Malawi: Hoarding affects food supply
Despite government assurances of a food surplus, Malawi's traders are betting that maize prices will rise later in the year and are holding on to stocks, artificially pushing up the price at the tills for consumers.
Maize prices up as traders hoard stocks. (Image: IRIN)
Government and the food aid agencies have projected a food surplus, although the USAID-funded Famine Early Warning Network (FEWS-NET) said it would be less than initially estimated.
The main maize harvest in Malawi takes place between March and July. The government issued its estimates in April, based on quantities collected so far, but has yet to release the final figures, which are compiled after the entire harvest has been gathered.
