FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - MALAWI (15 September)
Final official estimates indicate 2000 maize of crop of 2.47 million tonnes, only marginally lower than the 1999 record crop of 2.48 million tonnes. By contrast, production of minor rice and sorghum and millet declined from last year's level to 46 000 tonnes and 57 000 tonnes respectively. Despite late and erratic rains at the beginning of the season and subsequent floods and crop losses, abundant precipitation during the growing the season allowed the recovery of crops and resulted in higher yields. Agricultural inputs distribution programmes also supported production of maize.
Reflecting another bumper maize harvest and large carry-over stocks, the country is estimated to have an exportable surplus for the second consecutive year of about 300 000 tonnes.
The overall food supply situation is anticipated to improve in marketing year 2000/01 (April/March) following this year's good harvest. Food prices are at low levels and decreasing. However, food aid assistance is needed for populations in the northern district of Karonga and in those of Chilkwawa, Nkhotakota and Nsanje, where production was sharply reduced by early dry weather and successive excessive rains.
Back
to menu