Energy input in the Maize value chain in Benin

Introduction

Maize production

Worldwide, maize (Zea mays l.) is the most widely cultivated crop with a production of over a billion tons per year and is therefore of very high importance for global food security and livelihoods, especially in developing countries. According to Leroux et al. (2019), maize is the leading staple food in West African countries with a yearly consumption of more than 30 kg/capita. From 2007-2016, yields of rainfed maize systems in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) range between 1.68 to 1.99 t/ha, which is 15-25% of the yield potential for water-limited production (ten Berge et al., 2019). Maize can be prepared in different forms which include whole-maize foods, porridges or beverages (Ekpa et al., 2018). In, maize is the most important staple food and the most cultivated crop, with 85% of farmers growing it. The area devoted to maize production is about one-third of the total agricultural area in Benin (Amegnaglo, 2018).