Malawi Reportedly Enforces Maize Export Restrictions as Famine Threatens 4 Million
Malawi Reportedly Enforces Maize Export Restrictions as Famine Threatens 4 Million
"This restriction remains in effect as part of the government's continued efforts to safeguard national food security, maintain price stability and protect the livelihoods of the majority of Malawians who depend on maize as their staple food," the ministry of trade was quoted as saying.
Key developments:
The government earlier projected that one-fifth of the population could face hunger following a below-average harvest.
After declaring a state of disaster in late October, authorities on Friday appealed for public assistance and donations to help mitigate the crisis.
Malawi harvested 2.9 million tonnes of maize this year, compared with a national requirement of 3.7 million tonnes, according to the US Famine Early Warning Network citing the Ministry of Agriculture.
Humanitarian agencies, including the World Food Programme, are expected to begin operations this month in the worst-affected regions, according to reports. However, the program faces a $69 million funding gap.
To help offset the deficit, Malawi has previously ordered 200,000 tonnes of maize from neighboring Zambia.
Maize prices have risen by at least 50% over the past year, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a UN-backed initiative.
Urea fertilizer prices have surged by over 100% year-on-year, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa reported Friday—posing further risks to agricultural production and food security ahead of the next planting season.
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