Maize Sector Development Strategy. Country/Territory Ethiopia Document type Date 2013 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Agricultural & rural development, Cultivated plants Keyword Agricultural commodities Sustainable development Food security Smallholders/peasants Research Plant production Plant variety Planting material/seeds Post-harvest treatment Geographical area Africa, AFRICA FAO, Eastern Africa, Landlocked Developing Countries, Least Developed Countries, Sahel Entry into force notes 2013 - 2017. Abstract This Maize Sector Development Strategy is a nationwide sub-sectoral document aiming at ensuring that all components of the maize sector are addressed in a comprehensive and coordinated manner through a value chain approach in order to achieve the Vision of seeing greater food security and increased incomes for smallholder maize farmers realized through enhanced productivity and better access to markets that are sustainable and efficient. The core components of the maize value chain are (i) research and technology development; (ii) access to inputs; (iii) on-farm production; (iv) post-harvest processing and storage; and (v) trade, marketing and demand sinks. For each component, the Strategy indicates both core and further necessary interventions in order to achieve the overall goal. Prioritized interventions are (i) increase farmers’ awareness of new varieties, especial Quality Protein Maize; (ii) engage in alternative options of input financing at the farmer level; (iii) develop agro-ecology and socio-economically specific input recommendations; (iv) conduct seed delivery through alternate channels; (v) increase awareness of recommended input and agronomic management methods; (vi) promote sustainable cropping systems to reduce the prevalence of mono-cropping; (vii) increase access to post-harvest processing equipment and technologies; (viii) tap into large-scale maize demand of food aid agencies; (ix) explore exports to neighboring countries with high demand for maize; and (x) explore and encourage investment into maize value-addition and promotion. Full text English Website www.ata.gov.et