Indigenous Maize Makes Comeback in Homa Bay

In Summary

• Indigenous maize varieties gain traction in Homa Bay for resilience and taste.
• Farmers report yields of 2–3 tonnes per hectare, maturing in 2.5 months.
• Varieties resist pests, diseases, and drought, requiring no fertilizers.
• Challenges include high seed costs and limited market access.
• County supports adoption through Kigoto Maize Mill and subsidies.
• Push for awareness to boost cultivation and food security.

Indigenous maize varieties are making a strong comeback in Homa Bay County, driven by their resilience, fast maturity, and superior taste, as farmers seek sustainable alternatives to hybrid seeds. Walter Opiyo, a farmer from Gem East in Rangwe Sub-county, has championed these traditional varieties, reporting impressive performance. “I planted it last season, and it yielded well, resistant to pests and diseases, maturing in just two and a half months,” Opiyo said, noting its sweet flavor when roasted or milled into flour.

The maize, distinct for its unique color (neither white nor dark when ground) requires no fertilizers or pesticides, making it cost-effective for smallholder farmers facing rising input costs. Opiyo’s wife, Priscilla Mueni, initially skeptical due to its appearance, now prefers it for household meals, with their children favoring its taste. “It’s like gold, but people reject it due to its color. Awareness could make it a profitable crop,” Mueni said.

Homa Bay’s push aligns with efforts to enhance food security, with 50% of the county’s population facing food shortages between July–August and December–March. The Kigoto Maize Milling Plant, launched in 2022, supports local farmers by processing up to 30 tons daily, ensuring a market for indigenous maize and reducing post-harvest losses. Governor Gladys Wanga has urged farmers to scale up production to meet the plant’s demand, offering subsidies and inputs to boost cultivation.

However, challenges persist. Opiyo noted that indigenous seeds are expensive and hard to find, urging government intervention to improve access. “I bought seeds at a high price. If they were affordable, more farmers would adopt them,” he said. Low marketability, with only 46% of farmers finding buyers, also hampers adoption, alongside issues like striga weed (60%) and low soil fertility (71%).

The county is promoting regenerative agriculture to address these constraints, integrating maize with legumes like beans in the traditional “Three Sisters” system to enhance soil health and yields. Nuru Kenya, expanding into Homa Bay since 2020, is training farmers on these practices, citing success stories like Milka in Migori, who increased maize yields from 3 to 18 bags per acre. You can read her full story directly on Nuru Kenya’s website here: Read Milka & Josephat: Nuru Kenya Farmers

Farmers are advocating for education campaigns to promote indigenous maize’s nutritional and economic benefits. The county plans to establish seed banks and expand market linkages by 2026, aiming to replicate Nyatike’s rice success to make Homa Bay a hub for resilient crops.