As of August 20, 2026, CropWatch monitoring based on remote-sensing data indicates that Ethiopia’s maize planted area reached approximately 2.967 million hectares, up 8.1% year on year. The average yield is forecast at 3,321 kg/ha, an increase of 1.3%, while total production is estimated at around 9.85 million tonnes, approximately 9.5% higher than last year. The increase in maize production is mainly attributable to the substantial expansion of planted area, with improved yield making a relatively limited contribution.

Regarding weather conditions, nationwide precipitation from May to July was 38% below the long-term average, while temperatures were 1.1°C above average. Potential cumulative biomass decreased by 15%. Severe drought affected some production areas in northwestern and southeastern Ethiopia, adversely affecting maize emergence and vegetative growth. Overall, the expansion in planted area offset the negative impacts of localized drought, allowing total maize production to continue growing. However, the modest yield increase of only 1.3% suggests that agroclimatic conditions have already constrained production potential to some extent. Rainfall during the remainder of the season and its effects on maize grain filling will be critical in determining the final harvest.

Figure 2.10 Ethiopia Maize Distribution Map, August 2026