Maize is the most important crop for Zimbabwe. Maize production in this country experiences the most frequent and severe fluctuations in southern Africa. Area, yield and production declined by 1.5%, 1.8%, and 3.3%, respectively, each year between 2000 and 2013. Between 2000 and 2011 Zimbabwe imported 354,000 tons of maize, worth US$ 128 million annually. Frequent drought is the main cause of yield loss in this country.