slower in countries lacking strong
research and extension systems, or
lacking well-developed networks for
distributing inputs.

The following summary of regional
trends in maize production in the
developing world shows which
areas have benefited most from
new technologies and which areas
remain relatively unaffected (Table
3, Figures 3 and 4).

Latin America-In 1984-88, 27
million hectares were planted to
maize in Latin America; more than
three-quarters of this area was in
Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. Use
of improved germplasm is quite
high in Latin America compared to
other regions of the developing
world: in 1985/86, 50% of the maize
area was sown to hybrids, 10% to
improved open-pollinated varieties,
and 40% to local varieties
(CIMMYT 1987). Combined with a
modest expansion in maize area, in-
creased yields have helped fuel an
average annual growth rate in total
maize production of 3%.

South Asia, East Asia, and
Southeast Asia-In 1984-88, 35
million hectares were planted to
maize in this region. Area ex-
panded between 1961-65 and 1984-
88, resulting in a cumulative
increase of nearly 9 million hec-
tares. Use of improved germplasm
is high: in 1985/86, 42% of total
maize area was planted to hybrids,
14% to improved open-pollinated
varieties, and 44% to local varieties
(CIMMYT 1987). Yield increases
have been impressive, mostly
because of large yield gains ob-
tained in China through greater
use of nitrogenous fertilizer, im-
provements in irrigation infrastruc-
ture, and the introduction of


hybrids. The years from 1973-77 to West Asia and North Africa-
1984-88 saw regional maize produc- Maize area in this region is com-
tion accelerate sharply, rising at paratively small and since the early
about 4.2% per year. Average yields 1960s has remained around 2.4
currently stand at 2.8 t/ha, among million hectares, much of it irri-
the highest in the developing world. gated. Use of improved germplasm


Table 3. Growth in maize area, yield, and production in developing
countries by region, 1961-65 to 1984-88

 .1 .M


 --egrt*;*-4:


South Asia, East Asia,
and Southeast Asia

Latin America

West Asia and North Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa


1.3 3.5 4.8


Source: Calculated from FAO data.


(million ha)
40 --


 Latin South, East, West Asia Sub-Saharan
 America and Southeast and Africa
 Asia North Africa

Source: CIMMYT survey data.

Figure 3. Use of maize germplasm by developing country region,
1985-87.