It is produced largely using traditional, low-input technologies that can lead to degradation of the resource base.
Most countries import a high proportion of their total maize needs.
Seed industries are weak, and improved seed is used on only a fifth of the maize area. This, together with the adoption of inappropriate macroeconomic policies, has exacerbated the already considerable difficulties of most smallholder farmers, at least for the short term. The following point summary is by no means an exhaustive accounting of accomplishments, but lists several which have significantly improved the livelihoods of smallholder maize farmers in Central America and the Caribbean. Corn stunt tolerant maize for Nicaragua. Promotion of conservation tillage through Guaymango, El Salvador.