The Agriculture Institute of Zambia (AIZ) has raised concerns over the recent agreement by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to export 1 million metric tonnes of maize to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), citing uncertainties in national stock levels and domestic food security.
FRA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the DRC to supply the maize this year, following projections of a bumper harvest of around 3 million metric tonnes.
However, AIZ Information and Publicity Secretary, Henry Chibutu, says the export deal may be premature, as current assessments of national reserves remain inconclusive.
He also pointed to high local prices of maize by-products and an unclear winter maize strategy as areas of concern.
“The bumper harvest should first benefit ordinary Zambians by stabilizing or reducing mealie meal and stock feed prices before exports are prioritized,” said Mr. Chibutu in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka.
He has therefore urged FRA to delay its export commitments and focus on national food sufficiency, suggesting that private sector players and cooperatives handle export opportunities instead.
He has also recommended a temporary moratorium on FRA-led maize exports until stock levels are verified, domestic prices ease, and a clear winter maize strategy is put in place.
By Chimba Chilopa
