Key points:
Maize meal and rice remained very expensive in Tete province in January
Maize grain is available in all markets except in Gaza
Prices for rice and cooking oil are well above the provincial averages in Xai-Xai (Gaza) and Chibabava (Sofala)
Food Security Outlook
Seasonal deficits and price increases have been observed for most cereals across the country. Prices continue to increase as the lean season progresses. The high demand for foods – especially for cereals – is likely to lead to price hikes (source: FEWS NET). The high prices could coincide with falling purchasing power and a lack of physical access to markets caused by heavy rains in most parts of the country. At the peak of the rainy season, flooding is expected in localized areas and along major flood plains. The rains could wash away crops, damage infrastructure and farmlands, and displace of some of the population, exposing them to food insecurity.