Maize is the primary staple food for more than 85% of Kenya's population Maize is Kenya’s main staple and any threat to its production, be it from pests, diseases or socio-political or economic factors endangers both food security and national security of this East African country of 55 million people.
How so?
1). Stalk borer damage costs   maize farmers in Kenya an estimated $60 to $75 per hectare in yield losses; Stalk borer damage reduces national maize production by about 400,000 tonnes valued at US$76M – US$90M annually
2). Maize is the primary staple food for more than 85% of Kenya’s population
Maize accounts for approximately 3% of Kenya's total GDP and 12% of the agricultural GDP 3). Maize accounts for approximately 3% of Kenya’s total GDP and 12% of the agricultural GDP
4). Maize is cultivated by more than 4.5 million smallholder farmers
5). The maize value chain supports more than 6 million Kenyans
6). Maize is used for human food, animal feed and biofuel production
7). Maize makes up about 65% of daily cereal calorie intake
8). Maize per capita consumption reaches more than 90 kg annually.
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