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Maize production in South Africa, the biggest maize producer in Southern Africa, is projected to drop by almost one-fifth this year.
The decline in maize production across the region is because of dry and hot weather caused by El Niño weather patterns. In Africa, maize is a staple food for millions of people.
Production of white maize, which is used to make pap, is projected to drop by a quarter and yellow maize yields are expected to fall by 10%.
The projected decrease is not as much as it was in 2016. That year, white and yellow maize yields dropped by an average of 22%, also because of El Niño.
South Africa is better off than its neighbours, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. All three countries have declared national disasters. This is because of ‘differences in farming practices, better timing of the planting window and the improved seed cultivars’, says Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA.
The decline in maize production across the region is because of dry and hot weather caused by El Niño weather patterns. In Africa, maize is a staple food for millions of people.
Production of white maize, which is used to make pap, is projected to drop by a quarter and yellow maize yields are expected to fall by 10%.
The projected decrease is not as much as it was in 2016. That year, white and yellow maize yields dropped by an average of 22%, also because of El Niño.
South Africa is better off than its neighbours, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. All three countries have declared national disasters. This is because of ‘differences in farming practices, better timing of the planting window and the improved seed cultivars’, says Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA.