Maize prices continue to remain relatively stable in most parts of the 17 monitored districts as observed during the first week of May, 2016. However, the nominal maize prices are still higher than normal compared to previous trends.
As shown in fig 1, the highest district average prices per 1kg of maize were observed in Thyolo (MK250) and Nsanje (MK203), while the lowest prices were recorded in Chitipa (MK115) which is 5 % higher than the official ADMARC prices, and 26% higher than the three year national average prices.
Out of 50 surveyed markets for the 19th week of price monitoring, prices ranged between MK115 to MK250 per kilogram (fig. 2 & table 1). Highest prices were recorded at MK 250/ kg at Bvumbwe in Thyolo, while the lowest prices were observed at Chitipa Boma market (MK115/kg). Due to this year’s low cereal production estimates, maize prices are likely to pick up earlier than normal during the 2016/17 consumption season.