Maize prices in Malawi surge to record high as shortage persist: FAO

MALAWI – The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has expressed concern over the dramatic maize price hikes in Malawi, signaling a crisis for consumers already grappling with food insecurity.

According to the FAO’s Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin for January 2025, maize prices increased by 29% in January, reaching a record high of MK1,243 (US$ 1.21) per kilogram, marking a 38% rise compared to the same period last year.

The FAO attributes these price hikes to domestic supply pressures, stemming from a reduced national maize harvest in 2024 and a weakened local currency, which has increased the cost of importing key agricultural inputs.

This combination of factors has compounded the price volatility of maize, the country’s staple food, contributing to widespread food insecurity.

FAO’s report highlights that the higher maize prices, alongside declining per capita income, have further constrained households’ access to food, exacerbating the already dire levels of acute food insecurity.

A spot-check conducted by The Nation in various markets across Malawi on February 17, 2025, revealed that prices continue to rise. In some regions, vendors were selling maize for up to MK1,800 (US$ 1.76) per kilogram, significantly higher than the official selling price of MK790 (US$ 0.77) per kilogram, or MK39,500 (US$ 38.68) per 50-kilogram bag at Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) outlets.

The price of maize has varied dramatically across the country, with markets in Karonga, Nkhata Bay, and Salima seeing 50-kilogram bags being sold at MK75,000 (US$ 73.43) to MK85,000 (US$ 82.06), while prices in Lilongwe range from MK85,000 to MK90,000 (US$ 88.05).

In more remote areas, such as Nchalo, Chikwawa, and Bangula, the price for maize has escalated to MK1,800 per kilogram, while in Liwonde, Machinga, and Manase, the price per 50-kilogram bag has reached an alarming MK100,000 (US$ 98).

Grace Mijiga Mhango, the president of the Grain Traders Association of Malawi, noted that private traders are forced to import maize from neighboring countries like Mozambique and Tanzania, which has increased costs due to foreign exchange scarcity and high transportation expenses.

 “In the past, during lean periods, Admarc had maize stocks that helped stabilize prices, but with these reserves running low, the forces of supply and demand have taken over,” she explained.

Isaac Chapalapata, a 33-year-old father of five from Nchalo, shared his struggles, revealing that the high cost of maize has made it impossible for him to feed his family. “Maize prices are beyond my reach, and it’s hard to feed my children,” he said, illustrating the deepening crisis faced by many households across Malawi.

Agness Nyirongo, an economic governance programs officer at the Centre for Social Concern, emphasized that rising food prices reduce purchasing power, often forcing families to cut back on food quality or quantity.

She urged the government to facilitate the importation of essential food items by reducing tariffs or offering incentives to stabilize prices.

She also stressed the importance of improving logistics and transportation infrastructure to reduce delays and lower distribution costs, thereby making food more affordable and accessible.

John Kapito, the executive director of the Consumers Association of Malawi, has called on the government to open Admarc markets and ensure a steady supply of maize to control the prices.

 “If there is any money available, this is the time for the government to use those funds to provide maize so that prices come down,” Kapito said.

In response, Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale assured the public that the government will continue to issue import permits to anyone willing to bring in maize to flood the market, with the goal of stabilizing or even reducing prices.

Meanwhile, Admarc spokesperson Theresa Chapulapula confirmed that the state-run body has received 10,000 metric tons (MT) of the 36,000 MT maize purchased from farmers and is in the process of selling it to the public.

Despite these efforts, the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee has reported that the number of people requiring food aid during the lean period from October 2024 is expected to rise from 4.2 million to 5.7 million, underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated response to the escalating food crisis.

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