Why it matters?
Most maize breeding programmes focus on developing varieties for commercial farming systems. However, smallholder farmers often face different challenges such as poor soils, drought stress, and limited access to irrigation or fertiliser. This project was launched in the 2017/18 season to help close this gap by improving access to high-quality, drought- and heat-tolerant maize varieties specifically suited to smallholder conditions. By equipping farmers with better-performing seed for low-input environments, the project strengthens food security and resilience among smallholder producers, while also supporting household income and the long-term sustainability of maize production in vulnerable rural communities.
Research approach
The project evaluates elite inbred lines and hybrids under both optimal and stress-prone environments across Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the Eastern Cape. Trials are conducted on both research stations and smallholder farms to ensure relevance to real farming conditions. Traits such as drought and heat tolerance, low soil fertility response, and overall grain yield are assessed. Marker-assisted selection and conventional breeding techniques are used to identify the best combinations. Promising lines are advanced through multilocation testing to confirm stability. The research is collaborative and farmer-focused, ensuring that selected hybrids are adapted to local conditions and suitable for low-input systems.
Research impact to farmers
The project delivers maize hybrids that are resilient to drought, heat, and nutrient-poor soils conditions often faced by smallholder farmers. By testing and selecting varieties directly under these tough conditions, the hybrids are more reliable and better adapted to low-input environments. Farmers benefit through improved yields, reduced crop failure, and better household food supply. Seed from successful hybrids is multiplied and made accessible to rural communities, helping close the gap between research and real-world impact. In the long term, this strengthens livelihoods, boosts productivity, and helps ensure more stable maize production in vulnerable smallholder systems.
Resources
Reports
- Interim findings reported to funders and collaborators (available upon request)
Collaborators & research leads with collaborative institutions
- Agricultural Research Council
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Free State
Principal investigators
- Dr Nicky Creux (UP-FABI),
- Prof Gert Ceronio (UFS),
- Mr Deon Du Toit (ARC)
Collaborating institutions
- Prof Emma Archer (Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, UP),
- Dr Dirk Swanevelder (ARC Biotechnology Platform),
- Prof Wouter Maes (University of Ghent),
- Dr Robert Mangani (Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, UP)
Post graduate students
- UP-FABI: Ms Ofentse Mathibela (PhD Plant Science),
- Mr Sizwe Mthembu (PhD Plant science)
- Mr Johan Cilliers (MSc Biotechnology),
- Nosihle Xulu (FABI SACTA intern)
UFS
- Mr. Bandile Simelane (MSc Agric Agronomy),
- Mr. Uviwe Njombela (MSc Agric Agronomy)
Technician
- Ms Theodora Mathobisa (ARC)