Attachments
KEY MESSAGES
-
In West Africa, market supplies improved throughout the region in October due to average ongoing harvests. Carryover stocks were average to above-average in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Benin but below-average in many areas of the Niger and Nigeria due to the effects flood and conflict that disrupted the marketing system in 2012 and early 2013. Stable rice imports from international markets contributed to food availability in Senegal and Mauritania (Pages 3-5).
-
In East Africa, sorghum prices increased atypically in parts of Sudan and Ethiopia. Maize prices increased atypically in Kenya due to below-average expected harvests. Bean production in Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya was below- average in 2013, resulting in tight market supplies, reduced trade flows, and high prices. The effects of localized conflict, the devaluation of local currencies, and high levels of inflation reinforced upward price trends in some areas (Pages 5-8).
-
In Southern Africa, maize prices were stable or began increasing in October as the lean season approached. Price levels remained above their respective 2012 and five-year average levels due to tight regional supplies resulting from localized production shortfalls during the previous two seasons, as well as strong export and institutional demand. Maize grain and meal prices continued to increase atypically in parts of Zambia and Malawi. Rice, cassava, and beans reinforced food availability throughout the region (Pages 8-10).
-
In Haiti, local black bean and maize prices were stable or decreased due to improved food availability following spring harvests. In Central America, beans prices declined in September due to the availability of ample stocks from aboveaverage production in 2012 and 2013 (Pages 11-12).
-
In Afghanistan and Tajikistan, wheat flour prices were stable in October due to ongoing above-average harvests and the availability of lowerpriced imports from Kazakhstan (Page 12-13).
-
International rice prices remained stable or decreased in October.
Maize prices decreased further with improved harvest prospects in the United States. Wheat prices increased due to concerns over production in South America and Black Sea states. Crude oil prices were stable (Pages 2-3).