Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.3, 124-133 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 124 Research Article Open Access Maize in Global Food Security: Role and Challenges Xian Zhang, Guifen Wang Hainan Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572000, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: yuexin.zhu @hitar.org Field Crop, 2024, Vol.7, No.3 doi: 10.5376/fc.2024.07.0013 Received: 01 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 11 Apr., 2024 Published: 01 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhang and Wang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhang X., and Wang G.F., 2024, Maize in global food security: role and challenges, Field Crop, 7(3): 124-133 (doi: 10.5376/fc.2024.07.0013) Abstract Maize plays a critical role in global food security due to its significance as a staple crop and its various applications in agriculture. This study examines the historical and modern advancements in maize production, the challenges faced, and the environmental impacts associated with its cultivation. It discusses traditional classifications and uses of maize, significant changes in production and consumption, and the introduction of modern agricultural technologies. It also addresses genetic improvement, precision agriculture, and digital management techniques. The challenges section highlights agronomic, economic, market, social, and political issues affecting maize production and consumption. Furthermore, this study analyzes sustainable agricultural practices and the impact of maize production on biodiversity and climate change. Innovations and solutions, including policy support and community-based approaches, are proposed to overcome these challenges. Case studies of successful maize production systems and lessons learned from various regions are presented. This study concludes with future research directions, policy recommendations, and the application of cutting-edge technologies in maize production and aims to provide a framework for enhancing maize's role in global food security. Keywords Maize; Food security; Agricultural technology; Sustainable farming; Environmental impact 1 Introduction Maize (Zea mays), commonly known as corn, is one of the most significant staple crops globally. It is characterized by its erect green stalk and kernels, which are storage organs containing essential components for plant growth and reproduction. These components, including starch, protein, and micronutrients, are crucial for human health, making maize a vital part of global agriculture and human diets (Nuss and Tanumihardjo, 2010). Historically, maize has been integrated into various cultural traditions and agricultural practices worldwide, particularly in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where it serves as a primary food source. Maize plays a critical role in global food security due to its widespread cultivation and consumption. It is a cornerstone crop not only for human nutrition but also for animal feed and biofuel production, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to support nutritious food production for healthy populations (Tanumihardjo et al., 2020). The crop's significance is further underscored by its contribution to the stability and availability dimensions of food security, particularly in Africa and Asia, where it is a major component of the cereal value chains. However, challenges such as land degradation, water scarcity, and climate change threaten maize production, necessitating innovations to maintain and increase productivity (Grote et al., 2021). Additionally, efforts to improve the nutritional quality of maize through biofortification and other agronomic approaches are ongoing to address malnutrition in regions heavily dependent on maize. The study is to explore the role of maize in global food security and identify the challenges associated with its production and utilization. By examining various aspects of maize agro-food systems, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of how maize can contribute to achieving food and nutrition security in alignment with the SDGs, highlights the ecological and socio-economic drivers affecting maize value chains and propose strategies to overcome these challenges. Ultimately, this study seeks to inform future research and policy recommendations to enhance the sustainability and nutritional value of maize, thereby supporting global efforts to ensure food security for all.
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