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

Abstract

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)