Overview 2011/12 Crop Production Season

• Regional cereal harvest (maize, rice, wheat, sorghum and millet) dropped by 4% in 2012 compared to 2011,but still 5% above five year average - 2012 harvest lowest in past 3 years
• Compared to 2011 harvest, all countries experienced a decrease in cereal production except Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania, estimated to have some increases

Overview 2012/13 Marketing Year: Cereal Balance

• Overall regional maize surplus of 57,000 metric tonnes projected in current marketing year, down 98% from 2.73 million tonnes in 2011/12 marketing year
• Projection of maize grain deficit in all countries, except Malawi, RSA, Tanzania and Zambia
• Threat of acute food insecurity projected in localized deficit areas, especially in Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe - Increased demand by regional and international buyers of the projected maize grain surplus is expected to raise prices significantly

Link: Humanitarian Bulletin Southern Africa, Issue 03 - July 2012