A new special report by the GEOGLAM Crop Monitor, released on Saturday, warns that returning El Niño conditions could escalate into a severe weather event between November and January, directly threatening the upcoming main maize season in Southern Africa. According to Global Agriculture, the report specifically identifies Malawi and Mozambique as high-risk areas where crop yields require close monitoring. Experts note that because maize is the primary staple for national diets and rural incomes in Malawi, the timing of the weather pattern presents a significant food security risk that demands early preparation from government and agricultural planners. This assessment provides further context to ongoing national relief efforts triggered by the El Niño phenomenon.
In a related push to secure crop production, a study published in the African Journal of Agricultural Research on Thursday highlights the value of local maize varieties. Surveying farmers in the Kaluluma and Simulemba areas of Kasungu, researchers found that nearly 79 percent of respondents prefer local maize crops due to the seeds' high storability, ease of pounding, and tolerance to pests and drought. The study revealed that Mgamu Uswesi was the most popular local variety, and that local maize yielded an overall average of 1,246 kilogrammes per hectare. Based on these findings, the research team is urging policymakers and agricultural extension workers to actively promote local maize varieties to sustain crop diversity and protect harvests from adverse weather conditions.