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Malawi banned the import of un-milled maize from Kenya and Tanzania over concerns that the spread of maize lethal necrosis disease could wipe out the staple food, the country is already suffering from severe food shortages.
Malawi banned the import of un-milled maize from Kenya and Tanzania over concerns that the spread of maize lethal necrosis disease could wipe out the staple food, the country is already suffering from severe food shortages. The Malawian Ministry of Agriculture announced this ban and stated that the disease has no treatment and can cause up to 100 percent yield loss. The statement said maize can only be imported after it is milled, either as flour or grit.
Henry Kamkwamba, an agriculture expert with the International Food Policy Research Institute, stated that if the disease were introduced into the country, it would be difficult to contain. He used the banana bunchy top virus as an example of the potential danger. Malawi lost its traditional bananas in the past due to banana bunchy top virus and now Malawi is a net importer of bananas. This was caused mainly by a lack of proper timely interventions and lax policies in terms of imports. There are similar concerns with maize, which is the nation’s main food crop.
The ban would help Malawi prevent the disease from spreading. Kenya and Tanzania have long been primary sources of maize for Malawi during periods of food shortage. Malawi is facing shortages largely because Cyclone Freddy destroyed thousands of hectares of maize last March. Malawi’s government said the ban will be temporary as it explores other preventive measures to combat the spread of maize lethal necrosis disease.
Read Also:
https://trendsnafrica.com/maize-farmers-in-kenya-want-direct-purchase-from-government/
https://trendsnafrica.com/zambia-lifts-maize-and-mealie-movement-restrictions/
https://trendsnafrica.com/maize-exports-from-zambia-hit-due-to-higher-prices/
The World Food Program (WFP) in Malawi and the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee estimate that 4.4 million people, around a quarter of the population, will face food shortages until March 2024.
