Drought and insect infestations present severe risks to food security for over 300 million Africans reliant on maize as a staple crop. With climate change exacerbating these issues, maize yields have declined by 17–25% annually due to persistent drought conditions. This problem is further aggravated by pests, particularly those thriving in dry environments.

In Kenya, for example, stem borers destroy approximately 400,000 tons of maize each year—equivalent to the country’s annual maize imports worth USD 90 million. Additionally, the Fall Army Worm has the potential to devastate 20 million tons of maize globally, enough to feed 100 million people.

To combat these threats, developing resilient crops is essential. One promising innovation is TELA maize, a genetically improved variety designed to withstand pests and climate stress.

The Development and Benefits of TELA Maize

Originally bred using genomics-assisted techniques, TELA maize was later bioengineered to enhance pest resistance and climate adaptability. Its rollout began in Nigeria following its official launch in June 2024, and it is now being introduced in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mozambique.

Key advantages of TELA maize include:

• Tolerance to moderate moisture stress
• Reduced reliance on pesticides
• Increased yields, boosting productivity from 3 tons per hectare to 9 tons under optimal agronomic practices

Lessons from TELA’s Implementation

Farmer Engagement & Community Participation

Technology adoption in Africa is often hindered by limited access to research centers and weak rural networks. To address this, the AATF (African Agricultural Technology Foundation) involved farmers directly in selecting solutions that address their specific challenges. Through surveys, consultations, and validation workshops, farmers played a key role in identifying preferred maize technologies.

To enhance accessibility, AATF applied a farmer-led approach, which included:

Community-based demonstrations allowing farmers to compare seed varieties
Royalty-free licensing for small- and medium-sized seed enterprises
Support for foundation seed production through partnerships with early-generation seed enterprises
Business and technical assistance for SME seed companies

International Collaboration & Support

TELA maize is a result of cross-sector partnerships through a public-private model (PPP) involving the Gates Foundation, USAID, Bayer, CIMMYT, and national agricultural systems. Stakeholders—including government agencies, NGOs, farmers, and seed companies—worked together to ensure successful development and distribution.

This initiative marks one of Africa’s largest agricultural biotechnology transfer projects, proving that adequate funding, strategic partnerships, and enabling policies can drive scientific advancements directly to farmers.

Initial commercialization in Nigeria demonstrated an 88% yield increase, leading to 137% higher net revenue for farmers. Other socio-economic studies have shown 33–61% improvements in maize productivity and income among smallholder farmers.

The Future of Biotech in African Agriculture

TELA maize’s success could pave the way for broader biotech integration in African farming. With supportive policies and investment, next-generation biotech crops could transform agriculture, ensuring better food security and economic sustainability for millions.