March to May is a critical period for maize sowing in southern Ethiopia and some early-planting areas. During this phase, maize typically completes land preparation and sowing, followed by seedling emergence, and then enters the stages of seedling establishment and early vegetative growth. The rainfall timing and soil moisture conditions during this period directly affect sowing progress, seedling uniformity, crop growth, and subsequent yield formation.

According to CropWatch monitoring, from March to May 2026, the cumulative national precipitation was 9% below the 15-year average, the average temperature was 0.3°C lower, and the photosynthetically active radiation was 9% lower. The PDSI indicates that regional soil moisture conditions were wetter than the long-term average for this period. Specifically, from March to mid-April, precipitation was generally above average, providing favorable soil moisture for maize sowing in the southern and some early-planting areas. However, from late April to late May, precipitation was significantly below average, which may have constrained sowing progress in late-planting areas and the main-season planting areas in the north.

As of mid-to-late June, the area sown to maize in Ethiopia, as monitored by CropWatch remote sensing, was approximately 2,412,000 hectares. Based on the sown area monitored in 2025 (2,744,000 hectares), the current sowing progress is estimated at about 87%. Sowing has largely been completed in most of the southern and western regions, while some unplanted plots remain in parts of the north (Figure 1). Continued attention will be given to rainfall improvements and the progress of sowing completion in the coming period.

Figure 1. Distribution Map of Maize in Ethiopia, June 2026