Malawi suspends unmilled maize imports from Kenya and Tanzania, sights necrosis disease

Malawi Government through the Department of Agricultural Research Services has this week suspended the import of unmilled maize from Kenya and Tanzania pending risk analysis as the two countries have a devastating Maize Lethal Necrosis that could wipe out the staple crop.

The agriculture ministry issued a statement declaring the suspension, emphasizing that the disease is incurable and can result in a complete loss of up to 100 per cent yield and that the disease would be difficult to contain if it gets into the Southeastern Africa country.

The announcement specified that maize imports are permissible only if the product has been processed, either as flour or grit, prior to entry.

“The disease has no treatment and causes up to entire crop yield if not properly controlled,” said Grace Kaudzu, the country’s Agricultural Research Services Director.

During times of food scarcity, Malawi has traditionally relied on Kenya and Tanzania as primary maize sources. However, recent shortages in Malawi stem largely from the destruction of thousands of hectares of maize caused by Cyclone Freddy in March.

According to estimates from the World Food Program in Malawi and the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee, approximately 4.4 million people, constituting around a quarter of the population, are anticipated to experience food shortages until March 2024.

In fact, the 2023 Global hunger Index (GHI) in Malawi revealed that the country is facing serious hunger levels as it ranks Malawi on position 88 out of 125 countries assessed in the index.

An assessment by Fews Net, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, in September this year showed that the national maize stock in both local and Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMRC) markets had significantly decreased.

Expressing concern, Grace Mijiga Mhango, the president of the Grain Traders Association of Malawi, acknowledged the severity of the maize disease’s impact. Nevertheless, she cautioned that implementing import bans during times of need could potentially lead to increased costs.

“If we genuinely lack sufficient food, we’re essentially contributing to an avoidable rise in maize prices,” said Mijiga adding that the next alternative for maize imports is South Africa.

The government of Malawi has indicated that the halt is a temporary measure while it investigates alternative preventive measures to control the spread of maize lethal necrosis disease.