INVESTIGATING THE SOCIAL AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF MAIZE PRODUCED BY SMALLHOLDER FARMERS (A CASE OF PIGMENTED LANDRACE MAIZE VARIETIES IN MALAWI)

Abstract

This study investigated reasons for continued production and the effect of production location on physicochemical and phytochemical attributes of pigmented landrace maize in selected districts of northern and central regions of Malawi. A survey included 105 smallholder farmers. Samples of orange, red and purple maize grains and soils were collected. Reasons for continued production of pigmented landrace maize included grain storability (95%) using traditional storage methods and availability and accessibility of seed (86%) among other reasons. Notably the study found that purple maize from Ntcheu had significantly higher iron content (56.42±0.20 mg/kg). No direct association was observed between grain and soil mineral content. Total carotenoids content were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Ntcheu (58.90±0.32 μg/g) and Mzimba (58.39±0.38μg/g). It can be concluded that production location contributed to these differences. However, pigmented maize varieties showed high physicochemical and phytochemical attributes than reported in white hybrid maize varieties. It can also be concluded that biodiversity conservation ensures access to nutritious crops. Farmers in Malawi are therefore encouraged to produce pigmented landrace maize varieties in addition to white hybrid maize for increased nutrients availability in their diet. Further studies need to focus on complete characterisation of phenolic compounds of pigmented landrace maize varieties.