Maize

Maize is a cereal grain and one of the world's most widely cultivated crops, serving as a staple food for billions of people and a critical input for livestock feed and industrial products. Also known as corn in many English-speaking countries, maize originated in Mesoamerica and has become central to global food security and agricultural economies. The crop is grown across diverse climatic zones, with major producers including the United States, China, Brazil, Argentina and South Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa, maize is the dominant staple grain, providing the foundation for traditional dishes and accounting for a significant share of caloric intake in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Maize is traded on commodity exchanges worldwide, with prices influenced by weather patterns, input costs, biofuel demand and export policies. The grain is processed into a wide range of products, including meal, flour, starch, sweeteners and ethanol. White maize is typically preferred for human consumption in southern Africa, while yellow maize is used primarily for animal feed and industrial applications. Maize production is sensitive to rainfall variability and soil fertility, making it a focal point for agricultural policy, research into drought-resistant varieties and food-security programmes across the continent. The crop's economic significance extends from smallholder farmers to large-scale commercial operations, agribusinesses and futures markets.