By Benadetta Chiwanda Mia:
The average retail price for maize—Malawi’s staple commodity—increased by four percent in October, reaching K819 per kilogramme (kg), up from K790 per kg in September.
This is according to figures contained in the Monthly Maize Market Report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
This rise follows a period of price stability, thanks to steady imports of maize from Tanzania.
The report highlights that much of the maize currently traded in Malawi originates from Tanzania.
Factors contributing to the price rise include increased transport costs due to fuel shortages and high demand in neighbouring Mozambique.
According to the report, the Southern Region recorded the highest average prices, starting at approximately K865 per kg and rising to around K898 per kg by the end of October.
The Central Region also experienced a steady increase, with prices climbing from K771/kg to about K808/kg.
Meanwhile, the Northern Region had the lowest prices, showing minor fluctuations between K619 per kg and K640 per kg, reflecting trends in the broader maize trade from Tanzania to southern Africa, where El Niño-induced dry spells have led to production shortages.
In his National Address Wednesday night, President Lazarus Chakwera disclosed that Malawi is facing an K89 billion food deficit to meet the K347 billion required to feed 5.7 million Malawians in need up until March next year.
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