This year’s harvest prospects for Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, which suffered extreme weather last year due to the El Niño weather phenomenon, look significantly better. Some of these countries received food aid last year.
By Jan-Hendrik de Villiers
The United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have announced that – in addition to Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe – Niger, Lebanon, Kenya and Ethiopia have also been removed from the UN’s list of hunger hotspots.
Only a few months ago, millions of residents in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, and Lesotho relied on food aid due to the climate disruption caused by the El Niño phenomenon. This led to flooding in Malawi, while Zambia experienced its worst drought in 20 years, reports the organisation Save the Children.
The FAO explains that the El Niño phenomenon occurs when the waters of the Pacific Ocean become unusually warm. The name El Niño comes from Spanish for “boy” (indicating the birth of Christ). It was given this name after South American fishermen observed the phenomenon every two to seven years around Christmas time. The phenomenon usually lasts between nine and twelve months.
The WFP and FAO report states that there are better climatic conditions for crops and less extreme weather in East and Southern Africa, as well as in Niger, which alleviates pressure on food security in these areas. However, they warn that conditions remain unstable and can change rapidly if further disruptions occur.
Good News For Southern Africa
Better harvests are most welcome in Southern Africa because they will ward off famine and food inflation. It can also lead to economic growth in those countries that are highly dependent on their agriculture.
Zambia is expected to achieve a record maize harvest of 3.6 million tons this year, which is more than double the 1.5 million tons harvested last year, according to UkrAgroConsult.
With the rise in food prices, imports have also become more expensive. Other countries in the region, including South Africa, are also doing better this year in terms of agriculture. South Africa’s maize harvest increased by more than 14% this year. However, the white maize term price fell by 13% from a record price of over R5 400 per ton in January to R4 700 per ton.
Lower retail prices will provide particularly welcome relief to lower-income groups, for whom maize flour is a staple.
