South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe expect drop in grain harvest

South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, three of the largest maize producing countries on the continent, expect their output to slash this year due to a shortage of rainfall.

Heatwaves and drought heavily compromised the maize harvest of the three countries as well as smaller producers such as Lesotho and Botswana, according to recent official reports.

A shortage of maize supplies could put food security at risk in southern Africa leading to more imports.

In Zambia, in particular, 1 million hectares or 50% of all sown area has been damaged by drought. The country declared drought a national emergency.

In Zimbabwe, 2.5 million people are already facing the risk of hunger with the country planning to import 1.1 tons of maize next year as drought destroys local harvest.