Maize

Maize is the staple food for the majority of Tanzanians. Maize is grown in all 20 regions of Tanzania. The crop is grown on an average of two million hectares or about 45% of the cultivated area in Tanzania. However, most of the maize is produced in the Southern Highlands (46%), the Lake zone, and the Northern zone. Maize is the most important cereal crop in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a staple food for an estimated 50% of the population. It is an important source of carbohydrate, protein, iron, vitamin B, and minerals.