Tsedeke Abate：（Tsedeke减弱）.pdfVIP

Journal of Asian Scientific Research, 2013, 3(10):956-973 Journal of Asian Scientific Research journal homepage : /journal-detail.php?id=5003 DROUGHT RISK AND MAIZE PRODUCTION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA Girma T. Kassie International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) Augustine Langyintuo Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Nairobi, Kenya Olaf Erenstein International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Debrah Maleni International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe Simon Gwara International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Harare, Zimbabwe Tsedeke Abate International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya ABSTRACT This paper discusses drought risk perception and management in five southern African countries. A sample of 1108 households was randomly drawn with different sample sizes across countries. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non -parametric statistical models. Drought was reported to be the most important livelihood challenge in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, whereas it was indicated to be second, next to sickness and mortality of a family member, in Angola and Mozambique. Maize varieties in general and improved open pollinated and hybrid varieties in particular are being considered very risky in terms of predictability and reliability of yield