WANDILE SIHLOBO: Tanzania maize surplus comes to the rescue of neighbours
Zimbabwe, Kenya and Mozambique need to import about 2.5-million tons in 2019/2020
Tanzania is likely to emerge as Southern and East Africa’s saviour in its maize shortfall. Zimbabwe, Kenya and Mozambique are experiencing a maize deficit and will collectively need to import about 2.5-million tons in the 2019/2020 marketing year to satisfy domestic demand.
The dilemma, as I argued (https://webmail.timesmedia.co.za/owa/redir.aspx?REF=X6EFMWmRkhOjIXrq_NrEj8zZXOsXTUJRzbk6yoANUJuy_sXmUvnWCAFodHRwczovL3d3dy5idXNpbmVzc2xpdmUuY28uemEvYmQvb3Bpbmlvbi8yMDE5LTA2LTE5LXdhbmRpbGUtc2lobG9iby13ZS1uZWVkLXRvLXRhbGstYWJvdXQtemltYmFid2UtYW5kLWl0cy1tYWl6ZS1uZWVkcy8.) in these pages on June 19, is that it is uncertain where the three countries will source the maize, especially the white maize I suspect they will need most. The likes of SA and Zambia, which are typically the region’s maize suppliers, are expected to have tight supplies themselves due to lower production in the 2018/2019 production season on the back of droughts. But neither country will be out of the market compl...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.