According to Nation Online, maize prices in Malawi are projected to reach K1,270 per kilogramme between October 2026 and March 2027. A Food Security Monitor report by Agra indicated that rising production costs, including expensive fertiliser and improved seeds, are driving the increase. Fertiliser prices have already hit K195,000 per 50-kilogramme bag in some retail outlets, and experts warn the cost could exceed K200,000 before the upcoming planting season.
To help mitigate upcoming climate risks, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs issued a Tier 1 Drought Early Action alert on August 28, covering 23 districts and cities, according to Malawi24. The activation follows monitoring by the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services. The alert aims to shift the national strategy from disaster response to preparing for agricultural risks early.
Update: Expanding on recent reports of Malawi's shrinking export base, Nyasa Times reports that Minister Roza Mbilizi has detailed the extent of the agricultural trade crisis. The sector recently failed to fulfill a 50,000-metric tonne export agreement with India and a $295 million food export deal with South Sudan due to low crop volumes and quality concerns. The national maize yield currently averages 2.1 metric tonnes per hectare, falling well short of the government's 4-tonne target, while tobacco continues to dominate the nation's exports.