Worsening Droughts Threaten Africa’s Maize Supply — Experts Warn Of Possible Food Shortages

Over the past decade, parts of Africa have faced severe droughts that have hampered the growth of maize (corn), a staple crop that millions rely on for calories and protein. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns are increasing the frequency and severity of these droughts, placing food security at risk across the continent.

Why Maize Is Vulnerable

Maize is a high‑moisture crop that needs consistent water to mature. Most African smallholder farmers depend on rain‑fed systems, which can fail in prolonged dry spells. As a result, yields in many African regions remain low — roughly 2 tons per 2.5 acres on average — compared with about five times that amount in the United States on the same land area.

Economic And Market Pressures

Africa imports about $50 billion of food annually, largely cereals. Recent supply‑chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions have caused uneven shipments and volatile prices. "We've seen a lot of volatility when it comes to price shocks caused by climate change, the lack of a structured market, and demand versus supply," said Wawira Njiru, founder of Food4Education. She added that in other regions shocks occur but the adverse effects are often less severe.

"We've seen a lot of volatility when it comes to price shocks caused by climate change, the lack of a structured market, and demand versus supply." — Wawira Njiru, Food4Education

Global Implications

Country‑level crop failures can ripple beyond Africa: some South African corn exports go to neighboring states and to Asian markets including China, Vietnam, and South Korea. Widespread production shortfalls could push global corn prices higher and strain consumers' household budgets abroad. Erratic weather is already affecting maize in other regions, including Hungary, China, and Colombia.

Solutions Underway

Researchers, governments and NGOs are pursuing multiple strategies to strengthen resilience. The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) has spent the last 15 years developing heat‑tolerant maize varieties, distributing more than 150 strains to seed companies and reaching roughly 60 million people in 2024. Some countries, like Kenya, are diversifying reserves by adding sorghum, millet, pigeon peas, and mung beans to national grain stocks. Local initiatives such as seed banks, regenerative agriculture, and shifts to drought‑resistant crops are also being adopted to protect community food supplies.

What Individuals Can Do

While large‑scale policy and research solutions are essential, individual actions can contribute to slowing climate change. Using energy‑efficient appliances, reducing electricity consumption, washing clothes in cold water, and turning off unused lights help lower greenhouse gas emissions that drive rising temperatures and drought risk.

Bottom line: Without continued investment in drought‑resilient crops, improved water management and stronger markets, climate‑driven volatility could increase the risk of food shortages in parts of Africa and raise prices globally.