we have documented the scaling readiness status from evidence given by the technology providers. The e-catalogs only showcase technologies for which the scaling readiness score is at least 8 for maturity of the idea and 7 for the level of use.

The graph below represents visually the scaling readiness status for this technology, you can see the label of each level by hovering your mouse cursor on the number.

Scaling readiness score of this technology

Maturity of the idea 7 out of 9

Semi-controlled environment: prototype

Level of use 7 out of 9

Common use by projects NOT connected to technology provider

Maturity of the idea										Level of use
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9

Enabling Environments for Sustainable Regional Agriculture Extension (ENSURE)

Project funder: African Development Bank & East Africa Community
Planned Budget: USD 13.14 million
Location: East African Community (Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda)
Planned duration: 2024–2027
Deployment means: On-farm demonstrations, training, digital tools (SMS, IVR, video, radio, pictorial guides), bundled inputs + advisory services, Training of Trainers (ToT)
Project main implementer: East African Community (EAC)
Project Description: Strengthen agricultural extension systems using digital tools, private-sector approaches, regional coordination, and multi-commodity focus (maize, cassava, rice, drought-resilient crops).
Objective: Promote regional extension, enhance advisory services, scale climate-smart technologies, build sustainable private sector–led extension systems, strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks.
Expected outcome: Increased adoption of improved technologies, improved farmer productivity and profitability, enhanced access to quality inputs and pest management solutions, strengthened resilience to climate and pest risks, regional market integration, job creation for youth and agripreneurs.
Figures of adoption: Target 3 million farmers reached over 4 years, digital extension pilots in 7 EAC states, training of extension agents, lead farmers, cooperatives, and youth agripreneurs, rollout of Pest Information Management Systems (PIMS).
Profiles of adopters: Smallholder farmers, women, youth agripreneurs, cooperatives and producer organizations, public and private extension agents, National Plant Protection Officers (NPPOs).
Lessons learnt: System-level approaches needed beyond technology delivery, digital tools most effective with in-person facilitation, supportive policy/regulatory environment critical, regional harmonization boosts scalability and cross-border diffusion of technologies.

Projet d’Appui au Développement des Chaînes de Valeurs en soutien au Programme de Transformation de l’Agriculture (PADCV-PTA)

Project funder: African Development Bank
Planned Budget: USD 311.609 million
Location: 6 provinces in Congo (Kongo Central, Kwango, Maï-Ndombe, Kasaï Oriental, Lomami, Sud-Kivu)
Planned duration: 2024–2029
Deployment means: Direct access to improved seeds and planting materials, seed system strengthening (INERA, SENASEM, multipliers), Farmer Field Schools and demonstration plots (1,600 sites), strengthened public extension (SNV), training/capacity building, subsidized or cost-shared inputs and equipment, irrigation infrastructure (5,200 ha), rural road rehabilitation (600 km), contract farming and private sector partnerships
Project main implementer: Social Fund of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Project Description: Implements the National Pact for Food and Agriculture (PNAA) using an integrated value chain approach combining technology access (seeds, practices), infrastructure development (irrigation, roads), extension services, farmer organization, finance, and market access to boost productivity, reduce imports, strengthen resilience, and structure agricultural value chains.
Objective: Restore national seed capital, scale improved and climate-resilient technologies, increase productivity, facilitate access to inputs/advisory/markets/finance, promote climate-smart agriculture, strengthen farmer organizations and value chain governance, reduce food imports, and enhance resilience to climate shocks and conflict.
Expected outcome: ~80% crop yield increase (rice, cassava, maize, soybean), 1.68 million tons/year additional production, expansion of irrigated rice, improved access to seeds/inputs, stronger farmer organizations, better post-harvest handling and market integration, increased private sector engagement, reduced food imports, improved national food security.
Figures of adoption: 900,000 farming households directly supported, ~295,000 ha cultivated with improved seeds, 5,200 ha irrigated rice, 600 km rural roads rehabilitated, 1,600 FFS/demonstration plots, 2 million households indirectly benefiting, +4.1 million tons private sector processing, ~1.68 million tons annual production increase
Profiles of adopters: Smallholder farmers, women farmers (100% of women-headed households in target areas), youth/agripreneurs, internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South Kivu, seed producers, cooperatives, farmer organizations/inter-professional associations, public extension services, local authorities
Lessons learnt: Infrastructure (irrigation, roads) and market access are critical for adoption, seed system reform is a bottleneck, contract farming/aggregation incentivizes adoption, combining inputs + extension + finance accelerates impact, governance and institutional coordination are key for scaling and sustainability

Projet d'Urgence de Production et de Sécurite Alimentaire & Nutritionnelle (PUPSAN/AEFPF)

Project funder: African Development Bank (AfDB) Group – Transition Support Facility (TSF) loan and grant
Planned Budget: USD 7.040 million
Location: Republic of Mali
Planned duration: 2022–2024
Deployment means: Distribution of certified seeds and subsidized fertilizers, training for extension staff and farmers on climate-resilient practices, use of digital tools (tablets with Rice Advice and WeedMaster applications)
Project main implementer: Ministry of Rural Development (MDR) via Office Riz Ségou (ORS) and the PDIR-PD2 project management unit
Project Description: Emergency intervention to counter food insecurity by providing climate-resilient inputs, supporting the acquisition of 1,027.14 tons of seeds and 2,234 tons of fertilizers, and assisting national seed policy reforms
Objective: Increase agricultural production and reduce the negative impact of rising food and input prices on the Malian population
Expected outcome: Additional production of 11,145.6 tons of food products, yield increase of 30–50% across targeted crops
Figures of adoption: 35,274 producers targeted, 8,829 hectares cultivated, distribution of 1,027.14 tons of seeds and 2,234 tons of fertilizers
Profiles of adopters: Vulnerable producers including 30% women (10,582), 20% youth (7,054), 10% internally displaced persons (3,527)
Lessons learnt: Leveraging existing execution agencies accelerates startup, efficient procurement systems (advance actions, direct negotiation) are critical, and digitalization ensures transparency and traceability in input distribution

Emergency Food Production Project (Projet de Production Alimentaire d’Urgence - PPAU)

Project funder: African Development Fund (ADF) (Loan and Grant) and the Government of Guinea
Planned Budget: 19.39 million UC (~USD 25.23 million)
Location: Republic of Guinea – national coverage
Planned duration: Nov 2022 – June 2024 (Completion) / Dec 2024 (Closing)
Deployment means: Distribution of certified seeds and fertilizers (30% government subsidy), GAP training, digital platforms (e-Voucher/e-Extension), TAAT technical assistance
Project main implementer: Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) via Project Management Unit (UGP) of PATAG-EAJ
Project Description: Emergency operation to mitigate rising input/food prices and boost production of rice, maize, and tubers
Objective: Improve food and nutritional security; increase agricultural production and productivity in intervention zones
Expected outcome: Additional production of 71,429 tons rice, 57,000 tons maize, 12,000 tons cassava; significant yield increases across crops
Figures of adoption: 35,750 direct farmers; 2,000 tons rice seeds, 750 tons maize seeds, 20,000 cassava cuttings distributed; 63,286 ha additional sown area
Profiles of adopters: Smallholder farmers (≥10,750 women – 30%), 1,650 livestock farms, youth entrepreneurs; targeting vulnerable populations
Lessons learnt:
- Constraints: High international input prices, climate vulnerability
- Success factors: Strong existing UGP (PATAG-EAJ), e-Voucher digitalization for transparency, TAAT technical support for rapid multiplication technologies (SAH)

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested
Countries with a blue colour: Testing ongoing

Countries where the technology is being tested or has been tested and adopted
Country	Testing ongoing	Tested	Adopted
Cameroon	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Democratic Republic of the Congo	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Ghana	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Kenya	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Malawi	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Mali	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Nigeria	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Rwanda	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Tanzania	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Zambia	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Zimbabwe	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ	Subtropic - warm	Subtropic - cool	Tropic - warm	Tropic - cool
Arid	–	–	–	–
Semiarid	–		–
Subhumid	–		–
Humid

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Goal 2: zero hunger

It addresses malnutrition and hidden hunger by increasing provitamin A content in maize

Goal 3: good health and well-being

It helps reduce vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to severe health issues such as blindness and immune system problems.

Goal 13: climate action

By improving yields under less predictable weather conditions, golden maize supports sustainable farming that reduces vulnerability to climate-related risks.

Variety Selection: Choose the specific Provitamin A Enriched Golden Maize variety best suited for your region. Refer to local agricultural guidelines for recommended planting practices.
Soil and Fertilizer Management: Conduct a soil test to assess nutrient levels and pH balance. Adjust fertilization based on the requirements of the chosen maize variety.
Consider Intercropping or Rotation: In areas with low soil fertility, consider intercropping Provitamin A Enriched Golden Maize with legumes or rotating with other crops. This practice enhances nutrient availability and water retention, benefiting the specific characteristics of this maize variety.
Monitor Growth and Pest Control: Regularly monitor the growth of Provitamin A Enriched Golden Maize, paying close attention to signs of pests or diseases that may affect this specific variety. Apply recommended pest control measures as needed.
Harvesting: Time the harvest for when kernels of the specific Provitamin A Enriched Golden Maize variety are fully mature and dry. This is typically indicated by a change in color and texture.
Storage and Processing: Store harvested maize in dry, well-ventilated conditions to prevent moisture-induced spoilage while ensuring the specific provitamin A content of this maize variety is retained. Use processing methods that minimize oxidation.