Zambia Seeks Maize Lifeline from Tanzania as Drought Devastates Harvest

Zambia’s breadbasket is facing a bleak outlook. A crippling drought has slashed maize production by more than half, forcing the nation to turn to its East African neighbor, Tanzania, for a lifeline in the form of a massive 650,000 metric tons of white maize imports.

Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa announced the government’s plan on Wednesday, a stark response to a crop forecasting survey that painted a grim picture. Maize production in the 2023/24 season is expected to plummet to a mere 1.5 million tons, a devastating drop from the previous season’s 3.2 million tons.

The looming maize deficit isn’t just a statistical blip; it represents a real threat to Zambia’s food security. Maize is the lifeblood of the nation’s diet, and this shortfall translates to millions potentially facing hunger.

The situation is further compounded by Zambia’s decision to suspend maize exports, a move Agriculture Minister Mtolo Phiri announced in parliament on Tuesday. The country is facing a deficit of a staggering 2.1 million tons, necessitating a shift from exporter to importer practically overnight.

The import deal with Tanzania offers a glimmer of hope. The East African nation is known for its maize production, and this influx of grain could help stabilize Zambia’s food supply. However, questions remain about the affordability of such a large-scale import, and the potential logistical hurdles of transporting vast quantities of maize across the continent.

Zambia’s reliance on maize imports underscores the vulnerability of the nation’s food system to external factors like climate change. The Sunday Times understands that long-term solutions are needed to build resilience. Investments in drought-resistant crops, water management infrastructure, and diversification of food sources are all crucial steps to ensure Zambia weathers future storms without facing such drastic measures.