Food security experts in Malawi are keeping a close watch on maize prices in local markets as the country braces itself for another year of chronic food shortages.
Humanitarian groups estimate that up to 4,6-million Malawians could face hunger this year after a dramatic drop in maize production, the country’s most important staple crop.
The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation forecasts output at just less than 1,3-million tonnes — the lowest in a decade — or about 26% less than last year’s relatively poor harvest.
Officials said on Tuesday that an increasing number of households are becoming completely dependent on the market for their food requirements as own-grown food stocks dwindle.
”Research has shown that although [maize] prices are moving upwards, on average they are still within the anticipated price band. However, this differs from market to market in various locations. In areas where there are serious shortages, the price band has been exceeded. But, in general, we are not too concerned,” said Ranson Mwadiwa, head of the relief and disaster-preparedness unit.
Mwadiwa noted that although estimates have put the number of food insecure people at about 4,2-million, this figure could jump to about 4,6-million should maize prices exceed 32 kwacha per kilogram in coming months.
In the worst-affected southern districts — Nsanje, Chikwawa and Phalombe — prices have already spiked to about 30 kwacha per kilogram.
”The plain and simple truth is that some poor households cannot afford to buy food in the market,” he added.
When news agency Irin visited a local market in Lilongwe on Tuesday, maize was pegged at 25 kwacha per kilogram.
Joseph Kili, a trader from Burundi, commented: ”The demand for maize at the moment is high, so too is the price of maize. It is just unfortunate that there is no maize available … many people cannot afford it and we are selling in small lumps.”
A local shop owner, Manuel Phiri, remarked: ”Some big traders are charging us high prices. Even when you go and buy maize in Mozambique, one has to spend a lot of money on transport and other expenses.”
Aid groups are already worried that the shortage of maize could have far-reaching effects on the nutritional status of vulnerable populations.
”As of now we do not have information, because we are yet to carry out a [nutritional] survey to find out just how it has impacted on the lives of people. It is likely that many people will be malnourished, but this will only be felt in the next few months, possibly by November,” said Oxfam country programme manager Mary Nyang’wa.
But a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) has already noted climbing malnutrition rates, particularly in the areas hardest hit by the shortages.
Ocha also said the UN system in Malawi is in the process of preparing a donor alert, and will channel the funds into procuring food, agricultural inputs and nutrition supplies during the critical period from October this year to March next year.
World Food Programme spokesperson Matthews Nyirenda said: ”So far, current pledges represent only 40% of total assistance requirements. The donor alert is still being finalised, but it is expected to cover a wide variety of needs.” — Irin