Researchers from Makerere University School of Public Health and the Open University are investigating a possible link between maize cultivation and malaria risk in Uganda, as growing attention shifts toward how everyday livelihoods may influence the spread of the disease.
The research was highlighted during a stakeholders’ workshop held on April 15, 2026, at the Resilient Africa Network in Kololo. Led by Associate Professor David Musoke and Dr. Kevin Deane, the team shared findings pointing to agriculture, particularly maize farming near homes, as a possible contributor to increased mosquito exposure.
The study builds on earlier research published in Global Public Health in December 2025, which found that livelihood activities such as farming, livestock keeping, and night-time work significantly influence malaria risk. Maize cultivation, in particular, was linked to higher mosquito density and increased chances of infection.
Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Musoke said the research reflects a broader shift in understanding malaria, moving beyond traditional control methods like insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying.
“Livelihoods shape how and when people are exposed to mosquitoes,” he said. “From crop production to water use and daily routines, these factors create pathways for transmission that conventional interventions may not fully address.”
Uganda remains one of the countries hardest hit by Malaria, with the illness accounting for a large proportion of outpatient visits, hospital admissions, and deaths, especially among children under five and pregnant women. Despite ongoing prevention efforts, transmission remains high, prompting renewed focus on environmental and economic drivers.
Dr. Deane noted that while tools such as bed nets and spraying remain essential, they may not be sufficient on their own.
“There is significant outdoor malaria transmission, particularly among adults, and that is closely tied to how people live and work,” he said.
Researchers say maize presents a complex challenge. As one of Uganda’s staple crops, it is central to both food security and household income, making it difficult to separate farming areas from living spaces. However, evidence suggests that maize fields—especially those near homes—can create favorable conditions for mosquitoes.
Studies indicate that mosquito populations tend to increase during maize growing seasons, particularly in the evenings. Scientific findings also show that maize pollen may enhance mosquito survival, potentially increasing their ability to transmit malaria.
Additional research in Wakiso District points to broader agricultural practices, including crop production and animal husbandry, as contributors to mosquito breeding through stagnant water and environmental changes. The rise of urban farming is also bringing these risks closer to residential areas.
Health workers say the findings are challenging long-held assumptions about malaria. Ms. Doreen Nabwire Wamboka, a health official in Wakiso, noted that the discussions have opened new perspectives on the disease.
“We often think malaria is fully understood, but there are emerging factors we have overlooked,” she said. “Even something as common as the crops we grow around our homes could be influencing risk.”
The research team plans to combine spatial analysis, entomological studies, and community-based approaches to better understand the relationship between maize cultivation and malaria. Farmers and local stakeholders will also be involved in developing practical interventions.
Funded by The Open University, the initiative is expected to inform future malaria control strategies in Uganda and other endemic regions. Researchers hope the findings will support a more integrated approach, one that considers how livelihoods, environments, and daily routines intersect to drive transmission.
