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Highlights
Regional main staples prices mostly declined, and were below their respective 2016 levels in most areas. Malawi and Mozambique saw significant month-on-month (m-o-m) price decline of white maize. Zambia registered the highest drop in the number of markets in ALPS Crisis mode reflecting increased availability.
Price of maize continued to remain above the 5 year average level for most countries with Tanzania standing high at about 62 percent. However, with the exception of Tanzania, all the countries saw their price of main staples drop under 30 percent relative to the 5 year average. Furthermore prices hit 5 year average level in Zimbabwe and broke below 5 year average level in South Africa and Malawi (35 and 37 percent respectively).
Supplies of maize are expected to be average to above average this marketing year as a result of good harvest prospects for most countries in the region except Tanzania. South Africa (SA), Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi are forecast to harvest large crop of maize this marketing year according to Agricultural assessments reports. Further price declines over the next couple of months is expected.