Trends in the acreage, production and yields of sorghum, pearl millet and maize are presented for SADC countries, 1980-97. Domestic markets, international trade utilization and consumption are discussed and future trends predicted. It is concluded that for sorghum and pearl millet to have a future in the SADC food and feed system, current trends in declining yields must be reversed. The best prospects for promoting investment in improved crop management lie in expanding production and trade for the industrial market
