Since 2002, the people of Malawi have experienced chronic food shortages due to drought, poverty, and low crop yields. In 2006, 5 million people were in dire need of food aid. A Monsanto team saw an opportunity to address the food shortage and to increase local food self-sufficiency through the donation of 700 metric tons of quality hybrid maize seed — enough to reach 140,000 resource-poor farmers. Working with Malawian government officials and local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the team ensured that Monsanto’s efforts could build on existing programs to increase self-sufficiency at the local, family-farm level.

In less than 15 days, the team contacted all internal and external stakeholders. The team coordinated its work within the maize supply chain and with external suppliers to ensure that the seed and inputs would be available quickly. With the help of local NGOs, the team was able to ensure proper and prioritized distribution of the seeds. Because resource-poor farmers in Malawi were not used to planting quality hybrid maize, the team answered planting questions and explained benefits.

The quality hybrid seed delivered five times the average yield of the open-pollinated maize varieties previously planted. The resulting output was enough grain to feed a million people for a year.

This project won Monsanto’s Judges’ Choice award, for best embodying the Monsanto Pledge and for its influence in combating hunger and poverty.