South Africa’s grain economy is anchored by maize, supported by a structurally constrained wheat sector and a rapidly expanding soybean industry.
Kenya’s maize sector has faced recurring challenges from erratic rainfall, high input costs and logistical bottlenecks, even as the government promotes subsidized fertilizer and seed programmes to boost domestic production.
The Department of Agriculture has expanded awareness efforts after Goss’s Wilt spread to eight of the country’s nine provinces.
Strong demand from Asian markets is helping South Africa manage its large maize harvest while supporting market stability.
Large volumes of duty-free maize entering Kenya from regional markets have cut local grain prices, raising concerns about farmer incomes and future production.