This scientific breakthrough shows the enormous benefits from South Africa's investment in national and international agricultural research. The release is significant as it specifically targets the needs of the previously disadvantaged group of smallholder farmers in South Africa. Maize accounts for more than 40 percent of total cereal production in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Grace matures earlier than traditional maize varieties and can be eaten as green maize.
This makes a vital difference in the economic and social well-being of small farmer families. In subsistence agriculture, time between plantings and harvests is a precarious period. Food supply on farms is at the lowest right before harvest causing a 'hunger gap' to the extent that many families may only be able to eat one meal a day. Zm521was specifically bred to yield more under drought and low soil fertility conditions. Many maize growing environments in southern Africa are drought-prone and crop failures are common.