Zambia's food security situation for the remainder of the current marketing year (March to April 2009) remains of great concern due to possible shortages of maize grain and meal on local markets. The Government of Zambia (GoZ) has been releasing maize grain from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and making it available to millers and rural consumers at subsidized prices. However, the FRA's maize stocks are now very low, and the lack of coordination and collaboration between the GoZ and the private sector in the maize market could increase the likelihood that shortages will become more pronounced between now and March.
Private traders have indicated that they have adequate grain to meet the country's needs up to the end of March, while the early harvested maize from commercial farmers is likely to cover needs beginning in April. However, prevailing market prices have kept this maize out of reach of millers and consumers, who now depend on government subsidized maize grain.
Since the start of the season, the rainfall performance has largely been conducive for good crop performance. The maize crop is reported to be doing well in different parts of the country and is mostly at flowering to early grain?filling stage.