This is you monthly update on southern African markets.

KENYA

In late March, the Government of Kenya issued an alert on the outbreak of Fall Armyworm (FAW). It has infested crops in Western, North and South Rift regions affecting the following counties: Baringo, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Kericho, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Siaya and Uasin Gishu.

The army worm infestation has also been reported in other areas but official communication from the ministry is yet to confirm this. The pest poses a risk to long rains crops (March/April to May/June) that are still at the early stages of development. FAW also has the potential to affect pasture fields, which could intensify the problem of forage scarcity being experienced.

In response, the Government has formed a platform to coordinate the development of intervention strategies. However, budget constraints may be a limiting factor for the implementation of control measures.

Planting of long rains main season crops normally starts in March in major growing areas of Central, Rift Valley and Western provinces. Early season dryness prevailed over most cropping areas, thus delaying planting operations and affecting conditions of early, dry-planted crops.

Meanwhile, the harvesting of the 2016/’17 short rains season crops (October to November/December) is normally completed in March. The harvest was delayed by about one month and output is expected to be lower due to the failure of the October-December rainy season.

The failure of the 2016 short rains harvest, due to drought concerns and performance worries regarding the 2017 long rains harvest because of a delayed start of seasonal rains, have triggered maize prices to follow an upward trend in recent months. Average maize prices in April of 2017 represent an increase of 63% when compared to the prices realised in April of 2016.

The highly priced imports from neighbouring Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania, where the supply situation is tight, also added some support to prices. Wheat prices represent a 22% increase in April of 2017 compared to April of 2016.

NAMIBIA

The average South African weaner calf price has continued to see good gains in recent weeks due to improved demand and fewer supplies available in the market. The strong demand is good news for Namibian producers too, with support from the South African market spilling into this market.

Weaner prices in Namibia are also following an upward trend mainly due to high demand for Namibian weaners in South African feedlots. The latest data suggests that Namibian weaner prices increased with 20%, from N$17.59/kg in February of 2017 to a high of N$21.08/kg in March 2017.

As a result of herd rebuilding by South African producers, a lot of weaners are being held back. This has brought about an opportunity for Namibian weaners to fill up this space, hence the price increase. The increase is welcome relief for Namibian producers.

The low cost of maize and higher meat prices in South Africa are good for the profitability of the industry, which may have been the driving forces in this weaner market.

The number of cattle units marketed during the three months of 2017 has shown good increases. Higher rainfall and improved grazing are contributing factors to the increase of marketing stock.

ZAMBIA

The Government of Zambia recently lifted all restrictions on maize exports. Meanwhile, the minister of finance is deciding if the export levy should be put aside due to pressure from producers. They want it to be scrapped in order to benefit from the removal of export restrictions. There is currently a 10% duty on maize exports. Main export destinations for Zambian maize may be Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda until new crops become available in those countries.

The Government of Zambia released their production estimate this month, and expects 3.6 million tons of maize to be produced, mainly thanks to beneficial weather conditions. The maize required for human consumption, industrial use and other commitments amounts to 2.9 million tons, which means that Zambia should have a good exportable surplus taking into consideration the reported carry-over stocks amounting to 569 317 tons.

The anticipated bumper output brings about increased export opportunities. However, as neighbouring countries, especially Malawi and Zimbabwe are also expecting a good maize harvest this may mean that export destinations need to be sought outside of the sub-region. Production of wheat is also expected to increase in 2017, thanks to a combination of improved water availability and a more stable electricity supply.

• This market report was supplied and compiled by Karabo Takadi, agricultural economist at ABSA.