The food relief programme for flood affected victims in western Zambia has been inadequate because the country’s government did not release sufficient funds for logistical support, the latest Famine Early Warning Systems Network (Fews-Net) report on the country says.
Fews-Net currently has Zambia on ”normal” food security alert status.
Maize prices in Zambia are currently low, consistent with the normal seasonal post harvest decline, the report said. In most areas prices were below the government recommended price of $150 a ton.
A number of neighbouring countries have inquired about importing maize from Zambia, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, the country’s food reserve agency has so far only sold 1 000 tons to Malawi. The agency has sent out a tender for the purchase of 70 000 tons of maize within the southern African region, the report said.
”This has attracted a lot of interest from suppliers in Zambia. If these sales take place, prices are likely to increase, helping surplus farmers to increase their revenue this year,” the report added. – I-Net Bridge