Prices of maize, Malawi’s staple grain, are witnessing a downward trend due to enhanced availability attributed to relief efforts and the removal of an import ban. The Nation’s spot-checks revealed that maize availability in Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) outlets and the distribution of free maize by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) have eased demand and increased supply, particularly in the Northern Region.
Residents in Karonga and Chitipa districts noted a reduction in maize prices, with a 20-litre pail now costing K12,500, down from K15,000 two weeks ago, owing to an influx of maize from Tanzania. Similar trends were observed in Karonga, where prices dropped to K11,000 per 20-litre pail from K13,500, influenced by Tanzanian maize imports.
In the Central Region, prices have gradually decreased, with a kilogramme now priced at K900 compared to K1,000 in December. The trend is consistent in various regions, including Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Mchinji, Nsanje, and Mangochi, where maize prices have witnessed notable reductions, attributed to formal imports and increased availability.
Grace Mijiga-Mhango, President of the Grain Traders Association of Malawi, confirmed the shift in maize prices, emphasizing the impact of Admarc’s maize supply and Dodma’s distribution efforts. She anticipates further decreases as more maize arrives, coupled with reduced demand as people turn to alternative farm produce.
Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale assured the government’s commitment to ensuring affordable access to food for every Malawian. Plans include the continuous distribution of maize through Admarc, importation of maize and flour, and the implementation of social cash transfer programs.
The SGR Committee allocated 10,000 metric tonnes of maize to Admarc in December 2023 for distribution across its markets, aiming to stabilize prices. As the government strives to make maize and flour widely available, a significant drop in flour prices is anticipated.
Despite these efforts, the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee highlights the risk of acute hunger for over 4.4 million people this year due to maize shortage
