By Wendy Mkandawire
The price of maize in Malawi increased by 8 percent in July, rising to about K791 per kilogram from K731 per kilogram in June, according to the latest IFPRI maize market report.
Agriculture expert Felix Jumbe says the price hike has different implications for consumers and farmers, as households face higher food costs while producers may see better returns
According to Jumbe, consumers are likely to face increased pressure on household incomes as they spend more on maize.
However, farmers can benefit from improved selling prices, especially if they are able to market their produce at profitable levels.
Jumbe said the higher prices could provide farmers with additional income to purchase fertilizer, seed, and other agricultural inputs needed for the coming farming season.
The IFPRI report shows that maize prices varied significantly across the country in July.
The Southern Region recorded the highest at about K866 per kilogram, compared with K773 in the Central Region and K618 in the Northern Region.
Jumbe further stressed concerns over El Niño and changing weather patterns, which could affect agricultural production in the upcoming farming season and leave other households facing hunger.
