Corn Enriched with Vitamin A is a Winner!
Doris says growing and selling “orange maize,” a Vitamin-A-enriched corn variety developed using conventional plant-breeding techniques, has changed her life.
She’s been actively involved with the Lundazi program since its inception three years ago. Because of her long-standing commitment to the agricultural techniques and practices she has learned, she was selected to receive training in seed multiplication organized by local partner CCAP.
Last year, Doris received a six-and-a-half-pound pack of orange maize which she cultivated on a small piece of land. She later harvested twelve 110-lb bags, sold part of the harvest and used the proceeds to buy inputs for this year’s farming season.
Orange maize turns a common staple food into a ready source of an essential nutrient for maintaining good health. Vitamin A is important for human growth and development, immune function, and reproduction. It helps the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs function correctly, supports hair and skin health, and may also reduce the risk of some cancers. It’s no wonder the public is willing to pay more for it than for traditional maize.
She admits that a higher selling price was an incentive for her to want to grow more of the orange maize. She says the additional income will serve her family well. The strong market demand and resulting selling price have provided a reason for many other participants to cultivate it, too.
Doris was overwhelmed with joy over her success, praising CCAP’s efforts. “Thanks to the program for empowering our community with knowledge and certified seeds. This will go a long way toward alleviating poverty at both the household and district levels.”
CCAP, in turn, is filled with pride knowing what a pivotal role their efforts play in improving the food security of participants and their neighbors.
Zambia Lundazi Program
Led by World Renew and Local Partner Central Church of Africa Presbyterian, Zambia (CCAP)