Unlocking the potential for yellow maize production and utilization in Homa-bay County, Kenya

Yellow maize is popular in Western Kenya especially Homa-Bay County. However, it’s faced with myriad of challenges that has greatly limited its production and utilization. This study investigated yellow production, post-harvest handling utilization practices constraints while exploring opportunities. The was conducted from September-November 2020 three wards Ndhiwa Sub-County, County by conducting a cross-sectional survey using structured questionnaire administered to 385 farmers. Results showed an important food security crop source livelihood for continuously cultivated as sole or intercropped legumes less than 1ha land sizes locally sourced seed low levels farm inputs resulting yields 1 t/ha. preferred due early maturity (3 months), taste, tolerance biotic abiotic stresses. main included total lack good quality seed, soil fertility (71%), striga weed infestation (60%), marketability (46%), pest/diseases prone (34%) adverse weather (33%). About 68% sun dried their maize, the grains stored polypropylene bags (87%) kept mainly on raised platforms houses (90%) approximately 3 months/year. Most respondents (95%) consume compared white form ugali (stiff porridge) (97%) consumed twice daily (77%). potential under-exploited enhancing productivity through research, improved system, amendments awareness creation could lead increase be among pathways can used develop region contribute nutrition country.