Context: Malnutrition, exacerbated by the unaffordability of high-quality animal-based protein sources, affects a significant portion of the global impoverished population. The imperative need for sustainable solutions prompts a shift towards increasing the production of plant-based protein sources. Objective: This study aims to assess the potential economic benefits of adopting Quality Protein Maize (QPM), with a specific focus on the single cross-hybrid variety HQPM1, using an economic surplus approach. Methods: The study employs an economic surplus approach to evaluate the economic gains from adopting QPM. Utilizing HQPM1 as a case study, three adoption scenarios are simulated, showing potential gains in maize production, protein yield, and benefits to the poultry sector. Results & Discussion: Replacing traditional maize with HQPM1 could increase annual production by 150 to 451 thousand tons. Adoption scenarios indicate potential additional gains of 10048 to 37680 thousand tons of maize protein, benefiting the poultry sector with significant increases in crude protein, lysine, and tryptophan. Consumer and producer surplus could rise substantially with varying adoption levels. Significance: The study recommends the widespread adoption of quality protein maize as a strategic approach to ensure nutritional security. Scaling up adoption to 10.8% of the total maize growing area could yield substantial economic benefits, emphasizing the potential of QPM to address malnutrition and contribute to economic growth.

Keyword: Malnutrition, Quality protein maize (QPM), Economic surplus approach, Poultry sector, Sustainable agriculture