Malawi produces record yields in 2006/7

Malawi has so far recorded the best agricultural season in 2006/7, with maize production estimated at 3.44 million metric tonnes, 33.7% higher than the previous harvest season. The increase in maize production has been attributed to increasing area planted, high level of inputs including fertilizer and seeds; and favorable weather conditions.

"As a result, good household food stocks have translated into reduced market demand for maize and consequently lower maize prices in the local markets than is usually the case for this time of the season," reported Famine Early Warning System (FEWS NET), adding that the "bumper harvests have resulted in a good overall food security situation."

Although household food security is generally good across the country, some areas need close monitoring, as the worsening of some factors affecting food security would result in missing food entitlements for some households, FEWS NET warned. Also, worsening economic conditions such as reductions in cash crop prices and increases in maize prices could push the food entitlements of some households below their minimum needs between August 2007 and April 2008. Populations in some regions are highly vulnerable to food insecurity this year. The Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) estimated that about 519,000 people are at risk of food insecurity should any of the conditions mentioned above deteriorate.

"If this occurs, these households will require assistance to mitigate the effects of food insecurity," FEWS NET said.

Malawi has exported about 114,000 metric tonnes of the 400,000 of the maize it plans to export to Zimbabwe.

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