Zambia: export ban on maize in the face of a threatening drought

Faced with an extended period of drought posing a severe threat to national food security, Zambia has implemented stringent measures to ban the export of maize and maize flour, as reported by African media.

This decision, driven by concerns over an insufficient harvest, aims to safeguard the country’s food reserves.

In an announcement to Parliament, Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Reuben Phiri, stated that the Zambian government was immediately suspending the export of maize and maize flour.

This measure, presented as a necessary precaution, is the government’s response to growing concerns about a potential food shortage following an exceptionally prolonged period of drought since mid-January.

Soldiers will be deployed along the borders to prevent any illegal export of maize, and the police will increase patrols and checks to intercept those attempting to circumvent the ban, the minister further declared.

Like other countries in Southern Africa, Zambia is grappling with an intense heatwave and a lack of precipitation, putting stress on crops and agricultural yields, as highlighted by the same media source.

Yann ETERNEL