21 April 2009 - Above average maize yields are seen in and Lesotho (+2%). In Swaziland (-2%), Botswana (-1%) and South Africa (1%) normal national average yields are expected. Below average national yields of about -7% to -9% are seen in Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

 In Malawi, the Northern as well as the Southern Region have been dry since the start of the growing season and reduced yields of about -11% are forecasted. All regions are experiencing dry conditions.

 In Zambia dry conditions with local differences are seen in the whole territory and a small reduction in yield is expected in all maize growing areas. In the south-west (Southern Province, Lusaka) the growing conditions have improved during the past dekad. The national average yield is still expected to be well below (-8%) the 5 years average.

 In Swaziland the national average yield will be normal compared to the 5 years average and the yield will be much better than previous year (+10%).

 In Mozambique the southern parts the water availability improved past 10 days but conditions are still dry and at present yield decreases of about -10% to -15% are foreseen in Inhambane and Gaza. Also in Tete and Manica very dry conditions are seen (-10%). Water availability was better in the northern part of the country but local drought conditions are seen.

 In Zimbabwe severe drought is also seen in Manicaland and Masvingo. The yields are still better and above average in Mashonaland and Matebeland North. Water availability has improved slightly during the past ten days. National average yield is expected to be lower (-10%) than the historical average.

 In South Africa the national yield is normal (+1%) compared to the 5 years average. The growing conditions are considerably better in all parts of South Africa except in Northern Cape and Western Cape. In the main maize growing areas, high yields are expected in the North-west (+9%), Gauteng (+8%) and Free State (+7%).

 In Lesotho the national yield is about normal compared to the 5 years average (+2%), compared to last year the expected yield is 8% higher.

 In Botswana the water availability has been favorable in the southern part of the country and the maize yield at national level is normal compared to the 5 years average (-1%). In the main maize growing areas there is still a difference between the north and the south. In Chobe in the north yield decreases of -7% are expected but in the south the growing conditions are considerably better (+12%).

 In Namibia the national average yield is lower compared to the 5 years average (-8%) and the yield of previous year.

 In the maize growing areas of Angola the national yield is 5% lower than the 5 years average. Comparing to last year the expected yield should result in somewhat better yields (+3%).