News in Brief:
– El Niño-induced drought threatens food security in Southern Africa, with corn crop production significantly reduced.
– Zimbabwe, facing a 60% drop in production, is planning to import white corn from Brazil for the first time since 2014 to address the shortfall.
The El Niño weather phenomenon is triggering a food security crisis in Southern Africa, forcing countries like Zimbabwe to look beyond traditional suppliers for essential food sources.
The dry spell caused by El Niño has devastated corn crops, with South Africa experiencing at least a 20% reduction and Zimbabwe suffering a more severe 60% drop. This has led Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to declare states of national disaster.
Ordinarily, these countries are typically self-sufficient in corn production, occasionally relying on South Africa, the region’s largest producer, to meet minor shortfalls. However, South Africa’s own reduced harvest this year complicates the situation.
Corn prices are reflecting growing concerns about supply. The price of white corn for July delivery on the Johannesburg Futures Exchange reached a record high of 5,518 rand ($291) per ton, according to a report, before settling slightly lower.
Seeking corn from Brazil
In a significant shift, Zimbabwe’s Grain Millers Association (GMA) is planning to import corn from Brazil for the first time since 2014. GMA chairman Tafadzwa Musarara announced plans to lead a delegation to Sao Paulo later in April 2024 to secure over 300,000 tons of maize.
This approach is driven by the necessity of white corn, a staple food in Southern Africa used for dishes like pap and sadza. Unlike yellow corn, readily available on the global market, white corn poses a unique import challenge.
While these imports from Brazil are likely to be more expensive due to transportation costs and longer delivery times, they are seen as a necessary step. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, commends Zimbabwe’s proactive approach, highlighting the anticipated tightening of regional corn supplies in the coming months.
