Botswana faces maize shortage

What you need to know:

  • Hot and dry weather conditions in South Africa have dealt farmers a huge blow.
  • Botswana’s milling industry is largely dependent on South African maize crop and imports up to 95 per cent of its annual requirements.

GABORONE

A significant maize price increase is looming in Botswana after crop production was affected by severe weather in South Africa, Botswana’s main source of cereals.

Hot and dry weather conditions in South Africa have dealt farmers a huge blow.

Maize and Wheat Millers Association of Botswana chairman, Nkosi Mwaba attributed the looming white maize price increase to an alarming shortage.

AFFECTED BY POWER CUTS

“The Millers Association of Botswana cautions that the market is likely to see high maize meal prices in both countries for the next 12 months,” Mr Mwaba said.

He also warned the beef sector of a likely increase in the price of maize chop (animal feed).

The association this week revealed the irrigated maize produce, which makes up almost 20 per cent of the crop, has also been affected by power cuts.

Botswana’s milling industry is largely dependent on South African maize crop and imports up to 95 per cent of its annual requirements.

Maize prices have increased by up to 40 per cent since December 2014.