Introduction of American maize into Africa
Introducción del maíz americano en África
- Date
- c. century XVI · confidence low
- Place
- Elmina, Central, Ghana
- Credited to
- Portuguese traders and African farmers
- Field
- Life & health
⚠️ Disputed: the sources disagree.
What it is
Maize reached West and Central Africa in the 16th century through Portuguese ports on the coast and the islands of the Gulf of Guinea. It spread thanks to its high yield, short cycle and ease of conversion into flour, porridge and beer.
The date and route of introduction are uncertain; hypotheses of pre-Columbian arrival lack accepted proof. The place is a marker for the Ghanaian coast, not a demonstrated origin.
What it led to
- maize as a staple cereal of eastern and southern Africa, now the most widely grown
- dishes such as ugali, sadza, pap and banku
- genetic improvement with African hybrids such as SR52 in the 20th century